We are going to a bday party and I'm not sure how much to spend on a gift card. The host said no gifts but when we were talking about simple living, I mentioned her request for no gifts, and she said she told a few people they could buy books. I was already going to ask if I could buy a gift card to one of their favorite local book stores, and when I asked, she very much liked that idea.
Usually I buy two $15-25 gifts, one from each of my older kids. But I can't imagine buying a $40-50 gift card. How much do I spend? All 5 of us will be going to the party-it's at an indoor bounce house place, no lunch, just cake. I assume they only have to pay for my oldest two kids. $20? The kid is 6.
Love the bookmark idea! My son has been working on his card for over 30 minutes, doing an elaborate scene for his friend.
I think 20 is enough to buy 2-3 books. I don't want to overload them, they do live simply. But we can make a bookmark. I'm sure my oldest would love to do that.
We are a homeschool family. Famiilies are invited, not just one kid. No one is crashing, and just recently, we were at a party where the host family was all there. I know the dad wants my hubby to come. It's a family celebration, not a kid thing. I have a toddler, and then two older kids.
ETA: Oh Suz!! LOVE the home made book mark idea!!!
one gift from the family. $25 to $30 to a book store they love to go to.
If they are TRULY close friends? I would spend more. But that's me.
one $20 gift card.
and a homemade bookmark.
khairete
S.
Instead of a "standard book store" do you guys have 1/2 Price Book stores where you live (or something like it)? $20 could go a really long way when you are buying used books!
I like Itsacrazy's response, though, and agree that $20 with a book mark or pen would be perfect.
Good luck.
I think 6 year olds still enjoy the thrill of opening a real gift. I think a huge supply of gift cards is a bit lost on them because they still don't really understand money very well! I also think they should see gift giving (and receiving) as a function of someone spending the time to choose something they would enjoy - that's becoming a lost art. (I realize you are spending a lot of time on the decision of a gift card, but most people don't - so gift giving becomes a quick transaction rather than a thought process about what the recipient is like and would enjoy. That leads to a dismissive attitude about purchasing, and then about thank you note writing! So a lack of gratitude permeates the whole thing - we see questions/complaints about that all the time on Mamapedia!). So I'd lean toward a book in a popular series, plus a $10 gift card if you insist. Otherwise 2 books, one from each of your kids - but since you've already discussed the gift card with the mom, perhaps you should stick to that as at least part of the gift.
I wish parents wouldn't micromanage the gift thing so much - this mom is saying "no gifts" and then "okay, books" and then "Okay, book gift card." Also, if the party is at a bounce house place, remember there will be a certain amount of chaos. Small gift cards get lost easily and there are also problems with them being stolen (same thing at weddings any other public parties). So be super careful about that.
We usually spend $20-$30 on children's birthday party gifts. Some people only spend $10-15 and we value those gifts just as much. Most kids throw in a handmade card or a picture they have drawn, or something creative to add to the gift. Some of the least expensive gifts have been the most creative we have seen.
One gift from 2 of your children is fine. We often have siblings join our parties and they give one gift and sometimes 2 handmade cards, but not always. Sometimes they both sign a store-bought card. It's really up to you and the receiver will love whatever they get.
In this case, where family is going and mom wants to keep it simple and said no gifts to begin with a $20 gift card is great. They will appreciate it.
One gift - $25 to a bookstore.
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I would base it on the cost of a couple of books. If you were to buy the child a couple of books, how much would it be? I think maybe a $20 gift card would be enough. In the past I have put together a package of gift card, book mark, maybe a special pen or something else to go with reading.
Updated
I would base it on the cost of a couple of books. If you were to buy the child a couple of books, how much would it be? I think maybe a $20 gift card would be enough. In the past I have put together a package of gift card, book mark, maybe a special pen or something else to go with reading.
Updated
I would base it on the cost of a couple of books. If you were to buy the child a couple of books, how much would it be? I think maybe a $20 gift card would be enough. In the past I have put together a package of gift card, book mark, maybe a special pen or something else to go with reading.
Updated
I would base it on the cost of a couple of books. If you were to buy the child a couple of books, how much would it be? I think maybe a $20 gift card would be enough. In the past I have put together a package of gift card, book mark, maybe a special pen or something else to go with reading.
I think $25 is a good amount.
I don't spend a lot of money on other's kids. I just don't see the need. We had a party this past weekend and the family has been very very good to my girl. Their girl that had the birthday is an awesome young lady.
I gave her a new $20 from us for her birthday. She was the most excited about that than any other gift.
edited: that is very nice that it is a family party. I might up the gift card just a bit then.
Sorry to side track but I'm hung up on the fact that there are 5 of you going.. and you are "assuming" the host would only HAVE TO pay for 2 of your kids. . Unless all 5 of you are on the invite please plan to pay for the 3 extra guests yourself....they may not charge a fee for adults...but unless you have an infant..I think you should cover any additional children...sorry if I misunderstood. ..
if you were making them buy more cake and more admission then the gift price should definitely increase.
Sort of base your gift off the amount spent on the event ...or just make sure you aren't crashing the party.
again big apologies if that wasn't what you meant.
lack of rsvo..and the bringing of additional guests is a huge complaint we hear about a lot on this board.
