How much do you spend on kids birthday gifts?
With my daughter turning 1 next week, I've realized that the slew of birthday parties we are going to be attending is starting. I'm happy to spend more on gifts for close friends, but for kids we're not super close to, what do you feel is an ok amount to spend on a gift?
2 Answers
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It really depends on how well I know the kid, but usually between $10 and $20. I have two children, so if both of my kids are attending the party, I may spend a bit more (between $20 and $30).
My basic rule of thumb is that I will not buy a present that has lots of parts, or makes a mess, or makes a lot of noise.
I usually end up buying nice hardcover books. I try to ask my children about what the kid likes (i.e., Transformers or Disney princesses or animals or dinosaurs) and get a good gift book tailored to that interest.
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Parents magazine just had a bit on this and I think the average was $15-20. I agree that your relationship with the child and his family comes into play when deciding how much to spend. I also take into account what they gave my child on prior occasions.
Mega Blocks makes these toys (dump truck, car, bus) that come with 4 or 5 blocks and a little person to drive the car. They're reasonable priced at Target for around $10 and my son has two - which he loves and plays with a lot! (He's 17 months.) Puzzles can also be a lot of fun and inexpensive. We've got one that's 9 big sturdy pieces and two designs - one on the front and one on the back. The best toy can be more pieces, colors and sounds then big and expensive. A toy bus from a McDonald's Happy Meal gets a LOT of attention in our house.
I went to a birthday party recently that had a great idea - they did a book swap. Each guest brought a new or gently used book, wrapped. Upon leaving, they got to pick a new book from the pile.
