How Much to Spend on Birthday Presents

Updated on January 21, 2010
B.B. asks from Simi Valley, CA
11 answers

My daughter is nearly two and is starting to get several invites to birthday parties. How much do you all spend on presents??

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Depending on how friendly we are with family we spend $5-$10...for close friends it's more like $20. When they get to school age it seems like we have a party invite every week so you have to limit what you spend.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

I spend $10-$20 on the child depending how close we are and how good of friends they are.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

For a classmate's birthday party I probably spend 15-20. If the child is a close friend of my son's I may spend more b/c then I usually know the child better and know what he's into.
I love the idea of a "gift bin" so you can stock up on cute stuff when you see it on sale...she's entering the "frequent birthday party zone"!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I usually do $10/kid & either buy a gift from each of my boys if both are invited or a bigger gift from both of them. If it's someone we really know well, I'll go a bit higher. I'm worried about my youngest's friends though-for his bday he got a big RC car & a $30 Transformers toy so I'll have to spend more if he's invited to those friends' parties. If she's just 2, I'd stick w/$10-you can get a lot for that much if you shop smart. Big Lots, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Walmart, dollar stores... as long as you look you can find tons of stuff to get!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

I draw the line at $20. My son and I have quite a few children's bday party's to attend and I find that $20 allows you enough to get a fun present & a card. Or have your little one make a homemade card. Those are always a big hit!

G.R.

answers from Dallas on

i spend depend in the person if is family i spend about 25-30.00 dlls
if is a friend usually about 20.00

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

We usually try to stay around 10-15 dollars, although at this time of year, getting things on after christmas clearance is pretty good. One thing my grandma does is stock up on some things after christmas, then keep them in a bin in case something comes up (like my sister's boyfriend unexpectedly coming for Christmas, and she didnt have anything under the tree for him) you can have some inexpensive stuff on hand.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.J.

answers from Harrisburg on

Got to love the dollar store. We have a store called "FIVE BELOW", and they have soooooo much stuff for under $5.
I say $15 at the most.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Dallas on

I usally spend $15-$20 dollars on a gift plus card.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from New York on

At this age, you can check fliers for coupons and do "little people" art supplies. I usually go to the local craft store when there are sales and get several canvas bags at a time and pick-up boxes of crayons, tub crayons, paper tablets, stickers, stamps etc whenever/wherever they are on sale!

When the invites come, you can personalize the canvas bag and add items that you think the child would like and go! If you buy in "bulk bins" and have the space, these are cute and relatively less expensive.

I have also done $10 gift cards to Barnes and Noble- kids books are cheap and kids love to pick out their own books!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from New York on

i spend between 15 and 20 dollars.. I might also check for sales.. like the thing was 20 dollars.. i have a coupon or it's on sale and i get it for 15 dollars... It's the thought ... good luck

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions