OT, but need advice

[jenk99]

Just wondering what you all think the appropriate amount for a sweet sixteen gift should be? It is for our niece on my dh's side of the family. We are going to a party for her and want to give her money, because of Christmas being so close and her having received so many gifts. Her mom suggested just giving money.

I don't want to seem cheap, but I don't want to be extravagant either (my budget doesn't allow it). I just want to give an appropriate amount. My first thought was $25, but my dh said $100.

What do you think?

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

How about a more *extravagent* gift that you found on sale? The money idea is all well and good but right now you can find amazing things for really cheap.

If you want to do cash I'd say $50 depending on how close you are to her and her family.

 

[traycie2201]

I think $50 if you can afford it is a great amount, all 16 year olds like to spend and that way she can buy make up, clothes or whatever, otherwise the OP's suggestion was good, or depending on if she is a girly girl you could treat her and a friend to a manicure or other beauty treatment ?

 

[jenk99]

Anyone else care to add their opinion?

 

[java]

Is this a house party or at a place? If at home I would think the $50 is great. If at a reception hall(yeah can you believe they do that for sweet 16's now!?) I would give closer to the $100. But you need to give what you feel is in your budget.

 

[pearlieq]

I agree with others--$50 to $100 depending on how close you are and what's common in your region.

If you don't give cash, you could possibly look for a piece of jewelry. A nice pendant would be an appropriate gift, and you may be able to find a steal on something in the after-Christmas sales.

 

[Zandy595]

I agree, $50 is a good amount, but only if you can afford it.

OT- Do you think it's unfair that a big deal is made over a girl who turns 16 (ex. Sweet 16 party) when a boy turning the same age doesn't get the same attention. Just wondering. Totally NOT referring to the OP's situation, just something that came to mind.

 

[imsayin]

I give $50 for a highschool graduation, so I'd give less for the 16th b-day - probably $25-$30.

 

[mrsboz]

I would give $25 - $30. Maybe it sounds cheap, but I have 15 nieces and nephews to buy for. Nevermind, Aunts, grandmother and etc. It depends who else you'd have to buy for. Never easy. Especially when you are giving money because they know exactly how much you've spent. I usually give my nieces that age bath and body works stuff. They love it and I try to get it when it is on sale.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

You and your DH seem to be at polar opposites with regard to the gift amount. Perhaps a compromise is in order. Ultimately, you should give no more than the budget can handle. How much I (or anyone else on the board) feel is appropriate is inconsequential. Too many other factors influence what you can or want to give your niece.

 

[MrsPete]

I agree with others--$50 to $100 depending on how close you are and what's common in your region.

If you don't give cash, you could possibly look for a piece of jewelry. A nice pendant would be an appropriate gift, and you may be able to find a steal on something in the after-Christmas sales.

I would lean towards a piece of jewelry too -- not something trendy, but something classic and nice. She'll appreciate money right now, but in a month she won't remember where she spent it. On the other hand, a piece of jewelry is something she'll always keep, and every time she wears it she'll remember her Sweet 16 (and you).

In addition, it'll solve the problem of "how much" between you and your husband. Right now, with all the after Christmas sales, you can pick up something that looks like $100 for more like $25.

 

[jenk99]

Our budget is stretched right now due to Christmas, but that is not fair to her. Another thought I was having is that I'm not sure what I gave my other niece when she turned 16 a few years ago. I'm thinking it was at the lower end ($25-30), because money was much tighter then. I doubt they would ever compare, but you never know.

The jewelry is a good idea--I may look into that.

Yes, dh and I are always opposite when it comes to budgeting--it can be very frustrating at times, but I think we balance each other out.

Thanks for the replies!