For an older kid for sure, but little kids love unwrapping presents. I also don’t give cards anymore I get age appropriate books for the kids and write in the cover for them because cards just get tossed away most of the time!

• • 
  • • Ellen replied
    • 18 Jan 2020 , 5:30 am

  ---

  

  I often have my kids make a handmade card, it’s about the gesture-not the price

Older children perhaps but not littlies. It is fun getting a gift or buying a gift. Personally I don’t like to give money its just not the same.

It looks like a very reasonable amonunt of money to ask for. Yes. Good idea! And then the child can buy something for himself that he really loves.

I think this is a great idea as my kids end up getting so much toys and most of them are ones that I didn’t buy! That being said I think that $5 is a little cheap, I think the amount should be $10 so that it amounts to a little more. That’s usually the amount that I would spend on a gift if one of my kids were invited to a party.

I think as children get older and they have so much, and can also appreciate the value of money and might be saving up for something then it seems ok. Re littler kids, its fairly easy o buy for little kids and you can always ask the parents for ideas so you are not doubling up.

When I grew up we always had birthday wish lists, so for me this is not a strange idea. I like it because 1.the money isn’t wasted 2. there is no overspending 3. the receiver is happy 4. it’s easy for the giver

I personally find it rude to ask but happy for them to give on their own accord

Asking makes people uncomfortable. But if they want to give cash that’s fine as the kids can spend it how they like

It makes people uncomfortable if you ask. I’d be grateful and just get what’s given

We get a mixture of gifts (not all toys) and money! Honestly if anyone asks what to give my plan was to say that we are going on a holiday at the end of year and they kids are saving up some spending money! Last year my girl was given more than $100 in cash and gift cards as most people knew she was saving to buy the $99 barbie bus/camper. If my kids were invited to a fiver party I’d want to put at least $20 in the card. I hope that wouldn’t be offensive!

Well that would certainly be a cheap option for me if all I needed to do was pop a fiver in an envelope, and I can appreciate a child wanting to accrue enough money to buy something special that he/she really wants. But, then again, where is the element of surprise in opening a present.

I like both ways actually. If we were invited and the invite had the fiver party written on it, I would do it.

No definitely not!

Its very inappropriate

I can see the attraction, but my kids love to choose and give gifts.

No. Presents or money are up to the giver. I would suggest a present if asked but never anything expensive.

I will try to ask if there is something in particular the birthday person would like – especially if it is a classmate who we don’t know too well. Depending on the answer we generally try to make something personalised like a door sign or a picture and then maybe add in a little toy or gift card.

We tend to choose a gift card to a shop that meets the theme of the party for example if they are having a super mario themed birthday we will make something that relates to the theme and then add a little gift card from EB Games. At least that way we know that our present is something that they like the theme off and should be a well received gift (hopefully!)

No I have never asked money for my child’s birthday party. There are too many costs in life as it is.

Not as exciting or memorable for the party girl/boy but if they are saving for something in particular it’s a great way to do it.

This is a hard one. I know the joy my 11 yr old got from all the gifts her friends gave her and I think they put a lot of thought into picking her presents but i do understand the de clutter side and also trying to save for something more expensive that she is saving up for too. so not sure which side to take at this stage.