How Much Do You Spend on Gifts?

I usually shoot for $20.00 to $25.00. I would love to spend less, but often that is the price range for a decent, attractive gift that won't just get thrown in the junk pile. I usually have my kids attend only the parties of their friends, and we skip the parties for kids with whom my kids aren't close.

I usually spend between $2 and $10. As long as the kid likes the gift, it really doesn't matter how little you pay for the gift.

Hi D.,
My son is in the same situation and we have been to a lot of parties. I usually spend about 15 on each gift. And I always go to the clearance section and buy gifts at the clearance price and save them for later. I try to usually buy the arts and crafts items (outside chalk and crayolla kits) that are gender nuetral and on sale to store for later parties. So far it's worked great. I also stock up on the Black Friday sales, for games like Memory and stuff like that so we have those on hand too when we get invited to a party. As times are tough right now for a lot of people spending 10-15 is perfectly fine in my opinion. And if you have the room to store gifts, shopping sales and clearance items and stocking up is also a great money saver. Hope this helps.
Take care,
H.

Birthday gifts

Hi, if you have read any of my other posts, you will see that I offer advice that is "a bit different from the norm". For my birthday gifts are about GIVING not "how much should I spend".

Each child can be different. The gift will depend on the relationship with that child, good friend or just a classmate. Over the years my girls have given some great gifts...that cost very little.

1. They partner with 2 or 3 other kids to get "a better gift". They loved it when 2 or 3 of them handed the gift together to the birthday girl/boy! It was extra fun for them. (cost $10)

2. One year, when my oldest was 6, we took my camera to the park, took a bunch of pics of her and the birthday boy, then printed them, and she made a very rudimentary scrap book of them (she bought an art book at the dollar store, pasted in the pics, coloured them and cut out words from magazines and pasted them on) She is 14 this year and will doing the same thing for another friend. (cost about $8)

3. This year for my niece, my girls took a bunch of pictures they had, put them on disc to music (using powerpoint) and wrapped that. (cost $2 for the disc)

4. My girls have given coupons for “special time”. We will then on another day – come pick up the birthday boy/girl and take them to the park for a picnic, or to the spray park or maybe out for icecream. (cost <$5)

5. My daughter has a best friend whose family who always has to have the “latest and greatest”. My daughter knew that she can not “buy” something for her friend that would compete with her other gifts. So she had been creative. One year she made a beautiful invitation (she was 7) and invited her to a sleepover for the following week. Then she asked her what her fav dinner was, we made that, she asked her what her fav movie was, we watched that, she found out what her fav music was and we made a CD mix of that and danced late into the night. The whole night was themed “Kay’s fav things!”. It was a blast. We painted toes, we did hair, and it cost us next to nothing. Kay still talks about it…she just had her 13 birthday.

6. And one of my daughters fav things to do it to bring a special treat, that they made, just for the birthday boy/girl. They make things like oversize cookies and decorate them, homemade brownies, banana bread, pumpkin muffins and other fun stuff. One year I remember my youngest made a “fruit face” she actually did a portrait of her friend out of fruit. She was so proud of it and the birthday girl loved it so much…it rotted over the next week…she wouldn’t eat it! LOL!

I could go on, but truthfully, if you are creative, you can get away from that whole “how much should I spend” mentality and get into the spirit, things we be much easier.

I think that watching www.TheStoryOfStuff.com might benefit your decision.

I'd love to know what you decide.

B.
Family Success Coach

For a child that age, there are a lot of good toys in the $10-15 range. Don't spend more than that. My daughter is 14 and what she gets most now are gift cards from friends, usually $20, but for younger kids less money is totally fine.

It'll be interesting to see what kind of responses you get. I too have a preschooler and some months are busier party months than others, especially closer to summer break. I think $10-15 per child is fair. It all depends on what you can afford, how close you are to the family and where you shop. I have friends that are really good at finding deals (Big Lots, sales etc) and others that regift to save money as well :) My daughter received a flower girl dress from a friend that wasn't able to use it and it was her favorite gift! I also save my debit card points so I can get free gift cards! When it comes to birthday parties, I think kids expect to get the 'good gifts' from grandparents and other family members. Good luck to you!

Hi D.,

I usually spend $10-$15 while trying to keep it on the lower side. I also look for things on sale. Once we gave a nice throw blanket that was pink with flowers. It was on clearance at Kohls for less than $10. The little girl loved it. Another find was a soft, cozy robe at Target also on sale for cheap.

Sometimes I will find toys on clearance and put them in the closet for birthday invites.

I would certainly not feel cheap about giving someone a $10 gift or gift card. We only do school bday parties for my kids on their big birthdays. My son's tenth he had many $10 gift cards that added up to quite a lot of money. He was thrilled.

Keep your eyes out there for bargins but gift cards are good too. Have fun.

C.

My daughter is in preschool and now wants her school friends to come to her party at 4 years old.

First of all, a gift is a gift, so the price shouldn't matter. However, my bigger rule of thumb is in most cases, the parents have paid money to entertain and feed your child, therefore the gift should reflect that. Much like a wedding.

Sometimes you can get away with finding something from the discount rack and it is unnoticed, but often times I find the boxes are torn or opened multiple times. So I rather stay away from that.

My average low gift is $20. But, do what fits your budget and needs best.

I would set it about $10 but don't think I'm not checking clearance items first! Personally, if it is a kid/family that we are closer to I spend more... if it's just one of those pat invites for all the boys or kids in the class but we don't know who they are... they get less.

I think spending $10 is just fine for little ones that age. I used to buy books, little toys, anything that wouldn't break the bank. They are having a party and will be getting lots of things, so I wouldn't spend a lot per birthday that you are invited to.

$10-15 is fine. To me.
Granted, there are other kids/Parents who will give gifts that cost less or more.
The main thing being, that it is what the person/family can afford.
Do NOT feel awkward if you are not spendy like other people.
My experience is that parents/kids do NOT scrutinize the gifts according to the price spent.

Even if you want to spend $10 as your limit, that is fine too. I have done that myself, for the same situations. Then, if it is for a closer friend or child that we kn ow well... then we might spend more. If it is for a child/party that we don't really know well, then that is when I spend less.

But mostly, everyone in this economy has budget restrictions pretty much. And adults know that. So, I don't think there is an expectation for fancy/expensive gifts.

AND... remember, if your son is getting invited to "all" the birthday parties... then that is a lot of money to spend on gifts- cumulatively. AND Christmas is coming up too. So what then? You will need to decide... if your son attends ALL parties, or not... because of costs. Unless you are not concerned about that.

all the best,
Susan

I have a budget of $10-$15 as well. At Target you can find a lot of really nice gifts within that range. Tuesday Morning also has great gifts at discounted prices.

I've found $15 to be a target that gets a gift that my daughter, the gifter, is happy with. Skip the birthday card and reuse bags to save money. Ask your son if he has ideas, but don't take him shopping with you. My daughter really likes feeling that she is part of the giving process. See if your son will write a personal note or make a card for the gift.

Haven't seen your responses but I am sure many of the moms will say the same thing. I usually spend $15 a kid at the max, unless it's a relative. That includes wrapping and I have the kids make a card to save money. A friend of mine buys white wrapping paper or the earthy looking stuff and has her kids color on it. If we find a good deal on a toy we pick up a couple and save them for the next party. For example, awhile back the Ben 10 watches where only 10-15 dollars and the boys seemed to all like them. I bought four and whipped the next one out each time a party came along. It was so easy! Also, another friend is on a super tight budget and so they always buy books because they are timeless, parents love them and the price is right!

I buy birthday party gifts twice a year at the 50-75% off sales at Target and Wal Mart. Wal Mart has one in August just before school starts and clearances a lot of toys and Targets best one is the 3rd or 4th week of January. That way I get $25-$40 gifts for under $10. When my kids go to parties they always bring the best gifts but we really don't spend much. I just keep them on a shelf in my closet until they are needed and most of them were around $5. I know that doesn't help now but it's something to think about in the future!

I think $10-15 if fine. I like the other suggestions of stocking up on gifts when there is a sale....especially on books. What our family has done is go to Costco where they do have many age appropriate children books, activity books, etc. Also, right now lego's is having a sale on their website for certain lego sets that if you guys a few of those to stock up

D., I have two girls that get invited to lots of parites. I try to keep the spending around $10 or if its a really good friend no more than $15-$20 ( but those are rare). Another thing I do is have my girls make birthday cards because those are another expense (most are about $2). I try to save every where I can.

I think $10-$15 is the perfect range! Enjoy the parties and give from your heart - that's what's important.

When you start getting invited to everyone's birthday party, you really can't spend that much on each gift. $10-15 is plenty, unless it's a best friend and you are getting something special. You can pick up great gifts for ages 3-7 at Ross, of all places, at unbelievable prices.

I cruise the close-out or clearance isles at K-Mart or Walmart or any store that I'm in. I just buy gifts in bulk, y'know, like flashlights in the shapes of animals and other random things that kids like. Just start buying them and keep it all in a big bin. When you get invited to a party, just find something in the bin that is appropriate for that kid. Have fun at the party!

I find a $15 budget is more reasonable. I use to budget $10, but found $15 to be more appropriate. I also try to think about how much I spend per child when I throw my kids a birthday party. I definitely want to give more than we walk away with. Plus, there's more to choose from that's not "cheesy" with a $15 budget. Of course, I try to find great things on clearance/sale, but I still use my $15 budget. It just means the recipient gets a little more!

I usually take my kids shopping and help them find something they want to give their friend for $15 or less. It helps them learn to budget and appreciate the value of money. I try to help them make appropriate choices as well and not allow them to purchase something because they want it. When all is said an done, I end up spending a little more than $15 when you add in tax and if I need to purchase extras such as wrapping paper/gift bag. I try real hard to re-use and we always make our own cards out of construction paper. But, I never spend more than $20 altogether.

D.,

I have 4 kiddos, so I can relate to this one completely. One idea that I found helpful through the years, was to watch for great deals and keep a "closet" for those parties.

Also, keep your ears open for what is "hot" for the kids your son's age. Sometimes, the things they like most aren't terribly expensive. For example, Littlest Pet Shop and Toy Story figures are around $5 and go great with a matching coloring book and crayons.

Have fun!

i spend about $15 to $20 or if they ask for books then u can get away w/ less b/c there are always book sales.

I normally spend $20-$30 per gift. I'd say based on what my son has gotten as gifts, that's pretty norm, although I've seen as low as probably $10, but I wouldn't say anything higher than $40 from a school friend...which I think is a bit much.

One unique gift my son got one time was a CD with songs that his friend liked. It was cute and nice to have some new songs to play for him. We joked it was his first "mixed tape"...

-M

I do $15-$20.
Kinda depends on how close the person is to your kid, and what kind of party it is (a bigger party where they are feeding a meal to kids and adults, I might spend a bit more.)

This has always been a tough one for me. I think your price range is right on target. I however, always seem to have trouble staying within the budget.

Good Luck with decision.

T.

I think at this age $10-15 is enough. But if they are good friends, then a little more. Of course as they get older, the gifts can cost more, but you'll deal with that later.
K. E

D.,
I typically think $20 is average and add in card/gift bag etc... but by the time its all summed up $25 ish is where I am. I know at this age with all the little ones growing so fast it adds up with all the partys. Fun Fun. I have 2 teens now but used to be a preschool teacher when they were little. Fun time.

good luck and have fun,

A.

Depends on the kid. Someone you don't know at all? $10.00 if you can find something for that! Or $15.00 is more likely. Someone you know, you might have to spend more to get something the kid is into. One thing I do is watch for sales and buy 5 of something good if it's on a great deal! For girls AND boys. Then stick them in a box and you have gifts all ready to go when that next invite comes! Which it WILL!!

We usually spend between $20 and $40. Maybe we've been overspending but I feel like I'm going budget as it is. I go to Marshall's and get toys for less at least. Lately, the shelves have been a little thin, though.

D.,
My daughter is older - turning 11 on Oct 10 - I am probably too generous - I can spend up to $30 depending on how close we are to the family. I do look for bargains.

My suggestion - when toys - clothing go on sale you stock up -- Every year during the summer Nordstrom's kids sale --instead of paying $29 - $35 for PJ's or a robe - I paid $19.99 - when doing this - buy the next size up .

Enjoy all the parties !

Good luck
S.

We usually make a homemade gift for parties, such as a watercolor that we put in a little frame that we have stocked up from a sale purchase. I have my kids think about their friend's favorite color or toy or something then create art around it.

Hey, I'm also a 45-sh mom of a 4 year old! Love every minute of it. About your question, I think the closest the friend, the more time I take to pick something nice (it isn't always the price tag that counts). I also go by what the kid in question got mine on her birthday, if that applies. And yeah, this days the gifts have being around $15 in average (you can find really nice gifts around that price--Look for sales!). Hope that helps.