Presents for joint children's party

Becles

What is the etiquette on buying gifts for a joint children's party?

My daughter has been invited to a party for a girl and two boys in her class. She's been best friends with the girl since they started nursery together and plays a lot with both of the boys. All three children's names are on the invite, so it's not like just one of them has specifically invited her.

I would normally spend up to a fiver per child on a party and a bit more for the best friend.

Do people normally spend the same amount on each child for a joint party, or do people just buy a cheaper token gift for each child?

chloo

if i was you i would just buy a token gift for the boys and a better present for the girl.

when is the party? could you get away with giving the boys an easter themed poundworld hamper? like decorate your own egg and drawing books and some choc? about £3 each?

x

Spendless

Joint parties with each name on the invite used to drive me nutty. 3 x the amount you'd normally spend and it wasn't that it would even out over time, cos usually the other names weren't someone your child played with and wouldn't usually have been invited.

I never found any solution Becs other than to see if you can hunt around for something a bit below what you'd normally spend. Try somewhere like Home Bargains.

mummyroysof3

i would try and spend a little less on them than normal tbh...pound shop of home bargains would be worth a look.

Becles

The egg idea is good but the party is towards the end of April. They just sent the invites out now due to the Easter holidays coming up.

Thanks for reassuring me I won't look like a skintflint if I just take token gifts!

Fosterdog

I would get all three token gifts for on the day of the party but buy something extra for the best friend to give before/after the party.

fluffnutter

Don't get embroiled in the money-go-round that is children's gifts buying. All three of them will have lots of presents from family and friends. It's so super-competitive with parents trying to outdo each other with elaborate presents, it drives you mad!

Just spend what you can afford and give the little girl more if that's what you want to do. Resist the temptation to feel tight or guilty; if they're only interested in you or your daughter for your present-buying abilities then they're not very nice people.

elff

My 6yr old has just had a birthday party. I was SHOCKED at the amount/cost of present's she given by her friends.

She wanted her friends to come to her party ( in a big hall) and have fun. she had 2 x £20.00 gift cards for toys r us!!!!. one parcel contained 2 Barbies??? She was most happiest with a hula hoop a little boy got her - she had asked fot it 1.99 from tesco - his mum tried to give me a fiver as well???

I limit parties to a fver - a tenner for very bestest friends (although bestest friend also invited the twins so spent 20 on her but she is dd bff

Pound shop all the way for us 3 things + some sweet's/outdoor cheap toys

Birdy12

How about £5 gift cards for the boys (Toys r Us or Disney Store) and a £7.50 gift card for the girl?

My DD loves Claire's and would appreciate a £5 gift card more than some 'tat', for want of a better, more respectful word .

Birdy

pinkclouds

Becles wrote: »

I would normally spend up to a fiver per child on a party and a bit more for the best friend.

Do people normally spend the same amount on each child for a joint party, or do people just buy a cheaper token gift for each child?

I spend what I would usually spend on each child. It might be a joint party but it is still their individual "birthdays" being celebrated. I usually spend between £6 to £8 on a gift. The worst expense is the wrapping paper/gift bag and birthday card! Last time there was a joint birthday party, it was for two girls and I got exactly the same gift for each of them. It's nothing compared to the cost of hosting the party - venue, food, party bags, etc.

pinkclouds

Birdy12 wrote: »

some 'tat', for want of a better, more respectful word

^Mm. I tend to stick to books these days, for the same reason. You can never have too many books and even duplicates are useful due to "wear and tear". I confess that I do occasionally resort to "tat" if I forget and have to get a last minute gift...