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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to put out sweets for children at a summer party?

115 replies

Lotusina · 22/07/2026 16:32

I’m hosting a summer party soon and although the majority of guests will be late teens and adults, there are a few under10s attending too.

Food will be provided, but it’s a light summer buffet rather than bbq or sit down meal. There will be cupcakes and squash.

I want to make it as festive as possible for everyone, and I’m wondering whether to provide some little dishes of sweets for the kids.

As a parent, would this sit well with you or would it be annoying as hell?

I have no idea what sweets kids like these days, but was thinking of something like the natural confectionery co - would appreciate thoughts on that, or other suggestions.

YABU - don’t do it, their parents will hate you

YANBU - do it, it’s a party FFS

OP posts:
ThisWiseRobin · 22/07/2026 16:43

ThisWiseRobin · 22/07/2026 16:39

I usually ask folks if it's OK to give their kids sweets. I'm 69 years old and realise that thongs have changed.
Wr stuffed our kids with sugar. But new parents are different....and dare I say, a bit wiser food wise.
There are loads of sweets that have natural flavours and colours.
Of course most ice creams if you check the labels are OK and maybe just throw in some e numbers for those like me that don't care.
I think it's really good of you to care. Enjoy the party

THINGS....not thongs

Ponoka7 · 22/07/2026 16:43

Individual bags, harribo/skittles/crips. In the kitchen and tell the parents. Bubble wands and punch balloons go down well with primary children.

six666 · 22/07/2026 16:40

Little indivdual bags of Percy Pigs from m&s always go down well at parties....but get plenty, teenagers like them too!

Kelvingrove · 22/07/2026 16:40

Children don’t always cope well with the idea of taking a few sweets and leaving the rest for someone else. Could you do a little bag for each child so they can take their time and know their portion is theirs to eat when they would like it?

ThisWiseRobin · 22/07/2026 16:39

I usually ask folks if it's OK to give their kids sweets. I'm 69 years old and realise that thongs have changed.
Wr stuffed our kids with sugar. But new parents are different....and dare I say, a bit wiser food wise.
There are loads of sweets that have natural flavours and colours.
Of course most ice creams if you check the labels are OK and maybe just throw in some e numbers for those like me that don't care.
I think it's really good of you to care. Enjoy the party

Imicola · 22/07/2026 16:38

I find dishes of sweets mean my DD just eats sweets and not much actual food, then ends up hyper and it can cause trouble with sleep later on. My preference would be giving them a sweet or small bag of sweets each rather than an ongoing supply. Also if there are cakes it seems unnecessary.

OttersOnAPlane · 22/07/2026 16:38

Mini bags of (vegetarian) Haribo go down well in my experience.

mondaytosunday · 22/07/2026 16:36

What kind of sweets? I wouldn’t fancy grubby, greasy hands repeatedly dipping into a bowl. How about wrapping up little bags? Kids can take one and off they go with their personal treat bag.

Needmorelego · 22/07/2026 16:36

Crisps/Corn Snacks would be better if you are going to have something extra.
If you do get sweets don't get hard sweets or lollipops as they are choking hazards for kids running around.

Favouritefruits · 22/07/2026 16:36

As long as they are out of the sun, you don’t want them to congeal, we had this problem at the school fare 😬 sweets are fine for parties!

Enrichetta · 22/07/2026 16:35

How about a fruit salad in addition to the cupcakes?

Morepositivemum · 22/07/2026 16:35

under tens, little packets of buttons, crisps, if over five the small packets of haribo

Naurrr · 22/07/2026 16:35

If it's outdoors I'd think of wasps, and choking if the kids will be running about while eating the sweets and how annoying kids on sugar would be
🐝

Summerbay23 · 22/07/2026 16:34

Great idea. I wouldn’t do loads and would have other stuff on offer too but think it’s a nice idea.

LegoEmergency · 22/07/2026 16:34

I’m firmly on the “it’s a party FFS” side!