Appropriate Amount to Spend on Baby Gifts?

I'd say $20 or less...unless it's a super close friend and then you might consider more.

I think babies would enjoy receiving a little board book. They have really cute ones at Barnes & Noble and borders...Dr. Seuss(?) for $4.99...You can buy 4 of them and then be done!

As my daughter grew older, I would buy one chapter book and then insert money equaling the child's birthday number.

Just a hint, I buy things when they are on clearance and keep them in a box under my bed. When it's birthday time, my daughter "shops" from that box and then we aren't stressed trying to find a gift at a good price. I even do this for some adult gifts. I buy clearance Bath and Body Works stuff for little teacher gift bags. If you keep a kid under bed box and an adult one, then you have lots of nice gift ideas for cheap!!

J. K-V
www.AisForAutism.net

Welcome to the Birthday party world! LOL! It gets so crazy! This month alone we have a party every weekend, two on one day and that's nothing. I try to limit myself to $20.00. I have friends that say even that is too much. It really adds up. But my advice would be to put a cap on $20.00 for now and if it get's really crazy then you can get creative. I don't buy cards or wrapping paper (most of the time). We have an easel in the house with a roll of paper on it, whenever I tear the paper off, I save it and use it to wrap gifts, paper bags are nice too - kids can decorate them. I almost always make homemade cards. My oldest is 5 so she really helps.

Great gifts are books and puzzles - you can't go wrong here. Also, beginning art stuff for a 2 year old (paper/crayons). Babies at this age don't care what is in the package, it is all about opening it. I often ask Mom what her baby wants/needs.

Enjoy!
M.

kids and babies will always get toys. what i do is ask the parent what the child needs like clothes wise. i usually get them an out fit and a small toy so in general i spend about $20.

Check with your friends who are moms to toddlers. I usually spend 20 to 30 dollars. You're right. Kids 3 and under aren't really interested in the presents for very long during the party. Ask the mom what the birthday boy or girl needs. And have fun!

I usually spend $15-$20 for each gift. I tend to shop at Target. It's always a good idea to ask the parent what the child needs if you're not sure what to get. I was surprised this year when my son received a ton of construction truck/tool related gifts just because the theme of his party was construction, but I guess the theme can give people an idea of what the child is interested in as well. I think babies enjoy opening almost anything! When my son was 1 he opened a gift card at X-Mas and the card and envelope kept him busy for awhile - then we used it to buy him a sandbox! I don't usually give gift cards, but books, toys, and clothes are always appreciated. Have fun!