How Much Should I Spend on My Friend's Daughter, Since She Buys for My 2 Kids

Yvette,

That's such a hard choice. I'm sure some responses will say "it doesn't matter what you spend, it's the thought". I agree 100%, but at the same time I'm one that just likes to be fair. For example, my brother is getting married next month and I've called my sister everytime to see what she was spending on each shower gift and the wedding gift. I'm in no way in competition with my sister, but I don't want to look cheap OR make my sister look cheap. We've always done it this way.

If I were you, I'd do one of 2 things...

First of all, $50 spent on a 1 year old can go a looooong way in their world of toys. Maybe you can talk to her and suggest that she spend a total of $50 or $75 between your two kids at this point. As they get older, it will be more of an issue as the gifts seem to get more costly.

The second option is to spend the $100 like she is. At least that's what I would do.

We have a group of friends that gathers monthly so the kids can play and we can visit (we all went to high school or college together). Although similar, we are all in different financial positions. We used to do a grab bag, but one persons idea of a good amount was different from someone elses. At this point, we've decided that we all buy for our own kids and bring it for them to open. That way, we spend what we want on our own child. We say the present is from "Santa".

T.

WOW! That's a great friend! I can't imagine spending that much money on a friends child. I say only spend the $50. Or, if you want to spend more, you can get the child one gift from each of your children. Personally, I think I'd just give one gift from both kids.

Tough... being an only child, my mom would usually have to buy for 2 or more kids and sometimes people would spend the same or less. So really, I would say - whatever you can afford. Maybe if you can't quite figure it out and can cut it... maybe go middle of the road and spend $75? Or if it's possible, maybe you can get one gift for both kids. Did you just guesstimate how much she spends or set these limits? If you set the limits, maybe ask that they be reduced? :)

I'd say only spend $50 on her child. Her child shouldn't be spoiled just because there's only one of her. If you feel bad about your friend spending more money, why don't you spend the extra $50 on a gift for her whole family (just be careful she doesn't feel the need to reciprocate). Or spend the extra $50 on her child, but disguise it so the kids don't realize she's getting more.

Hello,

This is a hard choice, but then again it is not. I also have a good friend that I buy for and that she buys for my kids. The way that we do it is buying the child an item they want for christmas. I bought her son skates her daughter a CPK and her youngest a 3 in 1 jacket! In no way did I spend the same amount on each child. The baby got the 3 in 1 jacket and it was alot higher then the other two. You guys are freinds and it should not matter , but if it bothers you this much then maybe you should just talk to her and ask her how she feels.
Now older kids it is easy to drop 50 or more on one prsent.

I am not sure how you guys do the exchange ,but we get togather and allow are children to exchange gifts. How would your children feel if they got 1 gift and you got this other child 3 or more?

If you are true freinds you should beable to talk to each other and set limits. How would you do it if it was your niece or nephew? If she is buying two gifts for each of your children then you should do the same if your talking about being fair. My friend bought my daughter something that she got on sale for 7.99 but it is what my daughter wants! I do not care that I spent much much more on her children! TRUE FRIENDS SHOULD NOT CARE!!!!