R.T. asks from Seattle, WA on April 22, 2008
Over the Top Birthday Gift - I Don't Want to Be "That Mom!"
Here is the situtation. My daughter is going to a 5-year-old's birthday party this weekend. So, I purchased the Hannah Montana Stage for the gift at Target. I usually like to spend under $20 on a gift and this was on sale for $15. I got it home and realized it did not come with the doll. So, I decided it was a pretty worthless gift without the doll. I was at Wal-Mart, and instead of take the gift back and buy something else at Target, I just bought the doll at Wal-Mart for $14. So, now I am in to the present for $29, but it is worth it not to have to return something to Target. Here is the dilema. I saw the same stage at Wal-Mart for (get this) $60. I went on line and sure enough, it is $60 most places (Amazon has it on sale for $24).
I don't want the school kids' moms and this mom thinking I am some crazy out-spender who spends $74 on a 5 year old classmate of my daughter. Should I quietly tell the mom I got it on sale or just keep quiet? What would you do - other than return the whole darn thing, which is already wrapped?
More Answers
L.M. answers from Dallas on April 22, 2008
I would do what Tracy said and keep it for my daughter or a niece and get something else for the friend. I'm like you, I would worry about the appearance of expense, plus I really wouldn't want to spend $30 on a classmate- $15-$20 is more my price range too. Plus I'd worry that another mom would feel slighted to have a cheaper gift when their child's b-day rolls around...I don't know, I probably worry too much but that's my opinion.
1 mom found this helpful
M.C. answers from Dallas on April 22, 2008
I would keep the gift for a family member and go back (I know) and get a different gift.
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J.W. answers from Dallas on April 22, 2008
I would suggest calling the mother of the birthday girl. Tell her you found a HM stage and wondered if she has a HM doll or if she'd like it. Go with her suggestion.
It's an awful lot to spend on one girl for a birthday party.
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T. answers from Dallas on April 22, 2008
I’d just give the gift. Parties are so chaotic, the other mom probably won’t be able to even keep track and the little girl will probably love the gift. I’ve given rather expensive gifts in the past, not to one up anyone, I just found a great deal (50-75% off) and thought the child would like it.
However, there is always option #2. Keep the gift for a close friend, family member or your daughter's birthday and give this little girl a more modest gift.
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R.E. answers from Dallas on April 22, 2008
I would give the doll as the gift, and save the sound stage for your daughter or a niece's birthday or Christmas present.
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P.H. answers from Dallas on April 22, 2008
I'd Craig's List the stage and treat yourself to happy hour with your profits!! jk...kinda! :0)
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A.K. answers from Dallas on April 22, 2008
I can't imagine that anyone would care how much you spent. I don't really concentrate so much on how much I spend as I do what would the child be really into. I have spent $50 or more on gifts depending on what it is, how well we know the child, what things the child is into, etc. The last party we were at, I bought a child digital camera. I didn't spend a fortune, but I also didn't spend $20 either. It was my son's best friend and he really wanted to get it for his friend. As a parent, I don't really think people try to guess how much you spent, but the fact that we were able to spend this special day with the child. Take the gifts you already bought and wrapped and don't overthink it!
1 mom found this helpful
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