Now that MrMan is a little older, and has friends who are even older, we're entering the stage of birthday parties. In the past couple of months, we've been invited to three parties. I can see how one could go bankrupt buying nice gifts for everyone. But at the same time, I don't want to give crappy presents, or be perceived as cheap. (Okay, I admit it - I care what other people think about me.)
What is your rule of thumb for how much to spend on presents for children to whom you're not related?
You are right-it does get expensive-but that can be the case even when your friends have kids and you don't have children yet. Anyway, we are in a playgroup in which each person contributes $5.00 per birthday, and someone is in charge of buying and wrapping the gifts on behalf of everyone. You get to sign the birthday card when you put in the $5.00. It is the only way to manage in a group which celebrates a birthday or going away party every two weeks.
For our friends outside of playgroup, it varies.