gifts for party guests (kids)

[kiki22]

DS went to a party last week at a soft play all 15 of the children were given a soft play party bag plus a party bag (gift bag sized) the mum made up full of bits plus a wrapped gift each, his was a tattoo set looked to me like something you could get at b&m for maybe a fiver. All the kids were over the moon to get so much from the party.

Now ds is talking about what he will get his friends for his birthday party AIBU to think its madness to give party guests more than your standard party bag and a bit of cake? It much have cost her at least £100 for the extra bags and gifts.

[VioletBam]

Well it's not "madness" it's personal preference. When my DC were young enough for soft play parties, I always made my own bags to give in addition to the soft play ones as they're...well...a bit shite.

I wasn't going to turn down the party bags though as shite or not, I'd paid for them in the inclusive price.

But I like making party bags a lot. I enjoy it. I budget for it and give good ones.

Sometimes I do things like buy a load of popcorn holders...the reusable ones...and fill those...or mugs...filled with bits and bobs.

So YABU. Some people like doing them.

[mouldycheesefan]

Yabu. Ypu have no idea what she spent on the party bags. And even if she spent £100 or 1000 so what? You don't have to follow suit just to keep up. Kids don't know how much things cost. Do your party bag, fill it with sweets or whatever kids will be happy. The party bag will be forgotten in a week anyway.
Personally a tattoo set would not be favourably regarded by me and would probably go in the bin.

[MollyTwo]

Yabu, why is it madness because you can't/ don't want to the same? If she can afford it then why not?

[NickyEds]

Oh dear! Those parents may have made many little kid friends but no other parents are going to thank them for such silly extravagant party bags! I think a piece of cake is fine. If you wanted to do a party bag I think maybe a small book would be nice but even that really isn't necessary! I'm 36 and when I were a lass (waaaaay back!) you got a piece of cake in a little plastic bag and we're allowed a handful of penny sweets on your way out. Maybe I'm a tight arse but you already shelled out for the party haven't you?!?

[KC225]

I too love doing party bags, I think they are fun and always manage to pick up stuff on sale or on eBay, so I am never buying it all in one go. Bargains over the years have included light up yoyos for 20p, 20 felt pens for 25p, plastic kites from ASDA for 10p. Don't be too sure that gift cost so much. She may be an arch bargain hunter.

In my experience party bags vary and although kids love them I think kids are excited about a generous one but wouldn't expect it of every party.

I have now moved to a country where they don't do party bags but I still do. It's part of what we do for parties.