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Gifts - list price vs. what you actually paid

Posted: Fri May 19, 2017 3:03 pm
by vveat
I am for sure overthinking this, but decided to ask.

My son is going to a classmate's birthday party tomorrow. In general my rule of thumb for kids gifts for not very close friends is ~$25 (or maybe $20-30). We got him an item with a list price of $25 (printed on the back), but I got it at Costco for $13. It's a nice present, we have reasons to believe the kid will like it (my son asked for one for himself). I threw in some stickers on his favorite topic, but all in all we only spent $15 or so.

When you give presents do you go by the list price (and presumed value) or by what you actually paid? Does it matter if the list price is known and whether it's easy to guess at the actual paid price (in our case if they shop at Costco too:-)

I have some "backup" presents at home - Legos, chess, etc - I could add one of them and reach the $30 with 3 items. Would that be better or would it seem going overboard (considering list price again)?

Re: Gifts - list price vs. what you actually paid

Posted: Fri May 19, 2017 3:22 pm
by mhc
I think you are over thinking it. It should not matter what you paid.

If you are really concerned about spending a certain amount, then buy a gift card. The recipient will get the exact dollar amount.

Re: Gifts - list price vs. what you actually paid

Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 2:27 pm
by runner3081
Definitely overthinking things. I have essentially a "gift stash" with 12 presents right now. These are all things that I have purchased off of SlickDeals and other places for a significant discount. Many of these items were $5 or less, but "worth" $20+. No adjustment is made for what was actually paid.

In fact, I have a few gifts there from garage sales. I always see new kids toys in the box for $1 or $2 that are much higher retail.

Re: Gifts - list price vs. what you actually paid

Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 2:34 pm
by Exodus
You are definitely overthinking this. I think you should stick with your rule of thumb no matter what the retail price is. If you have budgeted $25 for non-close friends then spend up to that amount. Good luck!

-B