Private school nursery - gift ideas

[Seashell83]

So my DS will be starting nursery this year at a private school and the birthday invites have started coming in from parents we met at a recent event held by the school so the kids and parents can get to know each other prior to joining. Obviously I don't want to spend lots per child going forward, but I also don't want to come across as stingy. I'm sure there will be parents who are stinking rich (we are not, just sensible with our savings and want our DS to get a good primary school education) and will spend loads, I want to start as I mean to go on with these parties. So, what's the minimum amount one should spend per child? Is it OK to put money in a card without buying lots of plastic cr*p?

A book or art supplies are always good plans. No three year old wants money. There’s no need to spend a lot regardless of it being a private school. Up to a tenner is fine for big parties, a bit more if it’s a special friend.

Agree that £10 is about the right amount. As they get older and parties smaller (and only with best friends) then we spend £20.

Please don’t give cash. Some ideas are Silk Clay, books (Usborne See Inside Your Body was always a hit with us), stickers, frisbee etc. Doesn’t need to be plastic rubbish.

I aim to spend about £8 and as I’m a bargain hunter (join us on the Christmas boards which run all year!) I aim for the RRP of the gift to be around £16-18. I find Lego (and smiggle once they’re older) are always hits and no one can be offended by a Lego present (plus they are easy to pass on if duplicates) so I stock up my present cupboard when they have 75% off in smiggle and for Lego there are often 2 for £20 promotions or price drops on Amazon when things like the Lego tractor go down to £8 or £9. Obviously not indicative of anything- but we did receive cash in a card gifts at state school and haven’t yet after 2 years in private.

Don’t give money, that’s a terrible gift for such a young child as they have no clue, and it’ll look like you forgot!
Lego (the 4+ sets), arty stuff, books, jigsaw puzzle etc are all popular and seem to go down well. £10-15 is what I’d usually spend.

£10-15 is the norm around here too. One at private school.

Agree. I am for £10/£15 (and both at private school). From gifts received, I’d say that’s about right. There are people who probably spend about £5 and then those that spend £20. I wouldn’t say anyone goes over that though (these are class parties)

£5-£7; get a book or art supplies . At that age they love opening something. A £5 note won't really be the same. You can order up a load of books in one go and then just grab one as and when required.

We do £15 as a minimum and at ours it goes up to about £20. Always a gift and not cash.

Try Argos - I did a few batches of gifts there - 3 for £20 normally.

Otherwise orchard mini games are good for that age and come in under £10

I aimed for £8-10 and that seemed in keeping with the gifts DD received (a little variation as you'd expect). Orchard Toys games were always a good option. If DD had a favourite book then we'd give that to everyone. For a couple of the girls who liked their hair up we'd pick out cute hair clips and things (often a set in with the book if both were only a few £).

Orchard Toys are great for tinies.

We go £10-£15 - private school too. Have a look at the brands Floss and Rock or Janod for craft kits in that range.