Why do people give money instead of a gift when attending a birthday party at a restaurant?

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I don't know how it is in other cultures but in the "Russian" circle (here in NYC) when we get together for birthday parties at restaurants we usually give a gift of $100 per person. If there are two people that makes it $200. I have no idea who came up with that number. Why does it have to be at least $100 a person? It is very rare that someone will come with a gift rather than cash or a check. I have no idea why that is. What is wrong with getting an actual gift rather than stuffing money or a check into an envelope? I actually think that getting a gift is a great idea. It's more thoughtful and personal that way and it allows you to actually spend less money as well. If two people are going, the gift you get does not have to equal to $200. It just has to be a nice thoughtful gift and hopefully one the birthday person will actually like. I doubt the person will research the price of the gift when they receive it. Though you never know... I am going to a birthday party soon and that is exactly what I am thinking of doing. And I see nothing wrong with that. And because I feel like I cannot afford to give $200, I'd rather spend less and give a gift than give money but less than $200.