Or is this normal for children's parties? Huh?

[AlistairSim]

DD gets invited to lots of parties and I usually try and ask a parent if there is anything their child is particularly into so we can decide on a present.

Recently, we get asked for money.
This feels a bit 'urgh' to me but maybe it's usual and I'm just out of touch?

I always give money and a small token git just so the child has something to open (usually a pack of Haribos etc)

A few mums do this and it means that the child can choose a nice, more expensive item that they really want, and not be inundated by crap!!

I certainly preferred money! (and never pocketed it either)

Crazy Crap (tm) makes me weep a bit. I just picture poor old Wall-e 50 years hence.

at "small token git"

Brilliant

Absolutely disgusting to ask for money, the whole idea of a birthday present is that it is a present. The child should not expect something big or small, it should a lovely surprise. If the parent wants their child to have something big they should buy it! If you dont know the child well it is easy not to get it wrong, why not choose a book token, a cinema voucher etc etc...

If you are going to start asking for money you may aswell forget about the party because your child would have even more to themselves if that was spent on them too & while your at it, lets forget about the cards & give them a couple of extra pounds instead!!!!