30th Birthday Celebrations

podperson

I turn 30 this year and am not expecting any 'special' presents. Had a party for my 21st, which my mum and dad ended up contributing to (tho I did organise) and got me a special pressie then, so think they've done enough they're not exactly rolling in it and I certainly don't expect them to spend their money on me. Tbh if your son is actually asking for big pressies I'd find that a little rude.

Prawny

I'll be 30 next year and the thought of getting a 'special' present from my parents would not even cross my mind!

I think it's different for your 18th and 21st as I think a special present from your parents at those ages are appropriate to celebrate you becoming an adult but really not necessary at 30.

MERFE

I'm 30 this year and I would like for my mum to get me something special to mark the occassion - she sent me £20 for my 21st and I didn't have any parties growing up but my sister was taken on holiday to eygpt for her 21st recently. However I've not mentioned anything and doubt I'll get anything worth writing home about last year when asked what I wanted I told her what I really wanted as I was sick of always saying I'm ok just some smellies, chocs or clothes or whatever and getting nothing much whilst my sister asks for and gets laptops, games consoles, designer clothes, holidays etc And mum wonders why she won't get off her fat bum and get a job - why would she.

Sambucus_Nigra

Justwed08 wrote: »

Hi - my Son is celebrating his 30th birthday next month and wants a big party and special presents!! I can still remember doing all this for his 21st birthday - am I being mean saying no? Is a 30th birthday that special these days? My OH reckons that we should just spend the same amount as we did for his birthday last year and ignore requests for something special?? Any advice gratefully received!

You don't say 'no'.

You say 'That's nice dear; make sure you let us know when and where and we'll pop along and have a drink with you to celebrate'.

pigpen

I was 7 last time I had a birthday party.

OH is 30 this year and we are having a BBQ with friends and family.. I have him a special gift.. a DS XL.

Yes he should organise his own party and you should get him a gift if you see fit.. why would you get him something more? it isn't that spectacular turning thirty.. everyone over 29 has done it that is a large percentage of the population!

browneyedbazzi

I think he has a nerve asking for a 'special' or more expensive than usual gift! It is entirely up to you to pick out something you feel is fitting (and affordable!). For a 30th birthday I probably would try to find something a bit special or memorable, although not necessarily more expensive. I try to always buy gifts that are personal and show I have thought about the recipient...although I don't often spend a lot, people often comment that my gifts are very well chosen and show I listen and care.

He should accept whatever is given graciously and be thankful for it, regardless what it cost. A gift is something extra that someone cares to give you not something you are owed. I get really annoyed by people who feel entitled to gifts or have the nerve to be demanding about them...maybe I'm a bit heartless about this but anyone who tries that with me gets nothing.

j x

ovoreo

I am shocked by your son's expectations! I am 30 this year and I would never dream of asking for a 21st style party to be laid onto me! I'm an adult with my own home, I work full time and earn more than my parents put together! I've arranged my own celebrations and invited my friends and family. I've got various things going on but the main thing is a garden party for family but I'll be supplying the food, drink and cake (I'm buying a sponge cake from waitrose and getting a custom made cake topper from a local supplier). I don't have any special birthday present requests, I always struggle with giving suggestions anyway and really don't expect anything. Although my sister is buying me Eliza Doolittles' album.

I think your son needs a wake up call. Sorry!

ovoreo

onlyroz wrote: »

If he wants a party he can organise one himself at his own expense. He's not a kid anymore - if he still wants to be treated like one then I suggest you hire a bouncy castle and start making up party bags.

Actually that sounds fun!! :j

TheConways

I'm getting married this year and my parents have told me that they can't afford a proper wedding present at the moment but will in the future when less of their money is going into Dad's business (he's an inventor, and they are investing all their money in his new project, which is pretty cool I might add). They are shelling out several thousand on flights and transport as there is an ocean between us!).

I would much rather than work on Dad's business, and have told them not to spend anything - when visiting last week, Mum and I had great fun picking out some pretty plates and wrapping them up for less than $20 from a local discount store. Just tell your son that sorry, you can't afford anything special at the moment, and ask him to suggest something for less than 10/20 pounds (whatever you can afford).

Quite a nerve expecting you to spend on something special in these times of high inflation, cuts, and economic concern.

money_saving_diva

Justwed08 wrote: »

Hi - my Son is celebrating his 30th birthday next month and wants a big party and special presents!! I can still remember doing all this for his 21st birthday - am I being mean saying no? Is a 30th birthday that special these days? My OH reckons that we should just spend the same amount as we did for his birthday last year and ignore requests for something special?? Any advice gratefully received!

but why does 'special' have to mean more expensive than usual? I don't know what you usually spend but what about something engraved? Something to do with the date he was born? a personal unique cake for the party?