Etiquette Guide to Kids’ Birthday Parties

Should Your Child Help You Pick Out the Present?

Since your kid is going to know what the other child would like more than you might, go for it. Plus, it teaches her about giving to others. For younger children, you could ask questions about what their friend might enjoy. For example, try asking, “Does Susan like arts and crafts or playing with toy cars and trucks at school?” For kindergarteners and up, you can say, “We have $15 to buy Susan a present. What do you think she might like?”

If your kid is too young to understand, or is going through a “mine, mine, mine!” phase, then go pick out a gift without her and don’t worry about it!