Need help deciding on $ for party

[alyssa1027]

I need some suggestions and help from everyone. My DD was invited to a sweet 16 party being held for two girls. The girls are acquaintances of hers and they attend the same school. As for outside of school she has neither been to their houses and they have never been to mine. The event is being held in the school gym that the parents have rented. Now for the hard part...what do you believe is a fair gift to give since I now have to give to both of the girls? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

 

[scrapquitler]

We do $10-$15 each for friend gifts. The fact that it is a party for 2 would have no bearing on the amount I'd spend for each gift.

At 16, I'd be inclined to have my child pay for all or part of the birthday gift if she has a job or adequate spending money.

 

[alyssa1027]

Thanks. Your right she should start to pay for some of her parties. We just had this discussion with her the other night. She is getting invited to 4 parties a month and it is starting to get to be too much. Some of these parties she even has to wear a certain color dress to attend and this costs money too. It's just getting crazy.

 

[ibela]

I need some suggestions and help from everyone. My DD was invited to a sweet 16 party being held for two girls. The girls are acquaintances of hers and they attend the same school. As for outside of school she has neither been to their houses and they have never been to mine. The event is being held in the school gym that the parents have rented. Now for the hard part...what do you believe is a fair gift to give since I now have to give to both of the girls? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

I think this is one of those questions where it really depends on where you live. In the NY/NJ area - birthday gifts for my daughter's preschool friend parties are $20-$25. Since they're only acquaintances, I'd think at least $25 each. That said, it also depends on how much you can afford to give. No one should invite guests expecting to make money on the party (or break even), it's about sharing the experience (well, it should be).

 

[pyrxtc]

$20 - $25 is good for each. There is not much you can buy for someone's sweet sixteen that is under that amount and still be a nice gift. Sometimes at that age the friends don't get seen outside of school but they are considered friends just the same. My parents never even met my best friend in high school.

 

[woodkins]

Can you do a gift rather than cash? Maybe a cute Vera Bradley purse, coach wristlet etc. You can look online for sales and discounts or shop at an outlet store and get good buys.

 

[RN01]

$10 a piece is all I'd do.

 

[Hannathy]

At 16 I wouldn't give less than $20 really $25 is more like it. I spend $20 on my 11 yr old DS's friends parties. I mean really what can you get for $10?

At 16 kids don't regularly go to each other's houses. Many of my 18 yr old DD's friends she has never been to their house. They usually pick one person who has the best basement or toys and tend to go there, so they may never go to all the houses.

 

[disykat]

I think this is one of those questions where it really depends on where you live. In the NY/NJ area - birthday gifts for my daughter's preschool friend parties are $20-$25. Since they're only acquaintances, I'd think at least $25 each. That said, it also depends on how much you can afford to give. No one should invite guests expecting to make money on the party (or break even), it's about sharing the experience (well, it should be).

Definitely about where you live! Expecting guests to share the expense of your party is NOT acceptable in many places.

 

[mjkacmom]

I think this is one of those questions where it really depends on where you live. In the NY/NJ area - birthday gifts for my daughter's preschool friend parties are $20-$25. Since they're only acquaintances, I'd think at least $25 each. That said, it also depends on how much you can afford to give. No one should invite guests expecting to make money on the party (or break even), it's about sharing the experience (well, it should be).

Yes, this is true - I have a stack of $20 Target gc's, and I spend more on close friends. I also say at least $25 - I don't think any of my children have received less than a $15 ever.

 

[alyssa1027]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I was thinking $20-$25 a piece for the girls. I think that is what I should do. Thanks again.