This is the second week in a row my 11 yr old daughter (going on 19) has been invited to a birthday party for a friend at school. I'm glad she has friends, and that they are kind enough to invite her to their birthday parties, but at what cost?
I mean $$$!!!
Buying presents for friends (especially GIRLS) every week can add up.
What limit do I set for said presents?
Do we make something thoughtful and homemade?
Do we take a trip to the Dollar Store every week?
Do I buy in Bulk?
I keep telling my daughter that we need to keep the cost under $10, and that includes the wrapping paper, gift bag and tissue paper. I don't want to be cheap, but I don't want to Break the Bank either. We have a budget people!!
Is $10 too much or too little???
Please, let me know what you think. I am sure I have a lifetime of birthday parties to prepare for. Save me now, before I BUST!!!
Hope’s Debt Update – April, 2024
2 hours ago
This is a real tough one. Thankfully, there hasn't been many birthday parties for us lately. I usually get a Target gift card and some candy, or an I-tunes gift card. Usually the amount is $15.00. That seems to be standard around here.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought would be lipgloss (like Lipsmakers by Bonnie Bell) and some other really inexpensive goodies - $1.00 section at Target.
This is truly a tough one, because you want your kids to go, and you want the birthday child to be happy too.
They do start dwindling as the kids get older.
There is hope at the end of the tunnel! :)
I agree with Shaoron, and another idea is to keep an eye out for clearance sales on items that teenagers would like.. cool tshirts end of season, make up, perfumes, cd's, movies, etc.. then just pull something out of your 'stash'. So you could very well find a gift for $40 on sale for $5!
ReplyDeleteI always do clearance as well. My son has had so many parties in the last two months, that my limit had to be $10. We were able to find great sale things for that price, that would have cost more. So, try to find some stockable items (like 4 or 5) that you can give away. It gets harder as they get older I am afraid!!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog, I really enjoyed reading your story! Around here I'd say $30 is average for a birthday gift. I too often stock up on great gifts as I see them. I have stashed away many toys, books and clothes all found at crazy low prices.(the beginning of February is the best time for this) I try to spend $10, but the gift always has an original price tag of between $30 and $50.
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