Party Spot - Party Guests: Great Gift-giving Tips

Sweet sixteens, quinceañeras, and bat mitzvahs are traditions that mark the teen years, and in the past few years they've moved to the top of trendsetters' lists as must-have events. You've probably seen at least an invite or two pass through your mailbox, and even though it's exciting -- yay, a party! -- it can also be kind of nerve-wracking. What do you give the host? Luckily, we’ve got some great gift-giving tips that will help you sort out any situation.

How Much Moolah
There are no hard-and-fast rules about how much to spend on a gift. A good tip is to choose your gift depending on how close you are to the host: If you're distant cousins or camp friends from four years ago, you don't need to go all out, but if you've been best friends since kindergarten, your gift should reflect that.

Show Off Your Skills
Even if you are close to the host, keep in mind that you don't need to blow your college fund to find a great present. A handmade card and an item that shows off a special skill of yours can be way more meaningful than springing for the most expensive thing on your host's wish list. Can you bake? Build stuff? Make mind-blowing mix CDs? Then rock your talent and hold on to your savings!

Do Some Plotting
If you're really stuck on what to bring, talk to another friend, a boy/girlfriend, or your host’s parents (if you're already close with the family, that is), and offer to "conspire" with them. Maybe you can chip in for a bigger gift, or give a different gift that relates to a theme (if her parents are getting her a portable DVD player, you could buy her copies of some of her fave flicks).

Mitzvah Traditions
For bar and bat mitzvahs, there's a custom of giving money or gift cards in multiples of 18 (the number which signifies life in Jewish tradition), but this is more of an option than a requirement these days.

Just a Little Something
If you're going to a celebration for something other than a birthday, you don't need to bring a big gift. A token of your appreciation -- known to etiquette gurus as a "host/hostess gift" -- is always welcome. Flowers, candy, or a basket of scented soaps with a tag that says "Thank You!" are all great ways to make your host feel appreciated and earn first-class guest points.

-- Morgan Brown