Once your child starts nursery or school, it’s likely they’ll start getting invitations to other children’s birthday parties. But it can be difficult to know how much you should spend on a kid’s birthday present. Fortunately, we’ve got answers, as well as some brilliant gift ideas! Ready to learn? Let’s get started!
The Ultimate Guide to Spending on Birthday Presents:
- For Your Own Children
- For Children’s Classmates
- For Relatives
- What Gifts are Good Value for Money?
- A Few Birthday Gift Ideas
1. For Your Own Children
First things first, there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to spending on gifts. Everyone has different amounts they can afford or feel comfortable spending, and how much you spend on a gift often depends on your relationship to the child.
It’s natural to want to spend a decent amount on your own child’s birthday presents. However, the exact amount you spend is ultimately up to you. Many parents spend an average of £50 to £100 on birthday gifts. Of course, if you’re springing for an activity party, which can be costly, you might spend a little less on the gift. After all, children are more likely to value the experience of their party over the things they receive. In addition, if they have friends giving them gifts, they’ll be receiving plenty of toys and games on their big day anyway.
2. For Children’s Classmates
As soon as children start school or nursery, the party invitations usually start rolling in. And if your child plans to attend all or most of their classmates’ parties, the money can really add up! This is why many parents choose a range or a number—often 5 to 10 pounds—to budget for each birthday gift.
That said, some parents do make exceptions for their children’s close friends. While £10 might be the limit for regular classmates, many parents are willing to spend around £20 on a gift for their child’s best friend.
3. For Relatives
For relatives and other people with whom you have a special relationship, you might want to spend a little more. For many people, cousins and other close relatives fall into the ‘close friends’ category when it comes to spending.
If you’re buying for a godchild or grandchild, you might even spend as much as their parents would on a gift. Of course, this is not expected—what’s most important is that you stick within a budget that works for you and select a gift the child is sure to love.
4. What Gifts are Good Value for Money?
So you know how much you want to spend, but what should you buy? Many parents prefer to select gifts that children will be sure to use. This could mean a book, a sports activity or craft set, a board game or card game, or a STEM experiment or building kit.
And of course, if you’re spending on the higher side or you have any doubts, it’s probably smart to ask the child’s parents what they like. This way, you can be sure to get them a gift they’ll love!
5. A Few Birthday Gift Ideas
Quick Chess – Learning to Play made Easy! , £21.99 £21.99
Learn to play chess!
Sandscape – Create Moving Sand Art , £19.99 £19.99
Make your own sand scene
Amazing Magic Pens , £17.99 £17.99
Create 3D lettering, change colours & write invisible messages.
For more brilliant birthday gifts for children, check out the toys and games on our website!
Why can’t kids remember past birthdays? Because they are only thinking about the present!
