Let's Discuss Children's Birthday Parties

I have a cousin who has four children ranging from 8 to 16. He’s a busy dude. Last week he texted our big family group chat to tell us his 8 year old received a birthday gift from a friend which included $100 in cash and a toy worth $160!! He felt bad because his son usually gives gifts in the $25 range to friends. This prompted the question among all the cousins…….what should we be doing for children’s birthday parties?!

One cousin said she and her friends mutually decided “no gift” parties were the best way to go.

Another cousin said they spend $25-$30 per birthday party gift.

I chimed in that we usually do $25-$30 for birthdays unless it’s family or VERY close friend, then we may splurge a bit more.

My oldest daughter is 2.5 years old. She’s just now getting invited to kid birthday parties and it got me wondering if I’m being cheap, generous, or just right?? What gift price range is appropriate for children’s birthday parties??

This discussion very much reminded me of The Office episode where Michael Scott puts a $400 video iPod in the Yankee Swap (remember iPods lol).

I now think I’m going to put aside $25-$30 more per month into my gift budget to account for all the parties we’ll be attending in the coming years. This seems like a reasonable thing to do considering my daughter is constantly making new friends. If you don’t know, I have the world’s most outgoing two year old. She is determined to make everyone her friend.

Ultimately, how much you’re spending on kid birthday presents is personal. You shouldn’t feel guilty or pressured to give more than you can afford. You ABSOLUTELY have the right to say no to even attending a party. Set a limit for gifts and stick with it. I refuse to let gift giving become a competition among parents. Remember, most kids don’t remember 99% of the gifts they get, they remember the fun they had with their family and friends.

On my 7th birthday, I got a new bike. On my 14th birthday I got basketball tickets. On my 21st birthday I got a massive hangover. That’s pretty much all I can remember. What sticks out most for me is how much beer is always consumed on my birthday…perhaps I didn’t mention I was born on St. Patrick’s Day.