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Would you send a gift for a birthday sleepover?

29 replies

Fortheloveofpizza · 23/08/2026 08:30

Curious what others would do here. Son has just started secondary and become friendly with a boy from a different primary. They did know each other from a sport a few years ago. He’s invited my son to a birthday sleepover. His birthday was end of July but they were on holiday.

Would you send a gift? We normally do money in a card but it’s not a party and my son has been asked to take his own snacks. One other child invited but I don’t know him.

OP posts:
Chewbecca · 23/08/2026 08:32

Yes

risingup · 23/08/2026 08:33

Who is calling it a birthday sleepover? Is that what the boy actually said “its a birthday sleepover” because if he did hes definately scrounging for gifts lol

HoldMyWine · 23/08/2026 08:33

Errr yes of course

ElsiePiddockSkipsinherSleep · 23/08/2026 08:34

Yes.

Fortheloveofpizza · 23/08/2026 08:38

risingup · 23/08/2026 08:33

Who is calling it a birthday sleepover? Is that what the boy actually said “its a birthday sleepover” because if he did hes definately scrounging for gifts lol

Yup. He called it his belated birthday sleep. It’ll be 6 weeks later so definitely belated

OP posts:
maudelovesharold · 23/08/2026 08:39

Yes, I would probably go with money in a card like you normally do.

OttersOnAPlane · 23/08/2026 08:40

It's his birthday celebration, why on earth wouldn't you send a gift?

TokyoSushi · 23/08/2026 08:44

Just stick £10 in a card if you can.

agri · 23/08/2026 08:45

Yeah, send money or a gift.

Fortheloveofpizza · 23/08/2026 08:46

OttersOnAPlane · 23/08/2026 08:40

It's his birthday celebration, why on earth wouldn't you send a gift?

I have no issue sending a gift. Simply checking what the norm is as first birthday celebration that’s not a party as such. And don’t want to be awkward if other child doesn’t send one.
if his birthday was that week I’d definitely send one but it’s a fair time after

OP posts:
Fortheloveofpizza · 23/08/2026 08:47

TokyoSushi · 23/08/2026 08:44

Just stick £10 in a card if you can.

We normally do £20 as parties are expensive.

OP posts:
Onbuy · 23/08/2026 08:47

Yes £15 Amazon voucher

Onbuy · 23/08/2026 08:47

Fortheloveofpizza · 23/08/2026 08:47

We normally do £20 as parties are expensive.

Well do £20 then 🤷‍♀️

AplineDaisies · 23/08/2026 08:51

Yes dd is an older teen and she takes a present to any sort of birthday do- in a restaurant, in a house , at at event centre. It's a birthday so yes, always take some sort of gift.

Fortheloveofpizza · 23/08/2026 08:52

Thanks all. Probably overthinking it as I’m nervous about him staying over

OP posts:
IronEverything · 23/08/2026 08:53

Obviously you give a gift.

Crap hosting from the boys parents asking people to bring their own snacks though, I think that's terrible.

Onbuy · 23/08/2026 08:53

Fortheloveofpizza · 23/08/2026 08:52

Thanks all. Probably overthinking it as I’m nervous about him staying over

Why?

Onbuy · 23/08/2026 08:54

When you say he’s just started… are you in Scotland?

maudelovesharold · 23/08/2026 08:54

If you don’t feel a sleepover merits £20, then do £15! Don’t overthink it, or talk yourself out of giving anything at all. I think that would be a bit mean-spirited - even if it’s not a ‘party’ or the friend’s actual Birthday, it’s for his Birthday.

Thestealer · 23/08/2026 08:55

Stick a tenner in a card. Job done.

greenmacchiato · 24/08/2026 06:59

Absolutely, it's still a birthday! £20 or £15 in a card would be enough and you can make something related to their interests, like a poster calendar with their favorite artist or a funny t-shirt if money only feels impersonal.
I agree about asking whether you are expected to bring snacks, though taking some either way would be nice imo.
Edit: could be £10 if you're adding another smaller gift imo.

desperatemum1234 · 24/08/2026 07:01

It’s a birthday, so of course you’d send a gift

Marroon · 24/08/2026 07:02

Fortheloveofpizza · 23/08/2026 08:47

We normally do £20 as parties are expensive.

I don’t really think the cost of the party comes into it. If there’s a birthday celebration I do a gift, how much the parents want, can or cannot spend on a party is irrelevant imo. Why would a child receive a worse gift because the parents can’t blow £300 on an expensive party?

PollyBell · 24/08/2026 07:03

desperatemum1234 · 24/08/2026 07:01

It’s a birthday, so of course you’d send a gift

Yes this, I just assume birthday for children meant present for the child

Crazycockerpoo · 24/08/2026 07:11

Some cranky posters on here atm, hopefully it's the change in weather lol. Don't worry op I would over think too. Maybe you could make him a snack box to give to his friend if you're not sure but I expect the cost of chocolate and sweets, popcorn etc atm you would be spending a lot more than if you stuck a tenner in a card. It was a fiver when my kids were younger so costs have definitely increased. Hope he has a lovely time :)

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