Appropriate Amount to Spend on Baby Gifts?

Updated on March 31, 2008
C.L. asks from Arcadia, CA
5 answers

I and several of my friends recently had babies, and I've begun to be invited to lots of babies' birthday parties. My only other gift experience is weddings and friends' birthdays; what is the appropriate/typical amount to spend on a baby's gift? I can imagine this will get pretty expensive with the number of babies (and moms) that I am meeting. Also, what types of gifts would you recommend for 1 and 2 year olds? I know some parents don't really like a lot of toys, but I don't think a baby would enjoy opening a gift card, book, or savings bond.

Thank you!!

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J.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'd say $20 or less...unless it's a super close friend and then you might consider more.

I think babies would enjoy receiving a little board book. They have really cute ones at Barnes & Noble and borders...Dr. Seuss(?) for $4.99...You can buy 4 of them and then be done!

As my daughter grew older, I would buy one chapter book and then insert money equaling the child's birthday number.

Just a hint, I buy things when they are on clearance and keep them in a box under my bed. When it's birthday time, my daughter "shops" from that box and then we aren't stressed trying to find a gift at a good price. I even do this for some adult gifts. I buy clearance Bath and Body Works stuff for little teacher gift bags. If you keep a kid under bed box and an adult one, then you have lots of nice gift ideas for cheap!!

J. K-V
www.AisForAutism.net

1 mom found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Welcome to the Birthday party world! LOL! It gets so crazy! This month alone we have a party every weekend, two on one day and that's nothing. I try to limit myself to $20.00. I have friends that say even that is too much. It really adds up. But my advice would be to put a cap on $20.00 for now and if it get's really crazy then you can get creative. I don't buy cards or wrapping paper (most of the time). We have an easel in the house with a roll of paper on it, whenever I tear the paper off, I save it and use it to wrap gifts, paper bags are nice too - kids can decorate them. I almost always make homemade cards. My oldest is 5 so she really helps.

Great gifts are books and puzzles - you can't go wrong here. Also, beginning art stuff for a 2 year old (paper/crayons). Babies at this age don't care what is in the package, it is all about opening it. I often ask Mom what her baby wants/needs.

Enjoy!
M.

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J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

kids and babies will always get toys. what i do is ask the parent what the child needs like clothes wise. i usually get them an out fit and a small toy so in general i spend about $20.

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D.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Check with your friends who are moms to toddlers. I usually spend 20 to 30 dollars. You're right. Kids 3 and under aren't really interested in the presents for very long during the party. Ask the mom what the birthday boy or girl needs. And have fun!

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M.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

I usually spend $15-$20 for each gift. I tend to shop at Target. It's always a good idea to ask the parent what the child needs if you're not sure what to get. I was surprised this year when my son received a ton of construction truck/tool related gifts just because the theme of his party was construction, but I guess the theme can give people an idea of what the child is interested in as well. I think babies enjoy opening almost anything! When my son was 1 he opened a gift card at X-Mas and the card and envelope kept him busy for awhile - then we used it to buy him a sandbox! I don't usually give gift cards, but books, toys, and clothes are always appreciated. Have fun!

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