To really resent doing party bags for my dc's bday parties??

[justkeeponsmiling]

It annoys the hell out of me!
This week we are having a bday party for 4yo DS and 8yo DD (bad planning from us a few years back, I know!)
Money is tight and we are already hiring a bouncy castle, feeding the party guests and entertaining them with games, etc. for 2-3 hours. And feeding the parents of the 4yo guests as well, if last year is anything to go by, as they all decided to stay and tuck into the buffet...
I don't mind any of that, but I really resent the custom of then having to present the guests with presents in the form of party bags for even turning up!
Maybe it's because I'm not from this country and I know that in my home country the concept of party bags simply doesn't exist (at least it didn't years ago...maybe that's changed now though?!)
Or maybe I'm just a miserable so and so... hmmm [hmmm]

Ha Ha, love the 'now fuck off home' bags soupdragon!

Now Fuck Off Home? bags would be fabulous for all manner of hosting situations. Dinner parties, drop ins, work meetings...

My kids grown up but I never did "regular" party bags we gave money to charity and the charity supplied a badge for each child - along with this I would write a note for parents with suggestion they could do the same, but none ever did. I have no regrets

I'm with you on party bags but mainly because they are always full of plastic rubbish that gets thrown on the floor of my car while the kids desperately try and get to the sweets on the way home from the party.

I made my own sweet cones this year and it was so much cheaper than party bags. 40 cones cost me about £20 to make.

mumofone, I really hope that was a joke!

Although probably done with the best intentions, the splitting up of Book People sets is generally a waste of time because the children already have all these books. And because they have become so ubiquitous you can't regift them as everyone has them already.

I don't see the problem- just don't do them.

I didn't do them but did a lucky dip with toys from the £1 store the kids loved it!

I have always just done a single item and a couple of sweets always around £1 each. Have done:

• books, various (split book people sets, totally disagree with poster above, have done elmer and themed party around it, and can't believe everyone already has them all!)
• frisbees
• water pistols (reduced in muli sets in tesco)
• cups
• drinks bottles
• baseball caps (England flag, football party!)

All far more useful then plastic cramp and well received

At my kids' parties I've put a note on the invite stating there will be no party bags and I will give a donation to the local hospital's neo natal ward instead. Kids do get a bit of cake though so don't leave empty handed!

at MumOfOne !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I panicked Oblomov. I wanted to make sure there was enough food. I've been to people's homes & needed to make something when we arrived home.

xx

that's some panic mumofone

No joke Catsize :). It was a serious panic to say the least BeCool. Needles to say there was loads of food left over. xxx

mumofone how the heck did you home make all of that?? You could set up a business preparing all of that for other people.

Er....can we come to one of your parties mumofone?

naturalBaby it was a lot of work to say the least but where possible I pre made things in advance, things like the indian snacks were frozen and just defrosted the night before.

Sure thing Caboodle

I will have to do it all over again in April for our sons 2nd birthday and then in the November for our Daughters first birthday. I still have my DP birthday to cater in October (six weeks before our daughter is due). xx