Children's parties: who chooses the gift?

[feeb]

Given DS1 is only 3 its generally been me but sometimes will show him 2 things and ask which I should buy for whom ever I am buying for. Issue is he generally wants things himself!!

I do have a pressie stash in cupboard as well.

Growing up we generally went shopping with mum and dad and got to pick within reason.

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

I try to let DS pick and make it clear that this is for XYZ. I may steer him towards the correct aisle: his teacher/grandmother may prefer some jewellery/chocolates to lego (and I can veto on price). He takes the suggestion and picks something for that person. They either like what he picks or are polite enough to say they do.

BUT I have a child who loves giving nice gifts that "make people happy" (in his words). So I have few hassles with him wanting to keep the thing or not taking suggestions. I can completely understand why other parents would not do this.

[kelebek]

Most of the birthday parties DS has been invited to are childcare friends so we go shopping the day before the party so he can't tell them what it is I tend to let him have a say and try and direct him to something that is appropriate. I did consider going on my own and getting it but then worried DS wouldn't be happy to give the present away if he liked it when it was opened.

[Astrid]

DD1 is actually pretty good picking for her sister, but struggles with older girls, just does not quite get they are a bit old for My little Pony

I like the concept of a gift box. Many times I see things that I think would make great presents and of course, when I we go back they are gone. Also a good concept for those times when a party invite is handed over the day before the party

Maybe as she gets older and understands the cost of things a bit better, we can hand her the money and she can pick herself!

[Astrolady]

It's usually a combo job here. The boys may choose something for their friend and I will voice my opinion on the matter. My opinion usually is "I am not paying THAT much" LOL

[LuluHB]

DD2 just made her first ever present choice - for my Mum's birthday next week. She was determined to buy Mum a vase and chose what she thinks is perfect - a little votive candle holder! Who knows what Mum will do with it but DD2 is just so proud of her prsent choice.

So far the parties that DD1 has gone to I have chosen the presents for. I usually go to the educational toy shop and buy jigsaws, games etc - she is always really happy with what I choose, but left to her own devices she wouldn't get out of the Barbie aisle!

[Phteven]

I usually get lego or a book.