18 birthday spend. Whats normal?

[jenny1974x]

DD has a bit of a strop on as I told her we cannot afford a party for her 18th. I have bought her a necklace for £150 and plan on spending another £150 on gifts, plus taking her and a few of her friends out for a meal. She said her b/f got a car which cost £3k and we are being tight.

If I could afford it she could have it, but we don't and to be honest £400 is going to be a stretch, especially as her birthday is 2 weeks before Christmas.

My friend, who has a similar household income to us, says she spent around £2k on gifts and a party for her sons 18th and that its a special day and I should just stick it on the credit card.

So whats normal? DD says most of her friends are getting cars or a big party.

DS1 was 18 a couple of years ago and had a party at home for 40-50 people. Didn't really cost much at all apart from food and some drinks as most people brought stuff. Plus about £200 on presents and a family meal.

DS2 was 18 last month. Didn't want a party so we had a family meal and I bought him a festival ticket for next year £250, tickets for a rugby match and a few other bits and pieces - probably totalling £400.

We don't have to count pennies and I thought we were quite generous! No way would I be spending thousands - especially if they demanded it!

We had a party at home for dd ..about 40. We stayed. Pimms, beers and ciders....spent about £180
We spent about £500 on presents but that included £250 cash.