How much should you spend on a gift? Get a budget by relationship type and occasion.
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How This Works
Gift budget guidelines based on UK social norms, YouGov survey data and etiquette guidance. Ranges are approximate — the right amount depends on your relationship, your financial situation, and local/cultural norms. Income multiplier adjusts for what is proportionally meaningful. The most important factor is thoughtfulness: a £20 gift that perfectly matches someone's interests beats a £100 generic gift.
In the UK, cash is generally well-received for weddings (often preferred), graduations, and children's birthdays. For adults at Christmas or birthdays, cash can feel impersonal unless accompanied by a note explaining it's for something specific ("towards your holiday"). Gift cards are a middle ground — more personal than cash, more flexible than a chosen gift. For close relationships, a heartfelt handwritten card often means more than the gift itself.