Party Etiquette

FenellaWitch

Ah pigpen, my small child absolutely loves clothes tho! 😊 He really is a bit of a fashionista ! Yes, I agree that unwrapping presents is lovely and joyous for 2 seconds then the toys etc are discarded seldom to be played with again. Days out will be memories and money in the bank is money in the bank😉
Kingfisher, that is a really good idea , my son loves books as do his friends.

seven-day-weekend

We didn't want anything for our Ruby Wedding, so we just said, bring yourselves and if you want to bring something red, bring a bottle of red wine.

Could you have a donation to a childrens' charity instead, for those who wish to give?

FenellaWitch

Actually, seven day weekend ,that is a fab idea. My child was very premature and Bliss and Ronald McDonald houses were absolutely invaluable.

Serendipitious

I wouldn't intervene regarding presents. He's only 5 after all and is probably really looking forward to his gifts.

After the party there will be plenty of time for him to decide what he wants or doesn't want. And there just may be something in the assortment of gifts, like a book or a craft kit or science kit, that inspires a long-term interest or hobby.

Jagraf

Serendipitious wrote: »

I wouldn't intervene regarding presents. He's only 5 after all and is probably really looking forward to his gifts.

After the party there will be plenty of time for him to decide what he wants or doesn't want. And there just may be something in the assortment of gifts, like a book or a craft kit or science kit, that inspires a long-term interest or hobby.

Excellent post. It is his party after all.

Jagraf

kingfisherblue wrote: »

To reduce costs of presents when there are lots of parties to go to, buy a couple of appropriate collections from The Book People. You can then split the collections and give one or two books per party. Generally speaking, collections of ten books cost around £10, although obviously it depends on which collections you choose. They also have boxes of cards, which tend to be quite decent.

Parents are often happy for their child to receive books as it encourages reading, and they take up little space. Children usually enjoy being read to, or reading themselves. And books are very easy to wrap

This is what I used to do when my daughter was young. You don't have to spend a lot £1 a book.

balletshoes

Jagraf wrote: »

This is what I used to do when my daughter was young. You don't have to spend a lot £1 a book.

yep, me too, for the first few years of primary school I had a birthday pressie box, which had books/small toys I'd bought as I found bargains, for when my daughter was invited to classmates parties.

just_trying

One invite my kids had asked for a gold coin, £1 or £2 as they were saving for X. I thought this was a good idea as the child got something. Only a suggestion, but thought it was a good idea as they obviously wanted no more toys in the house and the child was still getting something.

FBaby

If I don't know the child and they are 5yo or older, I automatically give £5. I think that learning to budget from that age (with the help of parents of course) is the best thing for them and at least I know they will get something they enjoy. It also helps writing thank you card because they can say what they've done with it (or intend to) and you know you are getting a personalised one!

missbiggles1

Serendipitious wrote: »

I wouldn't intervene regarding presents. He's only 5 after all and is probably really looking forward to his gifts.

After the party there will be plenty of time for him to decide what he wants or doesn't want. And there just may be something in the assortment of gifts, like a book or a craft kit or science kit, that inspires a long-term interest or hobby.

I don't think that gives him a very good message - that he can just discard a present somebody's taken the time and money to buy him.