Teens birthday - do you do an equivalent of party bags???

[reactuniom]

Forgive me for asking a probably ridiculous question. I only have 1 child who is autistic and hasn't had a birthday thing with peers for many many years. He's been to maybe 1 birthday party at about 11 where party bags were given out so I'm totally clueless about what the norm is.

Ds is having a 14th birthday outing soon. 3 friends. Gaming type experience and fast food. It's a big deal for him. He goes to a SEN school with the boys. All autistic. All very rarely go to birthday things. Won't be doing any of the outing solo due to needs but aren't young for age if that makes sense.

Do you give the boys a 'thing' - don't really mean a party bag as such but a 'thank you for coming' type thing which is what party bags used to be for?

Something like this filled with sweets for the party rather than given at the end?

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1458913004/gamer-cold-cup-personalised-boys-drinks?gpla=1&gao=1&&utmsource=google&utmmmedium=cpc&utmcampaign=shoppinggukenngbe-homeeandliving-kitchennanddining-drinkkandbarware-drinkware-other&utmmcustom1=kkCj0KCQjwqP2pBhDMARIsAJQ0CzoHM-BpbXOHBgqvBG2G1ejAVKqXMYePTSkRPey7Yt8vWUlvK7LVsaoaAp2qEALwwcBBk&utmmcontent=go3262337288484035575352301443874055pla-498657395672m1458913004engbb102858184&utmcustom2=326233728&gaddsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADutTMcrVo-xgk2vTduBh0TgbGtry&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqP2pBhDMARIsAJQ0CzoHM-BpbXOHBgqvBG2G1ejAVKqXMYePTSkRPey7Yt8vWUlvK7LVsaoaAp2qEALw_wcB

By the time my 3 DC were in secondary school and birthday outings took a form like this no one did take home gifts.
You could do them if you think the boys have missed out when you get and would therefore like them but you definitely won’t be missing a standard part of young teen life if you don’t.
I hope they all have a brilliant time.

I still do party bags! It's for DD so tends to be nice bath bombs, posh stationary, mini-torches, vouchers for coffee places, unusual sweets (overseas ones or edible currency), chocolates, comic shoulder bags, stickers - they still get pretty enthusiastic about them and DD still loves them.

I think you're on to something there - I am very aware that they've all missed out on a lot over the years. Good to know it's not the norm at this age so I can decide either way.

Given the kids in the group I definitely would. Ask your DS what he would like to be given to say thanks for going to a party. They might love it, something gamey, gamer magazine or sweets or similar, lovely idea. Hope the party goes well!