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EWmums

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ewmoda

How much would you spend kids birthday gift?

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2287

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 14:30

I don't know about little boy toys, but the price of little girl toys has increased (almost doubled) since I was younger. Now the price of a barbie ranges between 80-300 dhs with the average cost of the nicer ones being around 120-180 dhs. If I were to spend less I would really be confused what to buy, other than a book or a board game (but I never know which ones are good to buy). Then again, a Barbie would've been never given as a gift when I was young. It was considered outrageous then, I believe it is outrageous now. If my girlfriend was a Barbie fan, the most I would buy would be a dress or some other accessory. Not that I didn't love her, I wouldn't be able to afford more, nor would most other kids at the party. A book with a thought or wish written into it makes a beautiful lasting gift.

904

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 13:32

I go for gift card from city centre, it can be used in all city centres in the uae

420

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 13:22

This year I have made it a point not to buy toys for children anymore because of so many different reasons. Instead, I make sure my child asks her friends what they are interested in and I buy them a book about it. Instead of filling their house with plastic toys that are sure to break and lose the child's interest quickly, I think books help enrich a child's life in many ways. I don't care if it's a book about bugs, Lego Movie, Star Wars, etc. Whatever interests the child, that's what I buy. I've never had to spend more than 60-75 dhs (even for a hardback book). Great advice! :)

420

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 13:19

Card, 50 dirhams in it and inside write 'this gift contributes towards your future'. Clearly the best gift in the world! But seriously, I'd like to think you could spend whatever amount you wish depending on your child's relationship with the other kid. Be stingy, be generous - there's no guidelines. Like another poster has said, it's the thought that counts. If you're that worried - make something.

ThirdCultureFamily

138

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 12:25

This year I have made it a point not to buy toys for children anymore because of so many different reasons. Instead, I make sure my child asks her friends what they are interested in and I buy them a book about it. Instead of filling their house with plastic toys that are sure to break and lose the child's interest quickly, I think books help enrich a child's life in many ways. I don't care if it's a book about bugs, Lego Movie, Star Wars, etc. Whatever interests the child, that's what I buy. I've never had to spend more than 60-75 dhs (even for a hardback book).

674

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 12:13

Some girls aren't allowed to play with Barbies/Bratz etc. and some boys aren't allowed to play with certain toys. You are right, excellent point. I forgot to think from that perspective.

5452

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 11:55

Well, I am sticking to buying clothes as gifts. You can get a nice dress or outfit for a girl for 80 dirhams. For 80 dirhams at Hamley's, you can get a cheap Barbie or a small figurine. You can never know what anyone likes anyway if you don't know them. Some girls aren't allowed to play with Barbies/Bratz etc. and some boys aren't allowed to play with certain toys.

674

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 11:48

How about because I wasn't there. I would request my own family members not to gift them clothes or anything at all, I'd prefer my kids to be more charitable.

1120

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 11:38

Quite honestly I very much dislike for my children to get clothes as gifts. Baby clothes yes but once they're children, I'd opt no. I might be rude and in the minority. But I don't even get them clothes as gifts myself, clothes to me are more like a need. I am not saying my kids are sensitive or picky (well maybe a little) but clothing has never once been well received, and never received at all from a classmate.[b'> I would like to request that their family members never give them clothes but I was told that was very rude[/b'>. However, some clothes are scratchy, sizes aren't guaranteed, not weather appropriate, etc. You had to be told that? How about just being grateful, smile, and say thank you?

674

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 10:15

Quite honestly I very much dislike for my children to get clothes as gifts. Baby clothes yes but once they're children, I'd opt no. I might be rude and in the minority. But I don't even get them clothes as gifts myself, clothes to me are more like a need. I am not saying my kids are sensitive or picky (well maybe a little) but clothing has never once been well received, and never received at all from a classmate. I would like to request that their family members never give them clothes but I was told that was very rude. However, some clothes are scratchy, sizes aren't guaranteed, not weather appropriate, etc.

5452

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 10:00

Do all of you buy toys for birthdays? I almost always buy clothes. Toys are so expensive and generally low quality.

674

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 09:54

Boys can get away with a hot wheel set, 50 dhs and they all love collecting those I think. Board games are 150 dhs minimum, there are some monopoly games for 300+ now

685

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 09:16

I don't know about little boy toys, but the price of little girl toys has increased (almost doubled) since I was younger. Now the price of a barbie ranges between 80-300 dhs with the average cost of the nicer ones being around 120-180 dhs. If I were to spend less I would really be confused what to buy, other than a book or a board game (but I never know which ones are good to buy).

674

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 08:11

I thought of cash for older kids too, but I do think some people are offended by it.... I don't think I'd do it for a classmate birthday just me personally though. Cash seems to be standard at Eid.

245

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 07:43

whatever happened to the sentiment 'its the thought that counts'? Expat kids in Dubai here can already be considered as incredibly fortunate and have everything.....therefore AED 200 gifts from 20+ friends appears to be extravagant.

674

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 04:28

I don't feel the need to reimburse the parent for the party by giving expensive gifts, but my opinion is i would not give different amount value for having it at a play center or home. Some parents seem to expect expensive gifts while others don't care about a gift at all. Personally I'd rather the presence of the invitee than a gift. Once a girl gave my child a very expensive gift (over 200) and I was really uncomfortable with it. Have to agree with under 200. 50-75, 100 max is more appropriate for that age in my opinion.

346

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 23:43

Around 100 AED for a classmate's birthday, regardless of where the party is.

685

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 22:49

The 50-70 dhs range would also get you a stuffed toy. I've even seen some stuffed toys for more!! I've noticed that most people who buy books as gifts put a lot of thought into what specific book to buy which is very nice. I'd personally aim to spend around 150-200 dhs, as long as it's a decent safe toy. It doesn't have to be the most expensive toy in the shop. But I'd think of the parents, I wouldn't want to get a toy that makes a big mess or a toy with annoying sounds. Last few gifts for that age group were frozen toys from borders and barbie dolls.

2287

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 21:42

200?? You must be joking. No wonder people in Dubai are raising spoiled brats. 50-75 dhs should be more than enough. And I don't think it matters where the party is held. After all, that's a decision of the host isn't it. <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 14/04/2015</em>

Scotsgirl123105602

51

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 21:36

200DHS!!!!! No way! My children have never given or received 200 dhs as a birthday gift and I would never expect them to. I don't see the gift as a means of paying the parent for whatever they spend on the party. It's meant to be a gift for the child - irrespective of what is spent on the party. Some people have huge, expensive parties and some have parties at home - I give the same to each. It's for the child - not the parent. For age 4-5 I think 50-70 dhs is more than adequate. That's enough to get a lovely book or toy. I try to give a gift which is meaningful and thoughtful of the child's interests - sometimes it costs a little more, sometimes a little less than I would normally spend. My kids are older now and everyone gives a 100/- note in a card and that's been the norm since they got to about 10 years old. I have never heard of anyone giving any more than that. In my opinion that's more than enough.

904

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 21:06

AED 200 , birthdays cost parents a small fortune, it's a min of 100 per child and if the parents are staying with the child it's an extra cost for the meal. So AED 200 seems about the right amount to spend on a gift for me <em>edited by wickedangel_78 on 14/04/2015</em>

43

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 21:01

How much would you spend a birthday gift for your child's classmate's (4-5 yrs old) birthday party? In this case, just a classmate. Back home, the normal range is between 50-70dhs. But the dubai norm seems more higher? If the party is at a play area, what is the appropriate amount? Around 100 dhs? If the party is at home or park, how much would you spend?

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