What gift or treats are appropriate for a child’s summer party?

[Watchoutforthedeer]

Ds (9) has been invited to a summer party next week.

I'm trying to learn gift etiquette and whats appropriate. I didn't have a good role model for this. My parents would always turn up empty handed to everything.

What would you bring with you?
Is a few shop bought treats adequate?
I could definitely bake some kids treats but this feels ott.
Would you bring a token gift for the child despite it not being a birthday?

I would take a cake or alcoholic drink, and then some sort of game or activity for the children.

Bring a couple of tubes of Pringles.

What’s the context of the party? Are you invited too? If it’s just someone having a few 9 year old friends over for pizza and running around in the garden, I don’t think you have to bring anything. It’s just a play date they are calling a party. I’d be a bit weirded out if parents came to a play date with baked goods or gifts. For example, dd had 2 friends over last weekend for dinner and crafts and a movie and sleepover and no one brought anything and I wouldn’t have expected them to.

If it’s a family party and you are invited as well, then yes, I’d bring a nice drink of something non-alcoholic (elderflower presse or appletizer or similar) so the children can enjoy some too.

If it’s just your dc i would be tempted to send cookies, if all of you id take a bottle of non alcoholic and a bottle of wine

Agree I need more info. Full family? A party just because?

mostly my kids and their friends appear to show up with shedloads of sweets. If I’m feeling ambitious I might make some cookies or something.

If it’s a glorified play date with DD being dropped off then I probably wouldn’t send anything. If the whole family is invited then take a normal host gift like a bottle of wine and/or flowers.

If it's just your child invited, send a few big bags of chips to share, or a box of pop cycles. If you are also invited, a bottle of wine or box of coolers added to it.

Is it a birthday party or playdate? Sounds a bit confusing 'summer party' so I think clarification is needed.
If it's a birthday party then just a gift for the birthday child is fine.
If it's a general party then I would probably ask about taking drinks/snacks - I always find it weird no one gives specifics on this as what if everyone turns up with crisps?!

I think it’s lovely you are trying to be a polite and thoughtful guest. I would appreciate the sentiment of that whatever you brought along with you, it would be clear and appreciated you were trying to make an effort.