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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not do partybags?

131 replies

BillBrysonsHauntedRucksack · 18/10/2011 13:01

DS is having a swimming party on Saturday and I have decided not to do party bags.

It's in the evening so no party food as such, but the kids will have a drink and an ice cream at the pool, and some bday cake to take home.

I normally have the courage of my convictions, but have had a few of these >>Hmm when I've mentioned the no party bag thing to other mums.

So, AIBU?

OP posts:
NotJustClassic · 18/10/2011 13:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PetiteRaleuse · 18/10/2011 13:28

I've never been to a kids' party with no food.

Original poster
BillBrysonsHauntedRucksack · 18/10/2011 13:28

I actually think I've mentioned the fact that there will be ice cream about 10 times now, so they will get something!

OP posts:
cjbartlett · 18/10/2011 13:29

that's late for a 5 year old's party, and only an hour and for 40 kids?
is it a joint party?
does your 5 year old really have 40 friends?

Original poster
BillBrysonsHauntedRucksack · 18/10/2011 13:29

Porca I said I wasn't doing food, I am giving them an ice cream.

OP posts:
cjbartlett · 18/10/2011 13:30

ice cream is not food OP

quote of the week that is!

what is it then? body art [hgrin]

SearchSquad · 18/10/2011 13:31

YANBU about party bags, if you are really against them.

But you should cater for more food. Could you not offer plain cheese sandwiches & crisps also? The kids will be very hungry after the swim.

porcamiseria · 18/10/2011 13:31

OK OP, dont feed 40 hungry kids after swimming. but everyone thinks that a bad idea! Its AIBU love.

neolara · 18/10/2011 13:32

No party bags - I applaud you! Stop the tyranny of plastic tat.

Original poster
BillBrysonsHauntedRucksack · 18/10/2011 13:32

cj we have invited all of his class, so about 20 come from there. We have also invited cousins and friends of our friends. I have also said to people to bring siblings if they want to. It is a standing charge for the whole pool and we can have up to 150 people.

I realise it is late, but I am not forcing people to come.

OP posts:
CointreauVersial · 18/10/2011 13:32

DD1 had a swimming party, and I bought a load of cheap beach balls and blow-up thingys from eBay to go in the pool, and each child took one home.

Original poster
BillBrysonsHauntedRucksack · 18/10/2011 13:34

Porca I know it's AIBU Hmm but my orginal OP was only about the party bags.

I will not be doing food, but I will make sure I let parents know this is the case (have already spoken to a few about this)

OP posts:
cjbartlett · 18/10/2011 13:34

every swimming party I've been to has been an hour in the pool, an hour for food.

if it starts at 6.30 and finshes at 7.30 I guess they'll be in the pool about 40 minutes as 40 x 5 year olds + siblings will take an age to get undressed etc

however you seem quite confident in your decisions so that sure why you asked us

aibu - yes you are, not I'm not [hhmm]

cjbartlett · 18/10/2011 13:36

oh yes sorry point taken

imo yabu not to do party bags and food

have a great time though [hsmile]

smartyparts · 18/10/2011 13:36

In our house, partybags usually go straight in the bin Blush and the bit of cake goes on to the bird table.

I think there's a changing trend now - I'm seeing many more single gifts instead. Recently ds had a book after one party and some 'zoid' magnets from another.

RalphGhoul · 18/10/2011 13:36

If my child was invited to a party at a swimming room I wouldn't really expect the child's parents to put on food

GreyRosesAreMyFavourite · 18/10/2011 13:37

YANBU about the party bags, although it ius a little odd not to give anything. The book people or similar do book packs you could split and wrap up.

But YA most Definitely BU about the (lack of) decent food after swimming. There is no way I'd allow ice-cream alone after swimming and I'd be rather disappointed I'd have to go home with a tired, hungry and hyper on ice-cream and sweets child and then start cooking/preparing something decent for them to have before bed.

Original poster
BillBrysonsHauntedRucksack · 18/10/2011 13:37

Thank you cj, I'm sure we will [hsmile]

OP posts:
AKMD · 18/10/2011 13:37

YANBU but I would tell the other parents about the food.

RalphGhoul · 18/10/2011 13:38

Argh, pressed enter too early, only because I wouldn't have a clue where they would be expected to lay the food out.

Am shuddering at the thought of all those children and adults in a pool; you're a brave woman OP, but I hope your DS has a lovely time.

cjbartlett · 18/10/2011 13:40

to be fair to the op if the invite says 'swimming party from 6.30pm - 7.30pm' I wouldn't expect food as there wouldn't be any time

will all the kids get a chance to sing happy birthday and will there be a cake?

ChippyMinton · 18/10/2011 13:41

Make the non-existent party bags into snack bags, and we'll all be happy Grin

Presumably there will be some kind of blowing out candles and singing happy birthday after the swimming?
Hand out a easy-to-handle snack and drink as everyone finishes getting changed.
Candles/singing
Pass round yummy ice cream whilst cutting/wrapping cake (quite time-consuming, actually)
Pass around cake and shove folk out of the door.

tryingtoleave · 18/10/2011 13:41

So, no party bags, minimal food, and you have to get in the pool to supervise your dc along with 40 other five year olds. Sounds like hell. Worse even than the zoo party I went to (I will have to post about that one day).

Original poster
BillBrysonsHauntedRucksack · 18/10/2011 13:43

cj that is exactly what the invite says! I am going to make sure parents are aware of the no food situation though, after reading everyone's posts.

We are doing a cake afterwards, just in the seating area at the entrance to the pool.

OP posts:
Egg · 18/10/2011 13:43

I would be ok with no partybags, ds would survive with just an ice cream, but I would not be happy about putting on a swimming costume in front of all the other parents!!!