Ok so here is Snow White and her prince charming. So sweet aren't they. And so excited to be going to the first birthday party of a preschool classmate. It was so nice that both of them were invited and there were a few boys at the party. Did Finn want to stay at the party? No. He went home with Daddy but did go back to collect his lolly bag. Priorities!
But we had a little discussion on FB about how much some of you spend on birthday presents for parties of classmates. I usually spend around the $20-$30 mark and because the twins were both invited I bough a present from each of them. If they are family friends or relatives we spend more or I make something to go with something I've bought. And instead of wrapping presents I use a white paper bag I use at markets with some ribbon and a handmade card. Because we all know you can spend $10 on a card and wrapping alone and we all know where that wrapping goes. In the bin!
One of my readers revealed that she buys presents around the $30 mark but buys them in the toy sales at 50% off and stashes them away. I need to do this. I think it's a genius idea. Do you have a present cupboard? Perhaps I need one. When keira started school so did the party circuit.
So tell me, how much do you spend on a present for a classmates birthday? And perhaps any present tips you have - I know some of you are much more experienced than me on the party circuit! We're only into our 2nd year here.
I buy books and toys during sales and stash them. I aim for somewhere between $20-$30 retail price. For wrapping I buy the large 7m rolls from Aldi for $1.99 or $2.99 or soemtimes they are on sale for $1 or so and they go for miles!
ReplyDeleteI have a big present box in the top of the boys wardrobe. At every sale I go past I look for age appropriate presents. I start buying in Feb and usually this covers all birthday parties and we have some kids we have to do Xmas presents for. I also do this for adult presents. BUT sometimes I forget I have things in the box, so I have to do a big check every 6 months to see what is there and what needs stocking up. For wrapping we use the boys paintings - our kindy had big newsprint that they could paint with and I still have some of those.
ReplyDeleteWhere I live, depending on the quantity you buy of something you can get it at wholesale price. Sales are good too. I do have a presents cupboard and it has been of great help.
ReplyDeleteI work on about $20 but I try and buy at sales so present is usually good value. The other good place to buy is the school book club (Schoolastic) you can pick up some great deal on there, plus the school benefits from sales.
ReplyDeleteI'm on a mission to fill up my empty present box. Not being close to shops I always have to have a stash of presents.
I am past the present stage now with my kids in their teens but yes, I did have a present stash as others have mentioned. But the best thing we ever did at primary school was a joint present from all the kids going. We were only a small school (200-250 kids) which made it easier to do. We had a set amount for each birthday (I think it was $15 at the time) and the birthday child was able to choose a big ticket item to get for their birthday present from all the school kids invited. It was a few years ago now so the wanted items have changed a bit since then but we were able to do Nintendo DS's, keyboards, scooters, bikes, cameras, etc. Wonderful for the ease - not having to think what to get, not receiving lots of small toys to house, and it worked out cheaper in the long run. Each party a mum volunteered to do the collection of money and purchase the present. I strongly recommend it!
ReplyDelete$15-$20 max on friends presents, although I do keep an eye on sales to pick up bargains for the present box. Really good friends get a little more.
ReplyDeleteAs with everyone else,a present box is a great idea. I aim for around $20 a present and try to buy in the sales. Most of the big stores have half price toys during the year so I stock up then. As for wrapping paper, stores like the Reject shop and Go Lo and a lot of discount stores or $2 shops have good quality wrapping paper for 50 cents a sheet. They have a great selection for all ages and I always have a hard time picking they're so good, and when it ends up in the bin it doesn't matter. Tillie and Finn look so cute!
ReplyDeleteI spend around $20 plus the card and wrap and I buy the cheaper ones if I can. I just buy when they are invited but it does add up when there is a run of birthdays.
ReplyDeleteWe are about to get into all this for the second time round now that Ethan is at Kindy.
ReplyDeleteWhen Randall (16yo) was little I was running a Family day care business so I always had a stash of presents that I'd buy at toy sales for presents. Often I only had to spend $10 to get a fab present because it was on sale.
Will be handmade cards and wrapping paper here too.
I have also just started with the 'school' parties and my daughter is only in 3 year old Kinder.. but I've found that you can get alot for $20 these days so that is pretty much my limit (more for families and friends) - if it's a toy they're pretty happy!
ReplyDeleteI often make presents for kids parties (usually the girls as I find them easier). Often its a decorated notebook with pens etc and they love it as their name is always spelt right. I usually make my own cards also and buy wrapping paper in bulk on a roll or re-use the gift bags we have been given.
ReplyDeleteSample of a book I've made here: http://rosdavidson.typepad.com/ros_davidson_live_life_an/2012/08/matching-card-and-notebook.html
I love this question. I have had 3 kids go through the party scene. I bought stuff in the post Christmas sales and stashed it. At the age of your gang - I tried to be innovative - stuff for dress up, craft stuff etc. Not the usual Barbies - easy to get 2 or 3 of the same. The twins do not need to bring a prezzie each. One is fine. Never spend more than $20. There are always parents who go overboard. But I held firm. And a good book is great if they are readers. Oh on that point - have a conversation with other parents re: the Tooth Fairy - we always gave a Loonie or a Twoonie (Canadian slang for $1 or $2.) And get some innovative answers for when you fall asleep and forget to do the deed.
ReplyDeleteThe gift cupboard, absolutely. I like good quality products, so when they are on sale, i buy them & put them away. Also helps i can buy wholesale via my business, so i'm sure mother's think "oh, this is a $40 gift" but hey, cost me $20. With 4 children (when they were all in primary) some Augusts/ Septembers we could have 30 gifts to purchase (no kidding!!) & buying in advance is a life saver.
ReplyDeleteAs for twins, i always say they are happy to receive joint gifts, however, i always send them to parties with a gift each. Sometimes the value from one might be $15 & the other $35, depends & i show them what is up for grabs & they chose what to give, but i know a combined total is around $25 each (retail.)
Also, i often have requests from the birthday boy or girl for me to make them something, so handmade baby, never fails - just costs some supplies from my craft cupboard & fabric stash, then my time. Very handy on a late Friday night when you realise you have 4 parties the following day. A zipper pencil case never fails, mums love them as gifts too, for their children.
Oh you didn't include the judgemental mother/ sisters who turn their nose up at your choice of gift & you know it's going into the 're-gifting cupboard.' The beauty of something handmade from home is that you can't price match & really judge how much it cost!!
I spend more on my nieces & nephews of course, but once they hit 18 years, that's it, until a $50 one off gift for their 21st & they are done. FYI i have 19 nieces & nephews & i'm a housewife, with 4 of my own children & a husband on a low salary, so planning gifts in advance & buying on sale is essential. I don't spend on wrapping or cards either!!
Love Posie
We try and spend around $10 per gift but always ask if there is anything the child needs or add to a set they already have at home rather than buying junk. If I can I will make the gift and brown paper and stickers for gift wrap is always fun for the kids to decorate and participate in the gift making/buying process.
ReplyDeleteI do set a limit of $30, but will spend less if there is something that is good value. For the little girls I will occasionally knit a hat if I think it's something that will be appreciated. Sometimes I buy books online (book depository) which is incredibly good value). I have managed to build up a small stash of presents when I've seen little lego sets on sale for example. We usually make homemade birthday cards, but as my son (who is 8) gets older I think it's getting more important to him to give a bought card. I used those paper bags you can buy at Riot to put the gifts in unless it's something large.
ReplyDeleteDefinately $20-$30 mark! I buy at the toy sales BUT i'm also guilty of re-gifting... Esp clothes! My daughter has a wardbrobe that's busting out of the wall so I leave tags on things I buy and what's given to her and re-give those if Sunny doesn't get a chance to wear them... This includes toys too... I mean how many Barbie's does one tiny person need?!
ReplyDeleteI also buy clothes on sale and books! I'm loving fishpond.com.au! Cheap books but may take a while in delivery so order well in advance...
My daughter was recently invited to a preschool friends party but couldn't go... Well the following week Sunny had a MASSIVE (and I mean MASSIVE!) gift bag filled with lollies and party favours (Princess crown etc) left in her locker... Now do I go and buy a gift for the child whos party that Sunny didn't attend because she got a massive gift bag?!
What do you do? Do you buy gifts if your child doesn't attend the party that they were invited to?
I try to spend $15, maybe $20. My son went to two birthdays last weekend and my daughter is going to a party for twins this weekend. Doesn't take much to add up.
ReplyDeleteI do try and have a stash, so sometimes kids get more valuable presents.
As a blogger I also try not to give my kids stuff I receive rather add it to my gift stash. They already have more than they need.
Kmart is a really good place for toys for gifts, and craft activities.
I spend around $15 with a full price value around $25- 30. We have so many parties to go to, it adds up pretty quickly. I don't remember going to so many parties as a child - they tend to be much bigger and every year now. I find things on sale, and I don't tend to cater to the child's particular wants or taste (for example, at the moment they are all getting Melissa and Doug colouring in pads which retail for $14, plus a packet of textas that retail for $12. Total cost to me was $12). I try to avoid toys - books, jigsaws and consumables (art supplies etc) as they suit all. Wrapping is plain white with ribbon from Costco, and no cards, but gift tags that were 50cents. I have a well stocked present cupboard for friends/ family too. I buy things as I see them through the year, write a list so I don't forget, and then am not out scrambling on the week leading up to Christmas.
ReplyDeletei buy gifts in the sales, limit $20. Any gifts left in the gift cupboard at the end of the year I donate to the kmart wish tree. By the time they hit around year 2 or 3, the kids (and mainly parents )are over the toys stage, specially when many of the break after a few months. We fund the mums all get together, put in $20 or $25 and buy a big joint gift. Some of the kids choose ipads or kindles (with parent permission). This sounds extravegent, but lets be honest, the kids nowdays are a lot more tech savy than we were. If you look around, many of them have them anyway. We have found both parents and kids are thrilled with this.
ReplyDeleteI use the kids pantings to wrap the gifts and make the cards. When they are older, I get the kids to make a personalised card, and just use brown paper and lovely ribbon to wrap the gift.
ReplyDeleteFor older boys or girls, I like to give a 6 month subscription to a magazine - the gift comes in the mail every month, also helps with their reading. I usually do this as a joint present with a few mums.
Even now, there is nothing more exciting than getting magazines in the mail, my kids LOVE it.
The $15 to $20 pressie is perfect, especially when they go to kinder and you get an abundance of them in a row. I think Isabelle went to about 20 parties throughout kinder and prep so present buying was a regular thing. I always buy big rolls of wrapping paper, and sometimes gender neutral ones are great as you can use them for either. I am sure that you could have one present between the twins for a party, just spend a wee bit more!
ReplyDeleteGosh am I crazy? I can't get over that most of it comes down to perception and how you will be viewed? I don't understand parties where the whole class is invited and then every family in that class thinks that they need to do the same and as for massive gift bags???? Sorry but who's got a trust fund to fund all of this?
ReplyDeleteI spend too much - but it seems to be the norm at our school to give a gift to $30-$40 value. Obviously you never know how much was paid for it (nor does it matter). I have tried the present cupboard thing. I ended up with unused items in there and things my daughters would say X wont like that. So I shop as I go. The local toy shop gives me 10-15% off (I am a regular). She wraps there and I do a small gift tag.
ReplyDeleteI am guilty of throwing OTT parties. But I never expect others to! For me it is all part of the fun of being a SAHM with only 2 children and having the time.
With 4 children now in school, we have lots of birthday parties to attend throughout the year. I have a gift cupboard and buy everything in sales. Our local Toyworld is great for having 50% off specials often throughout the year, so I shop there lots. Sometimes I will buy multiples of an item even, depending on what it is. I aim for around $20 and it is a bonus if I can find it cheaper. As for quality, if I wouldn't buy it for my own children, then I won't buy for someone else's either. Riot Art & Craft often has 1/2 price kids craft kits. Join their mailing list for regular specials. We love stamping and card making, so we usually give handmade cards and I buy wrapping paper in bulk from Aldi at Mother's Day and Father's Day time - picking a generic design like stripes or flowers. These are so cheap with lots of paper on a roll and last me all year. I usually buy several in pinks because we have more girls in our family, so more girl parties. Thanks everyone for sharing your ideas, I've enjoyed reading through them all!
ReplyDeleteMy 9 and 11 year olds can do a mean gift bag stuffed with pens, paper etc for around $10 from crazy clarkes. If we are time poor I get a $15 smiggle pack. We keep gift bags and reuse them, and always make the cards. My 14 yo ( almost 15) likes to give either $20 cash or a gift voucher to a games shop. Teens seem to like th emoney more than presents!
ReplyDeletecost $15-20 but as I have a pressy cupboard the value is often more, I had family that did not want gift they did not like or need and prefered to have money in kids account.. I could not do this, as we may have well done nothing rather than exchange cash..The fun is in the choosing/making if your crafting and seeing there reaction from the giver and receiver. It means you don't have control on what is given though.
ReplyDeleteFinns eyes are AMAZING! What a hansom little boy. I buy presents when I see things on sale and stash them away for later as when the kids start school there are always so many birthday parties to attend! :)
ReplyDeleteYes I have a present box, and usually spend between $20 - $30 on a gift.
ReplyDeleteFor wrapping I have plain old brown paper. Once the gift is wrapped I hand it over to my three year old Emma who decorates it. It creates such excitment before the party!
I wouldn't spend more than $20 if I could help it. I have discovered some great Usbourne Doodle Pads (for girls and for boys) and they're $15 each if you buy them locally but I found them for about 1/3 the price at The Book Depository and bought a stash for the present drawer - and they compliment a handmade pencil roll when I find the time to make them!! I also love the Djeco craft kits and the smaller ones are under $15 from our local toy store so I usually stock up on those when I'm there. The only hazard with a present drawer is you do end up with a few stray items but I've been putting those under the Wishing Tree at Christmas time so win-win in my view! And as for wrapping - excess pre-school paintings are great with a bit of ribbon tied around them or we get cards and wrapping from the local $2 shop.
ReplyDeleteSnow White and her Prince Charming look delightful! it was too long ago that my DD, now 31, was on the party circuit, and I cant really remember the gift price range.
ReplyDeleteWhen I visited my sister in the States, I saw in her scrapbook the invites she sent out for birthday parties for her now 6 yo and 4 yo. She always says : "no gifts please". I wonder if this concept happens in Australia?
I love the idea of a gift cupboard and wish I could be organised. I am doing 2 year old birthdays at the moment and I have made things for all the kids. I am the only one in my Mothers group that sewa and they always compliment everything I make. So I think a bit of handmade is always nice. I am doing it with family overseas too, so much cheaper as postage costs more than the present.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE these photos Corrie, how gorgeous are your twinnies :)
ReplyDeleteOh and yes, I have a present cupboard, which works really well most of the time. If I don't have something suitable I just pick up something extra. I usually spend about $20-30 xo
I have a gift box. I try to keep the presents to under $20' But I buy at sales if I buy toys and books. For around second and third grade I usually knit a little something to add to the gift. Beanies that relate to that child's interest eg their favourite football tean, or fingerless mitts have all been well received. My daughter is in sixth grade now and her friends are still wearing beanies I made them ages ago.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of giving consumable like craft materials, hair thingies and stationary.
Jeanette
A well stocked present cupboard here. And a box of cheap wrapping paper and ribbons. My girls (10, 8, 6, 6) all make cards (either drawn or Stampin Up style for the older girls). My limit is $15 and if I can find a present of that value for cheaper - even better!l Careful shopping can make $15 go a long way. Love finding the bargains!! I don't buy brand names or tacky toys. LOTS of books, stationery, craft supplies, kids mugs etc. Have made many pencil rolls with Derwent pencils inside and dozens of pretty draw string bags with something inside. Kids are overloaded with so many presents from family and party friends it's often overwhelming. I think less is more and better than junk. Happy partying!
ReplyDeleteNormally I spend around the $15 to $20 mark but if I can get cheaper than thats a bonus. I like to buy crafty kind of gifts or good quality books for the girls and Lego is always a winner with so much variety for boys. I have a stash of nice gift bags I like to use instead of wrapping and either the kids will make a card or I will add a small card to it.
ReplyDeleteI usually spend around $15-$20. I also buy things through the year on sale and keep them in a "present cupboard". I sometimes use kids' art for wrapping paper but have recently started making fabric drawstring bags (that can be reused for library bags or whatever).
ReplyDeleteI rather spend some time instead of a lot of money in presents for classmates.
ReplyDeleteDuring the years we gave a lot of purses, toilet bags, personalized cussions, pimped towls and (bought) shirts, bags, pencil cases, shawls and so on to our girls' friends. They were always totally excited about their presents and so I still continue crafting for them as often as an new idea for class-mates-pressents hits my mind.
But for me - a mother of just two kids - it is quite easy to talk about spending time rather than money, I know!
To get back to your original question: When I buy a present, I spend about 15-20 USD.
Heike
$15 on sale for class presents, $25-40 for special friends/family.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that the class budget is a bit more, but I don't want to keep up with the Jones'- 2 kids X 10 parties X $15= $300.