Birthday Party Gifts

I've been trying to stay in the $15 and under range for the parties we've been to.

I usually stay within $15.00. We attended 2 parties recently. I bought a Barbie set for $10.00 and a cute $5.00 Target Halloween t-shirt for a 6 year old and a magnetic dress up doll for $10.00 and another $5.00 Target Halloween t-shirt for a 4 year old. I do my best to buy usuable gifts not the junky stuff that kids love but that are lost, broken or boring within a week. I love to buy beach towels and goggles for summer b-days, Barbies, "cool clothes" (cool by kid standards but acceptable by parental standards) for older kids. For little kids, I try to stay away from lots of parts especially if they have a mobile younger sibling that could potentially put the things in their mouth. I always include gift receipts. I hope this helps.

I spend up to $20 on classmate gifts. For really good friends, I go up to $25 (good friends include cousin gifts and relatives, when I have to buy them). I do stock up on some items as I see them - make-up kits, on sale, for young girls are always great. Throw a couple headbands, a little nail polish and you can easily stay in the $15 range. Lately, all kids want is a gift card - so I'll throw a theatre box of candy in there and a package of baseball cards. Good luck.

Personally, I usually spend around the 20 dollar mark. If I see a great deal on something that looks 20 dollars worth or more of course I go with that. If I have a relationship with the classmate or they are close with my child I normally will splurge higher. I always figure in how much it would cost the parent to play games, feed my child, and give a gift bag at a party and try to give that in return with a little extra.

I usually spend about $20, but I know MANY people who keep it at $10. The kids get invited to SOOOOO many parties in the first few years of school, you have to limit the spending.