The $500 Kid’s Birthday Party

Scott,

Kids’ birthday parties have become ridiculous productions – themed decorations, catering, gift bags – and now parents are expected to bring presents for every child attending. We used to do cake and backyard games. Now it’s stressful and expensive, and teaching kids that birthdays are about stuff instead of joy and friends. How do we step off this treadmill without being the odd ones out?

Jen

Hi Jen,

My four-year-old was super excited about Grandad’s 76th birthday last week. 

He got on FaceTime and innocently asked: 

“What party games did you play, Grandad?”

“Oh? Erm, well, it was just a quiet day with Gran and I …”

I have four kids and, yes, it’s got out of control. Here’s what’s happened: parents  have started matching party costs to gift costs. Yet it’s an arms race nobody signed up for.

Your kids don’t care. They want their mates there. That’s it.

So, hold the party at the local park. Sausage sizzle. One game. Cake from Coles. Booze for the parents.   Three packets of mixed lollies in paper bags as they leave (revenge is a sugar high in someone else’s car).

Doneski.

What’s stopping you?

You're scared of being judged by the other parents. Or even deeper ... of your kids being judged.

“Why didn't we have the Encanto themed party where everyone got themed party gifts?”

Here’s the truth: that won’t happen. Your kid will be laughing with their mates, eating sausages, and having a ball. And you’ll have saved yourself $500 and three hours of stress.