My friend and I were discussing this recently. I was amazed to hear that it's quite usual for these gifts to cost about £15 each. And if at short notice......No gift..... put a £20 note in the card.
Yes, I do understand that the host might be spending quite a bit on the birthday party, using a venue etc.(doesn't have to use a venue) but it still seems to me to be over the top for a gift for a school chum. The guest will likely return the party invitation in the future.
I asked a family member who lives abroad what way it worked for them, their child is 5 yrs. I was told that at a recent birthday party each child was asked to bring a gently used book. No gift for the birthday child. At home time the books were laid out and each child got a 'new' book and cake, including the birthday child. No party bags filled with plastic tat to take home, no hassle.
The birthday child of.course had family gifts.
I thought this was a great idea.
More about having fun and less stress and cost for all of the parents, host and guest.
What does anyone else think, or am I a party pooper.
