How much money is too much for a baby's first birthday?

Question

So let's assume the dad makes a comfortable salary (and the mom works, too..) and he tells the mom to keep presents for the baby "under $150"..do you think that's unfair? I mean, considering the dad just spent $500 on his sister for some stuff for college, and $700 for some jewelry for his brother's engagement party..


PS..$150 for toys/really-needed new clothes, etc..??

PS..Baby is his first child..

Answer 1

My son just had his first birthday on 9/3, and we would have loved it if we could spend $500+ on him, but we had a tight budget this summer. I think $150 is cheap for a person on the kind of budget he seems to have.

Answer 2

I'm confused as to what you're referencing -- is the $150 a cap on the mother buying gifts for the child, a cap on how much attendees should spend on gifts, or a cap on expenses for a party?

Regardless, a baby's first birthday should just be a simple affair. The baby won't remember a thing -- indeed, they often find all that attention frightening, since they're not used to it all at once from a bunch of adults. Cost should be just some festive paper plates, plastic forks, napkins, maybe some streamers, and cake.

For gifts, just take a couple of gifts -- a toy for the child, and a few outfits of new clothes. Or surreptitiously ask the parents if there's anything they need for the baby.

Answer 3

Well, I wouldn't consider much-needed clothes as a gift, that would come under necessity and you should buy what is needed.
As for toys, I'm a big fan of second-hand toys, or toy swaps with friends, but I know it feels good to splurge on baba and $150 is not too outrageous.
On my sons' 1st Birthday they got a cupcake with a candle in it and a few toys that cost no more than $20.
I'd say save the money for parties when they are older because they hit hard and come at you fast!

Answer 4

sounds like this guy is loaded to be picking up bills 4 his brothers n sisters i hope that his family doesnt take advantage of his generousity n is able to make it on thier own without his support. but 150 is plunty of money. dont worry about it they baby wont remember ne of this ne ways. save the money for future birthdays when they r gonna whine n complain that they didnt get enough! what my parents did for me which i used to hate but i love now that i am older was open a bank account n deposit money from other peoples contributions to my birthday n whatever they were willing to put in as well. it helped me buy a car n pay for college. best gifts i ever got

Answer 5

200

Answer 6

150 is way too much, but if your going to do something without put it in a savings account for college. babies don't need birthday presents... its really for the parents.

Answer 7

$200, absolute tops, unless the baby has medical problems. It's not like an infant is going to remember what he or she got for the first birthday! Hand-me-downs come in rather handy here.

Answer 8

115

Answer 9

my daughter's 1st birthday is a 50-100 dollar deal..there is NO reason for me to spend lavish money on a birthday that my child will NOT even remember...

that is assinine..I will spend PLENTY on their 4th or 5th birthday when amusement parks come into the picture...

why bust out C notes on a birthday that are attended more by adults than kids?

and yes i love my kids JUST FINE...money is NOT and should NOT be an indication of your love for your kids or for anyone else for that matter..

Answer 10

When i have a party it is at least 500 for just food and at most 300 for gifts