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Original poster

End of a 6yr olds party- no party bag

413 replies

Just4this1 · 05/06/2023 16:15

NC! Quick one- end of a party, nothing handed out to the children- (money not an issue)- would you think rude or perfectly fine?

OP posts:
Divebar2021 · 05/06/2023 16:48

Well it makes no difference to me but I imagine some of the kids would be disappointed - I’d personally not want kids to be leaving one of our parties feeling swizzed ( particularly if I’d slogged my guts out).

chaosmaker · 05/06/2023 16:48

@Just4this1 doesn't it mean that you won't have to do them after your kids party? Be glad of the expense saved!

BrutusMcDogface · 05/06/2023 16:49

CarolDunne · 05/06/2023 16:47

I have never done a party bag. Total waste of money. I hate the kids getting them as well

I leave them behind if I get an opportunity

Jesus, this is rude.

TheTurn0fTheScrew · 05/06/2023 16:49

not rude, but a little odd. Kids LOVE them (regardless of contents), and you want your guests to have a good time. Plus they provide a very important and universally understood cue that the party is over and it now time for everyone to fuck off.

You don't have to fill it with "plastic tat" - stationery, socks, a deck of playing cards, bath bomb have all gone down well.

dizzygirl1 · 05/06/2023 16:49

tattygrl · 05/06/2023 16:36

A book?! Is it a thing now that books get handed out at the end of kids' parties? I'm not being snarky, that just really caught my eye and surprised me!

Show quote history

I and others did them 12 years ago. There were lots of parties at the same time with book and cake instead of party bag. Much better than tat and generally cheaper as I could get books for £1 or less each.

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 05/06/2023 16:50

Unusual but it wouldn't bother me in the slightest and hopefully I won't be bringing my child up to be that spoilt and entitled that he throws a hissy fit if he doesn't get one (I mean no offence with that comment btw).
You would expect to be offered a slice of cake. I suppose also depends on what kind of party it was and how much was spent on hosting the party (was food &/or entertainment provided?)

MuggleMe · 05/06/2023 16:50

I mean in theory it's fine but my dds have been to lots of parties and always got one so do look out for something when they leave. Eben if it's a slice of cake and a balloon to blow up at home or a £1 book.

StephanieSuperpowers · 05/06/2023 16:51

How could it possibly be considered rude?

helpfulperson · 05/06/2023 16:51

I think it's a good opportunity for children to learn that even if something is the norm and you think you know what to expect in a situation there will be times you may unfortunately be dissapointed
And that's ok, it's not the end of the world.

Isitthathardtobekind · 05/06/2023 16:53

I wouldn’t find it at all rude. The children have been to a party and had a lovely time. I never did them, but did do a book when they were little and nothing now they are a bit older. I’m glad not to have to bother with them now as they are just another thing to organise.

gogohmm · 05/06/2023 16:53

For 3/4/5/6 year olds it would be odd, though I prefer a book (buy at a charity shop, we charge 49p for them) for older ones decent sweets only is fine

LaMaG · 05/06/2023 16:53

I absolutely hate them so I would be delighted and hats off to parents for not buying into it. I don't know why it has to signal end of a party, just say it on the invite or say it to the kids - Party is over, time to go! We should be reducing waste like this and I think it sets a bad example. Then as a parent you have already sugar high kids either eating more sugar or having a melt down cos you say no.

lakesummer · 05/06/2023 16:53

I wouldn't have cared but my dc would have been disappointed I think.
They gave a gift and in all honesty liked getting a small one back at the end even if it was just a sweetie cone.
It was the expected cultural transaction. Maybe just include In invite info so no one is hanging around expecting one.

chaosmaker · 05/06/2023 16:54

Expectations are rude though!

lakesummer · 05/06/2023 16:55

You absolutely can teach dc that being disappointed is survivable but I'm not sure I'd want that to be the take home memory of my dc's birthday party.

Isitthathardtobekind · 05/06/2023 16:57

No need to rethink. There is no need for them. Not everyone does party bags. It would be ideal I think that children appreciate that they were invited to do something fun. Parties cost and also take time to organise. Sometimes they might get a bit of cake, sometimes they might have cake there. Sometimes they might get a party bag, other times they might not, but they were invited to a party which is lovely.

spiderlight · 05/06/2023 16:57

We always did them (particularly after seeing them described on MN many years ago as "Off you fuck" bags 😂) but I wouldn't necessarily see it as rude if someone chose not to. I'd probably be relieved not to have to listen to a plastic kazoo for the next three days!

Blanketpolicy · 05/06/2023 16:58

We buy too much crap so I welcome no party bags.

I can't believe someone can spend a significant amount to entertain and probably feed your child for 2 hours and be considered rude for not giving a plastic bag with plastic tat in it that is in the bin within an hour of getting home.

Hannahsbananas · 05/06/2023 16:58

Acunningruse · 05/06/2023 16:17

I wouldn't find it rude and completely understand the reasons for not wanting to do party bags (plastic tat headed straight for landfill, sugary treats not good for DC, cost, etc) BUT it does go against the norm so i would have appreciated the heads up beforehand so I could manage my child's expectations.

Manage your child’s expectations??
I’ve heard it all now…

CovertImage · 05/06/2023 16:58

"Rude" - the absolute bloody entitlement!

Mariposista · 05/06/2023 16:59

I'd be delighted!

Isitthathardtobekind · 05/06/2023 16:59

@mushroommummy sorry- I meant to tag you in my last comment re rethinking bags.

Dacadactyl · 05/06/2023 17:00

Totally fine and id breathe a sigh of relief tbh.

One time I just did party bags with a slice of cake in for DS party. I hate the things with a vengeance and they're full of plastic crap.

Thirdtrimester · 05/06/2023 17:00

I’d think bloody great IF it was going to be a load of plastic anyway. I think anything edible is okay though: a takeaway slice of cake for pudding after dinner perhaps.

tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 05/06/2023 17:00

SavvyWavvy · 05/06/2023 16:16

Perfectly fine. Parties are optional, as are party bags. They’re full of tat that ends up in landfill and are a total waste of money. I wish nobody handed them out.

This

No cake however is a bit miserable Grin