How much to spend for a child's birthday gift?

[cintinative]

My two boys are going to a birthday party for a good friend. I assume since there are two of them they would bring one larger present or two smaller ones. Normally for a birthday party I go in the $10-$15 range so $30 if both attend. Does this sound okay? I found a gift for $40 so it is slightly over my range but this family is good friends of ours.

[jen276here]

I have flat rates:

Family and friends who might as well be family:
Birthdays (kids): $30.00
Christmas: $30.00 (nieces and nephews only) We do 1 family exchange, and we do not shop for adults.
Wedding/Baby Showers: $50
Graduations: $100
Weddings: $100

General friends & coworkers:
Birthdays (kids): $20.00
Christmas: Unless it is a part of a gift exchange, I normally don’t buy for
Wedding/Baby Showers: $25.00
Graduations: $50.00
Weddings: $50.00

We made up these rules to be fair and to maintain our sanity (and bank account) in gift giving.

[VivaciousJewelz]

I have flat rates:

Family and friends who might as well be family:
Birthdays (kids): $30.00
Christmas: $30.00 (nieces and nephews only) We do 1 family exchange, and we do not shop for adults.
Wedding/Baby Showers: $50
Graduations: $100
Weddings: $100

General friends & coworkers:
Birthdays (kids): $20.00
Christmas: Unless it is a part of a gift exchange, I normally don’t buy for
Wedding/Baby Showers: $25.00
Graduations: $50.00
Weddings: $50.00

We made up these rules to be fair and to maintain our sanity (and bank account) in gift giving.

I think that's very well thought out. I agree.

[cintinative]

TY! Can you tell me if you had two kids coming would you double your amount for birthday kids or is that a flat rate regardless of number of kids attending?

[jen276here]

TY! Can you tell me if you had two kids coming would you double your amount for birthday kids or is that a flat rate regardless of number of kids attending?

I have twins and they usually go to parties together, but I still give the same $20.00 total as opposed to $20.00 from each.


My guides are regardless of number of guests - for example - we went to a friend’s son’s 2nd birthday and we still spent $30 even though 4 of us went to the party.

[cintinative]

Thank you very much! That really helps. My dh said $40 was too much. I was thinking that too, but I just don't trust myself much with this type of thing. I am going to aim for $30.

You wouldn't happen to know anything about styling heads for girls would you? He he. I have boys. =) Seriously I have spent over an hour online looking and none that are available are rated well. I am giving up. =)

[jen276here]

Thank you very much! That really helps. My dh said $40 was too much. I was thinking that too, but I just don't trust myself much with this type of thing. I am going to aim for $30.

You wouldn't happen to know anything about styling heads for girls would you? He he. I have boys. =) Seriously I have spent over an hour online looking and none that are available are rated well. I am giving up. =)

What is a styling head??? lol I have no clue - 3 boys here Sorry I can’t help more!

[amylynne01]

A styling head like this? I got one for my niece when she turned 4.

I typically follow jen276here's outline for gift giving. We don't have a lot of friends' kids, so we usually lump all the kids under "family and might as well be family". My girls are 1.5 yrs apart so they may be invited to parties together. I wouldn't double my budget because of that.

[cintinative]

It's one of those heads you can use to style hair, etc. I know what you mean though--only legos and trucks around here! Most of the ones I have seen people complain 1) the hair pulls out or 2) it falls over too easily or 3) it's too small. What do you think of the one you bought amylynne? That one was one I was looking at but there were some bad reviews. Honestly I just don't think they make toys very durable anymore. I bought a Tonka truck at Christmas for my 3 year old and it had a *gasp* lifetime warranty. I thought I might faint. Then I realized it was made of steel and would probably still be here if my house blew away. LOL.