When is it Okay to Ask Parents to Pay When Invited to a Birthday Party?

[Danno 1,228]

It depends on the venue, IMO.

I hope your wife is also putting together "gift bags" for each child to take home?

Oh yeah dude.... thats another common thing.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

At least they won't be spreading rumors about me shagging sheep.

I think you're right.

What a man does with a sheep in the privacy of his barn stays in the barn.

[Peikko 1,575]

I hope your wife is also putting together "gift bags" for each child to take home?

Oh yeah dude.... thats another common thing.

I don't think those are necessary. Some might expect it, but too bad. A piece of cake to take home is quite enough.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I hope your wife is also putting together "gift bags" for each child to take home?

Oh yeah dude.... thats another common thing.

I'm screwed.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

I think that you should buy gifts for all of the guests too.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I think that you should buy gifts for all of the guests too.

Excuse me while I just drive myself over a cliff.

[Golden Gate 530]

To me, the problem seems to be that each birthday becomes a

oneupmanship from the previous birthday party. Someone had a party

that was "so cool", renting a limo, renting a gym, etcetera, so the next family

had to come up with something even "cooler". I always have my children's

parties at home or at the local playground. Their friends can run

around the playground or jump in our 48" pool and cool off. You can

grill some food, eat a little cake. The kids are more than happy.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Excuse me while I just drive myself over a cliff.

:lol: Didn't Junior Seau do that a while back? I'll bet it was over a birthday party. Just have a fun party at home and don't spend a lot of money. It will be fine.

[ready4ONE 5,400]

I think it would be bad form to ask parents of invited children to chip in for party activities. Never heard of anyone doing such a thing. Do what you can afford, kids are not that hard to please!

[^_^ 5,021]

My wife and I come from different family customs and cultures. For her, when someone has a party, they pay for everything and will easily spend $300, even for a children's birthday party, which would make my mother gasp. I came from a family of 6 boys and my parents never had any fancy birthday parties for us. I understand if we were inviting guests to a party at our home, we wouldn't ask for anything, but for a venue (like a zoo or skating rink), I don't see anything wrong with asking in the invitations for the parents to pay for their kid's admission. My wife, on the other hand, thinks it is absurd to even consider anyone else paying.

Your opinions?

I would ask them to meet us by the elephant exhibit That way them having to pay their own entrance is implied!

[Danno 1,228]

I think it would be bad form to ask parents of invited children to chip in for party activities. Never heard of anyone doing such a thing. Do what you can afford, kids are not that hard to please!

These parties are equally (if not more) important to the parent.

Nothing wrong with a parent who enjoys it.

But it can get pricey, unbelievably so in some cases.

[^_^ 5,021]

I don't think those are necessary. Some might expect it, but too bad. A piece of cake to take home is quite enough.

Everyone does it these days.

[chri'stina 190]

Steven, you need to fight for your right not to party. (I couldn't resist) Lay down the law! Talk about this materialistic society and instead the birthday party should involve volunteering at a soup kitchen. But don't tell the kids ahead of time. Just say "surprise activities" somewhere on the invitation.

[Peikko 1,575]

Everyone does it these days.

Everyone, except me

[^_^ 5,021]

Everyone, except me

Wow, an ICONOCLAST, I havent seen one of those in a few minutes.