Birthday party for a 3 year old

[SuzySunshine]

Hey gang, help me out. A has been invited to her first birthday party for a little girl that is turning 3. Also a resident family. So what is the standard to spend on a gift? I have no idea!

[fluffhead]

For a 3 year old? I'd stay under $10. Unless you're really close with them.
Three year old parties are usually fun, low key affairs, cause the kids don't really care what's going on, and the adults get to kick back and drink coffee.

I agree. You could ask the mom if there are any art supplies they don't have. Clay or paints are good for that age and you can put together some fun stuff from Target. Maybe a game like Memory, puzzle or a Potato Head?

This is a favorite toy in our house, the Wedgits. It is almost $20 on Amazon. I don't think we spent that much on ours but it is more than $10 (maybe $15). I'm throwing that out there more as a suggestion for A than for the gift.
http://www.amazon.com/WEDGiTS-Starte...6912848&sr=8-3

[MrsK]

I'd ask the mom what the kid "wants." Some people are picky about what sorts of toys their kids can have. My brother has a 3-year-old and he always asks for books and clothes because, frankly, they have tons of plastic toys cluttering their house already. A couple Diego books is sufficient to make the kid happy and is not costly. Also, my nephew just loves whistles and puzzles and stuff that I pick up at the dollar store.

[GrayMatterWife]

Cheri: Is it a NSG resident's kid? If so, I've been invited to a couple of those parties. I usually get the kiddo a foam brain and a kiddo book on neuro-anatomy. (There's actually a kid's book out there called "Brain Surgery for Beginners"--it's really cute!). There are several websites that sell stuff like that. If you're interested, let me know. I'll PM you the websites I know about.

[SuzySunshine]

It's actually an ortho friend's child, I did ask the mom for suggestions and got: "likes dinosaurs, pirates, construction equipment & Disney princesses. I don't know that you can really go wrong with a toy. She is really big into using her imagination too."

I would consider her mom a good friend, I've watched her once and she will most likely be on my hospital help list.

Price limit...hmmm....it seems like I can always find decent toys for my niece/nephew for $10-20. If she is 3 I am sure she will be happy to get anything related to her many interests! I find it much tougher to buy for the older 'tweens.

[houseelf]

I get this age bath bubbles, bath paints, and/or tub tints. They get so much plastic stuff that it is nice to get something different.

Kelly

[migirl]

I usually spend around $10-$20, depending on how well I know the child/family. I personally like to give books. It may not be the most "fun" gift, but we go through so many books in our house that it's nice to receive a new one.

[samssugarmomma]

Our usual gift is something that can be used up - like art supplies. I usually go to the dollar store and get water colors, paper, glue sticks, and tape. The tape is usually a BIG hit! 8 )

Oh, and I usually spend around $10.

I love the tape idea. I'm going to have to remember that.

[SuzySunshine]

Ooh, that's a good idea Kate!

[Deebs]

Don't know if it's too late, but we frequently do art supplies. Also, if she's into Princesses, you can go to Disney store and usually find PJs on sale or clearance and get a small toy to go with them. Outdoor toys are fun this time of year, too - like cool bubble sets, chalk, etc. I try to get things that kids use a lot, but that run out rather than toys that might be duplicates. I've also done age-appropriate magazine subscriptions, especially for kids with older siblings, where the homes are already full of toys.

[SuzySunshine]

Thanks Deb but our Disney store closed

We ended up getting her a Disney princess coloring/paint set from Sam's. She's into the princesses and her mom has a new baby so I thought maybe this would keep her occupied for a while. Thanks for all of the suggestions.