What do you think is the appropriate amount of money to give a child for a birthday party gift?  I don't usually have a chance to buy a gift and since these are classmates, I usually don't know them well enough to know what to get them, so I like to give them cash.  I just feel like I'm either being cheap or giving too much.  Any suggestions?? Would you give them same amount for a 7 yrs old birthday that you would give for a teenager?  Thanks for your thoughts.

Cash is okay from relatives, but I wouldn't give it as a gift to a classmate.  Plus, you can always find something worth more for your money in merchandise.  I used to use the 40% off coupon for A. C. Moore from their circular and purchase a craft or activity kit.

   I agree with Tammy! Unless you really know the kid it's so hard to buy anything that they might not already have. Giftcards to Walmart are always welcomed by most kids. Then they can pick out what they want.  I do think that if it's a teen I would up the amount as the bigger the kid the more expensive the toys.

Tiff, I have never heard the one about Grandparents giving a dollar for each year. I would really feel cheap doing that to my grandkids as they are use to me spoiling them!

My kids are 10 & 14. I base it a little on age, if the child is a good friend of my kids and I also consider how much the party cost. My kids have been invited to many parties and sometimes the parents really go all out. Bowling, lasertag, amusement parks where the parent is paying for admission and food I give more. Where I live (suburb of Chicago) the usual present is a giftcard between $20.00 - 50.00. I had a party for my 10 yr old and had 20 kids show up it cost me about $300 and he ended up with $300 in giftcards and quite a few presents. If the party is at the kids house I do a $15 gift card with a cute little inexpensive toy or book to go with.

I have heard of the grandparents $1 a year for kids $10 for a 10 yr. old but actually that was common when I was a kid many many moons ago. Inflation has destroyed the dollar so that does not work anymore. More like $10 a year now.

Bottom line is live within your budget because you can come up with some cute and fun presents for little money. To the birthday child it's the fact that kids came to their party and had fun that really makes their day.