To not go to this low key children's party?

i did all the fancy parties for my DDs. Then I did an at home, pass the parcel type party one year. It was a huge hit. I never went back.

When I get invited to a party I assume there will be a level of entertainment

Again, it isn’t for you. It isn’t you that is the guest.

So odd.

Also, “I expect a level of entertainment”. Good grief.

Who the hell actually wants a party bag?

Seems like you already know you do not want to attend a party of this nature, so why bother asking what other people think?

Be polite in your rsvp and spend that day doing something expensive, with amazing food and treats that will appeal to your snobbish outlook.

It was “very boring” for you???? It’s a kids party. It’s not designed to be entertaining for YOU.

Also your tone describing the food and lack of party bags is a bit snotty. Are your expectations of kids parties maybe a bit high? It all sounds lovely to me.

When I was a kid parties involved sitting in the floor of someone’s living room playing pass the parcel. That was probably extremely boring for the adults but it wasn’t for them. And sandwiches, crisps and cake were normal. I guess parties are fancier these days, but still.

Be honest, you didn't want to know if you were unreasonable to decline the invitation, you just wanted to rant about this party.

I wouldn't travel 45 minutes for a birthday party, but neither do I find local soft play parties particularly entertaining if I'm honest

It sounds good to me but I’d be put off driving 45 mins as kids parties tend to be around 2 hours so spending almost the same in the car is a lot to me. My daughter is only 2 so maybe if she was older it wouldn’t be an issue. Also I have so much party bag junk, the less of that being brought into my house the better

You’ve got kid/kids the same age as her? It sounds just right for kids that age.

The fact that it’s “boring” for you is irrelevant. It’s about the kids. And running after toddlers is what you do when you have toddlers.

And yes you sound judgey. As for the lack of party bags. Have a listen to yourself. So fucking transactional. How far would you be prepared to drive for a bag of toddler tat?

If you don’t want to go, don’t go, don’t try and dress It up with excuses. You don’t like her, you’re much better than her, so don’t go.

It’s just a play date really. And a present expected. It sounds minimum effort.

This.

What? You didn’t get a bag full of plastic shit? The horror! Report to SS immediately!

I'd still expect to parent (or run around) at the toddler party.

Of course YANBU to decline a birthday invite- why are you even putting thought into it? It sounds like you just want to bitch about how bad you think the party is

YANBU for choosing not to go to a party, being invited is never an obligation.

YABU for complaining about a lack of party bags, providing a gift to a child on their birthday, and a park for being “boring.”

Wow

You're not a snob OP. Please ignore the judgmental comments. It's nice to be invited OFC, but personally, I'd prefer not attending as it sounds like a lot of work for little joy.

My kids once went to a party in a park. Lovely family and both my kids were best friends with their 2 children as in the same class. They also hosted a couple of parties at home, all fine, but they never organised much entertainment and it was anarchy at times. My ex and I had to jump in a few times and start organising some games. The kids still enjoyed it to be fair, but I wouldn’t have wanted to drive 40 mins for it, but would have for their closest friends. Thankfully long out of kids parties now as my youngest is 18 next birthday.

You can not go to any party you want for any reason you want. Personally I’d go, if available - nice to get an invite and might be better than last time. If not, it’s a couple of hours. To be fair, the first party sound fine - people throw far too much money at kid’s parties.

45 mins isn't really that far for a nice setting. Take them over to the park afterwards and any other stuff on site so it's not just popping over for an hour?

And no party bags isn't low budget.

Gosh you come across as a joyless snob. What's wrong playing with your kids in the woods? Don't you enjoy being their parent?? What is wrong with a Costco cake?!

Its fine if you don't want to go, not sure why you need a poll to tell you that. Nobody is obliged to do anything. I wouldn't want to hang out with you anyway if I were the other parents.

Just a shame for your DC, who may have enjoyed a day out.

Mum's can't fucking win. The poor woman is entitled to throw any sort of party she wants for her child. You are not being kind in the way you have worded your snobby post.

I would ask her if she would like you to bring any additional bats/balls. As the children are all a year older than last year they might be a bit more 'able' to join in parachute games etc. Was she hoping for more attendees last year? You could take your DC to the playground after the party to make the trip more of a day out. However, you can also decline the invitation for any reason.

God I wish everyone would agree to no parties bags ever. Useless tat, not wanted or needed. DD is 6 and we've been to lots of parties. The interest in the party bag stuff lasts the drive home and then is left in the car until I lose my shit and throw it away

The host has presumably made it clear that each family pays their own entry. The choice is to go or not to go. If you don’t fancy the party don’t go.
Being snooty about a minimal party bag last year sounds incredibly rude.

Sounds great for a three-year-old. Who on earth does party bags for that age group?

When I get invited to a party I assume there will be a level of entertainment.

Stop assuming.

Get off your high horse.

Spare this poor woman and her kids from your God awful company.