Birthday gifts for school friends - how much and what do you buy?

[*Ang*]

I buy in bulk in advance. I currently have two in school and they both get invited to parties of the opposite sex as well as their own sex so I buy gifts in bulk that can be used for either sex.

Basically if I see something super cheap or on clearance I will buy a couple of them and put them in my presents drawer. I do this either at the shops or using websites like catch of the day - they sometimes have really good book sales and I have gotten some great cheap ones off that.

I do aim for around $15 per child but am happy to spend over if it is one of their closer friends.

[jackrose]

cmkm, that is terrible!! What extra work is involved seriously in including your DD! FWIW, I would invite her in a heartbeat as I am sure you would be able to guide a parent as to what needs to be done to include your DD. I hope you find some more reasonable people in your community as your DD makes her way through school.

As for $$ I aim for about $10-15 for general friends and $20-30 for close friends. I try to get activity based presents, something for the birthday child to do at a later time like a sticker book, craft activity, bead set etc.

I also buy ahead when possible and keep a present stash, although if I know the child well and have an idea of their likes etc I might buy something less generic and go for something they would like or that relates to their interests.

[~~Snoogans~~]

Miss H has only just started 4 yr old kindy, so no parties for her yet!

However...I am one to steer towards books and puzzles as well as art craft stuff!

Riot Art is having an awesome sale atm!

Also, we went to Ikea the other day, and they had a set of finger-puppets with a lil stage thingy, for $1.99!!!! so I bought like 6 of them hehe

unless specifically asked to go with a certain character theme, I usually just get things that require lots of messy fun!

[sangie]

cmkm that is terrilble

I also have a bit of a present stash lol! Agree with Nicky that Riot Art has some great art/craft things, I try to grab a few things when they are on sale.
Also I do what Olive does and get books/sticker books/activity cards from book depository (I am addicted to that site!). The Usborne stuff is great and very reasonably priced and I can also vouch for the doodle cards, we love them. Plus while I'm there I might as well get a little something for myself lol
Also for little girls, Diva has cute little necklaces/bangles/rings. Also hair clips and head bands. I keep an eye out for when they have a sale too.
Bubbles are also a hit for the younger ones!

I aim for under $15 for kindy friends and around $20-25 for close friends.