to think it's bloody rude to send your DC to a birthday party with NO card or present for the birthday child?

[ScaredyKnickers]

This has happened a few times now with different parties for my DC where one or two of the invitees have turned without even a card. On one occasion, the parent had not even replied, DC just turned up empty handed. These parents have never struck me as struggling for money and card can cost only 50p anyway. I would never send my DCs to a birthday celebration without a card and a present. Smacks of 'can't be bothered' to me and complete arrogance.

AIBU?

[Kungfutea]

I think there are very few reasons why a drawing/home-made card can't be given. It is a little rude to turn up anywhere empty handed, be it a children's party or an adult dinner party. Even if it's something token, it's to show that you've thought of the host and a way of thanking them - which is why something handmade is so much more meaningful than the cheap tat which is often given at parties (equally guilty of having given cheap tat, unfortunately, in the days of all class mahoosive parties)

I'm sure there are many reasons why someone may end up not bringing something and I like to give people the benefit of the doubt but in the absence of extenuating circumstances it does smack of being self centered and thoughtless - whether adult or child.

I invited an acquaintance over once for dinner when she was in town with her baby daughter. She turned up empty handed with her daughter's nanny in tow as well. I thought that was quite rude.

But life is really too short to get upset about things like that. This acquaintance is actually very self centered and thinks the sun shines out of her ass. At the same time, she's brilliant, funny, the life and soul of a party so we all had a great evening and that's what's important at the end of the day. Of course I didn't need her to bring me anything but it's a token of appreciation. Then again, a little advance notice about her nanny joining us for dinner would have been appreciated as well!

For some people, life simply gets in the way. Some people don't have a clue how to behave. And some people are so self centered they don't give a shit.

[Kungfutea]

Actually, writing this thread reminded me of an incident with my sil who really is materialistic and grabby. After dd's party, dd was writing who gave what so she could write proper thank you notes. Sil comes up to us and says 'oh, what a good idea to write it down, that way you'll remember who gave you a rubbish present and you can make sure you don't give them anything too good on their birthday'! We were speechless!!!

[Kytti]

It happened to us once. Like some others have said, I don't care about the no present thing, but no card or drawing is rude. DD was invited to this girl's party the following week and we tore our hair out in anguish what we should do. DD made a lovely card for her.

They're only 29p from some shops. I believe you can buy 10 for about a quid in some places. I keep a stock of cheap cards 'just in case.' Planning to go to a party for a child without a card IS rude.

[Mimishimi]

I wouldn't care. I would not think anything of their financial circumstances either. I only invite kids so my DC can have a special day with their friends, not more useless crap.

[Morloth]

Would suit me just fine. I hate cards, stupid waste of trees IMO, I don't give them and pretty much have everyone trained not to give me any.

As for presents, my kids have loads of stuff, they don't need anymore. Would be very upset to find out someone didn't come to a party we were holding because they couldn't bring a gift.

It isn't pay per view.

[Turnipsoup]

What I find really difficult is when children who come to DC's birthday parties give very expensive presents. Although we live hand to mouth we live in quite an affluent area. While my DC's are obviously delighted, it leaves me with the dilemma of what to give the child on their birthday.
Give something we can afford i.e. £5-£8 or to try and match their present back? I'd hate to think the parents were judging the presents.

But I have to say I wouldn't send DC to a party empty handed.

[AmericasTorturedBrow]

I do however think its bad manners not to thank people for presents they get you/your child, no matter how much was spent on them

[DoTheStrand]

Kungfutea your SIL sounds v grabby, and your friend bringing the nanny is very rude. I find the opposite with (non birthday) parties, or dinner / lunch parties though, in that people bring too much stuff, it's almost as if they think they  have to pay for their meal there and then with presents. Recently we have had more than one couple bringing flowers, wine, chocolates, AND presents for the children. It is very generous of them but quite unnecessary - usually there is some kind of reciprocity anyway so we will be visiting them for a meal in a few weeks or months, and of course it makes me think I should do the same when I visit them. When did this start happening? I am sure when I was growing up it was quite usual to just bring one bottle of wine, or nothing - and just say thank you!  

Turnipsoup we live in an affluent area too, I find it very expensive and it must be really hard when you are on a strict budget. It is a lovely place to live but the whole town is geared towards people with money, and transport. You certainly couldn't get 10 cards for £1 round here.  I wouldn't worry about spending a lot on your DCs' generous friends, I find the very well off working parents buy more expensive presents as they are so short of time - just enjoy it!

[INeverSaidThat]

It is very sad that some households don't even have a few crayons and pieces of paper

I am surprised about it TBH

[Eliza22]

These are tough times for many many families. I guess you could argue that a home made card doesn't cost anything really so, in a way, YANBU. I think the whole kid's party thing has become a minefield. Lots of parents trying to outdo each other.

I just hope the child who didn't bring anything didn't feel bad and enjoyed the party. I know parents who can't let their kids go on school trips or buy the school photos because they need the money more for day to day living.

[crashdoll]

It is very sad that some households don't even have a few crayons and pieces of paper

I am surprised about it TBH

Six months ago, I would have said I was suprised. I now work with people with disabilities in a very deprived area. It's shocking what some families go through in a first world country.

[Mother2many]

I agree, at least a CARD...it can even be homemade...just to show YOUR child is thinking about the party child. It's not a play date... It's a birthday party.

YET, will put my own foot in mouth here

My DD was invited by her BFF's divorced parents by BOTH parents. They both had a spur of moment birthday party. She went to the mother's party on Fri, and the father's side on Sat. I would not send a card/gift to BOTH homes... Since it was last minute invite, my DD made her something, and took it too school on Monday... (after party)

[eslteacher]

DP is shocking at making sure DSS has a gift to take to parties. Nothing to do with arrogance or money woes, just complete scatterbrainedness.

At least twice a gift has been bought and then left at home. Leading to panicked attempts to buy a substitute in the vicinity of the party.

At least twice I have caught him wrapping birthday gifts in Xmas wrapping paper, and intervened...

Thank god cards arent 'done' here, twould only add to the palava...