is this really what people do these days?

[Megatron]

DS was due to go to a party this afternoon but unfortunately has had the most horrible stomach bug since Tuesday and is totally washed out, still not eating etc. I knew yesterday that he wouldn't be going so I rang the party lads mum and told her, offered to pay for his place as it was a Laser party and I knew was £12 a head, she accepted, all fine. I passed their house last night so put the money through her door.

So this morning I receive a text from her to ask me if I will be dropping off her sons birthday present today . I text back saying no I won't, I'll give it to her when I see her at school, hope party goes well etc. Half an hour later she turns up at my door as 'she was passing' for her sons present. I was mortified. The present was sitting on the bookcase in the hall but it wasn't wrapped (as I always do that about 4 seconds before I leave for the party). I know this is petty but really? Am I incredibly old fashioned or is this normal manners these days?

what the fuck? what a loon! I think you were more than kind to pay for the place!

Absolutely unbelievable!! The cheek of some people.

Megatron, if I didn't know you were a regular I would say this was a windup . That's rude enough to be almost unbelievable! What a nutbag. STEER CLEAR from now on.

When it is your DS birthday, send an invite to her DC and when she has accepted text her to say "Can you let me have the money for his place at the party by Friday please?" and charge her £12 plus whatever the gift cost! :o

PS, to anyone who doesnt let their child go to a party if they cant afford a gift, a couple of tips.....the best received gifts both given and received by mine has been boxes of Maltesers! They love them and so do the kids getting them when they attend parties, I have seen DS's best friend toss £20 plus gifts aside in the rush to open the red box :o And my lot always love home made cards, especially if the maker has drawn a picture of the birthday child on it. They genuinley prefer them to bought cards.

I am a real chucker out of cards etc, very ruthless, but each child has a stash of home made cards their friends have given them as I couldnt bear to throw them away. DS at 21 and DD at 14 both still treasure theirs :)

Oh and create a gift list at Toys R Us or John Lewis or somewhere and include it only their invite :o