Do I need to do party bags?

[ShinyGiratina]

Between now and Christmas it will be DS's 9th birthday. At the weekend we're having a "party" of a few friends going to the cinema and some fast food.

Do I really need to bother with party bags? My DCs are already drowning in sweets from here there and everywhere, so a sweet bag isn't that special, and plastic tat for the sake of it isn't a great environmental legacy. I'm still trying to catch up on Christmas in the aftermath of various viruses hitting the family plus the conclusion of major DIY projects in the next few days which are making it tricky to plan leaving the house due to deliveries.

I did a similar birthday treat for DS this weekend. I took cake to fast food place but other than that no party bag. I don’t think it’s expected of it’s not a party - no one seemed upset.

No, I don't think they expect it any more at that age (DD is 8) and parents will be relieved! Maybe just a piece of cake?

No, I think by the time they've got to the point of an outing for a birthday rather than an actual party, then there's no need for party bags.

I agree that a piece of cake to take home would be nice and at any other time of year maybe some sweets too but I don't think anyone (including the kids!) would be too miffed if you skipped it.

No. I never did party bags for any of my kids parties. Guests were given a big slice of cake to take home.

No. For my daughter we did The Book People pack of books, we had some great pop-out Thomas The Tank Engine build your own station one year, and other years a series of Dr Who, or Lego books, about 8-10 books for a fiver (might be more now, eg the Michael Morpurgo set www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=85207&catalogId=10051&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5dzQu-K_5gIVC7DtCh3pXgnREAAYASACEgIlRfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds ) get a big tub of sawdust (helps if you know someone with horses) and do a lucky dip. Guests also got cake to take home

The Book People have gone into administration so I'd be wary about ordering from there. It's annoying because I was planning on ordering books for DD's party next month!

I'd do a little lucky dion if you're worried. Wrap up some silly bits and stick them in a gift bag with shredded paper and as the kids leave, they stick their hand in and get a wee present.

The Book People have gone into administration so I'd be wary about ordering from there

Really? When? I just got a delivery from them a couple of weeks ago! Hope they pull through.

The Book People was announced this morning. They've been rescued a few years back. They are still trading with enough reserves to pay staff this month according to this morning's news.

I won't worry about bags then. I'm sure that they'll all have plenty enough stuff in the next week