How much to spend on a kid's birthday party gift
For a classmate's birthday party, about $25 is a reasonable amount: Reviewed.com recommends $25 for a classmate or friend (updated February 2023). If you use Gratos, the gift goes to a parent rather than the child, because every recipient on Gratos is an adult.
Updated
How much should I spend on a classmate's birthday gift?
About $25. Reviewed.com recommends $25 for a classmate or friend (Reviewed, updated February 24, 2023).
Spend what you can repeat: a fixed amount keeps it fair to every child and to your budget.
Should I spend more for a close friend?
You can. Reviewed.com quotes Helen Holden, founder of Counting Candles: "you can spend up to $100 on the child of a close friend or relative" (Reviewed, updated February 24, 2023).
Do you have to bring a gift to a kid's birthday party?
If the invitation says nothing, a gift is expected. If it says "no gifts", take it at its word and bring a card.
Small and simple is fine. A book, a craft kit or something for the child's current obsession goes a long way. Ask the parent if you're unsure.
How can Gratos help with party gifts?
Tell Gratos about the occasion and your budget: "a gift for my niece's 6th birthday, under $25: she loves drawing". Gratos looks for a gift at the stores it buys from, where they carry one, shows you the full price, and buys it only when you approve.
The gift always goes to an adult. Every recipient on Gratos is an adult. A gift for a child goes to an adult, such as you, so you can bring it to the party, or the child's parent. You can use the child's given name in the gift message, and Gratos does not knowingly contact anyone under 18 (Terms, §4).
Questions
- Can Gratos send the gift straight to the birthday child?
No. Every recipient on Gratos is an adult. Send it to yourself to bring along, or to the child's parent (Terms, §4).
- Is a gift card okay for a kid's party?
Yes, if it's for a store the family uses. If you know the child, something picked for them is still a nice touch.
- Does Gratos charge a fee?
No Gratos fee right now. We'll tell you before that changes. You pay the store's own price, tax and shipping. See pricing.
- Where does Gratos deliver?
In the United States only, wherever the store ships.