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?
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.
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!
I would keep the gift for a family member and go back (I know) and get a different gift.
I'd Craig's List the stage and treat yourself to happy hour with your profits!! jk...kinda! :0)
I would give the doll as the gift, and save the sound stage for your daughter or a niece's birthday or Christmas present.
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.
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.
I think you should keep it for a family member and here's why... if I was that girls mom I'd be overwhelmed that someone bought me that big of a gift and I'd wonder if I could reciprocate when it came time for my girl to go to her party. I'm not saying it's right to think that way, people should not worry about those things, but I know I would and I'd struggle with it.
Just give the gift! You didnt spend $74 you spent $29...and it doesnt matter how much you spent on the gift anyway. It is the thought that counts!!!
It is considered rude to ask how much someone spent on a gift anyway. I wouldnt say anything about how much it cost. If the mom makes a big deal about the price that you spent too much than feel free to tell her that it didnt cost that much and leave it at that.
I agree with Tracie O's posting. I know that it is supposed to be the thougth that counts. But, people really do keep track of this stuff! I'd personally worry about wonder if I could reciprocate in the future. My son is only 14 months old and we've already been to about 12 birthday parties this year. I like to keep the presents around $15-$20. I'll even go lower if I can get a good deal!
I agree w/ what Alexi K and Trish (?) said. Give the gift!! You got a great deal and if you think that's what the girl will really like , go for it. I have a 5 yr old girl and that's what I would do for one of her friends. Honestly, I wouldn't sit around calculating how much each gift cost and whether I should reciprocate. That's shallow.
Why not just give the gift? Don't worry about what someone else will think! I doubt anyone will think to go look up what other parents spent...and if they do, what kind of person is that?!
You got a great deal & the kid will love it.
