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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU not to do party bags?

69 replies

isitginoclock · 28/08/2016 21:02

We have 20 kids coming over for my daughters birthday party tomorrow afternoon - she's 2 but has an older sister so kids attending are between 1-6 years. I've totally forgotten party bags. The party's at 2 tomorrow... I could feasibly go out and get all the bits but I've got so much else on... But WIBU not to?
Opinions please :-) x

OP posts:
TheWitTank · 28/08/2016 21:02

Would be fine with me! Bit of cake in a napkin and a balloon if you have any?

SoftSheen · 28/08/2016 21:05

YABU I'm afraid. If you completely forego party bags you will have a lot of disappointed children on your hands. The 2 year olds may not notice but 4/5/6 year olds most certainly will.

Just keep them simple, e.g. cake, mini pack of buttons/haribo, balloon and a tube of bubble stuff.

Gatehouse77 · 28/08/2016 21:06

I wouldn't be bothered.

Becky546 · 28/08/2016 21:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Jonso · 28/08/2016 21:07

As Wit says, some cake to take home should suffice. Party bags are not compulsory.

HobnailsandTaffeta · 28/08/2016 21:07

Cake and balloon, they are 2. Be prepared for a 4/5yo shouting loudly "where's my party bag?" While their parents frantically shush them though I've been that parent

Wheresthattomoibabber · 28/08/2016 21:08

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO PARTY BAGS. They will have a lovely time at the party and if they are disappointed they'll get over it in about 3 seconds. Sorry to shout but just relax and enjoy!

SauvignonPlonker · 28/08/2016 21:09

I hate party bags. When it was DD's birthday I just went to the local pound shop & bought them all either a character baseball cap, sunglasses or drinking bottle. Add a kinder bar, balloon & piece of cake. Job done.

Wheresthattomoibabber · 28/08/2016 21:09

If they shout "where's my party bag?" just say you aren't doing them.

Pineapplemilkshake · 28/08/2016 21:09

Sorry but I think the older kids would notice. What about one of those bigger bags of Haribo sweets or something similar each? My DS has been given these at a few parties and they have always been well received. Lidl do nice bags of sweets that wouldn't cost a fortune.

DixieWishbone · 28/08/2016 21:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Crisscrosscranky · 28/08/2016 21:11

As PP have said - don't worry about it but be prepared for older kids looks expectant 5 minutes before the end!

One of the parties my DD went to when she was 3 they all got a piece of cake and a book (DD got Room on a Broom). I thought it was a lovely idea; later the mum confided that Dad had been in charge of party bags and had forgotten so went to Tesco at midnight the night before to find alternatives Grin

PenelopeChipShop · 28/08/2016 21:11

You do not have to follow the crowd! The party is for a 2 year old and the 2 year olds won't care. The older kids can get over it. And yes I do have a 4yo who would totally ask but tough luck!

GoldFishFingerz · 28/08/2016 21:14

Buy a bag of sweets (refresher bars and similar) and just offer each child a sweet as they exit.

Many parents will be relieved.

Round my area only 50% of parties offer formal party bags. Usually it's pfb parties

chitofftheshovel · 28/08/2016 21:15

I wouldn't bother if I were you, I never have and I've never had any issues because of it. Happy birthday to your daughter, and enjoy the day if you can.

elderberryflower · 28/08/2016 21:15

Packet of sweets each, job done.

GoldFishFingerz · 28/08/2016 21:15

Or just give them a balloon and a bit of cake.

Ffion3107 · 28/08/2016 21:18

Aged between 1-6, that'd mean that you'd have to find things suitable for all ages which could mean spending too much and more last minute effort..
We went to a party last week, children were aged 1-4, the parent had bought some paper bags and put crayons/felt pens and some glitter/feathers etc on a table where the children made their own bags and were given cake to go in at the end. Everyone seemed pleased with that!

cheapandcheerful · 28/08/2016 21:27

Get a pinata from asda, give each kid an empty party bag and tell them to help themselves when the pinata spills. A friend did this the other week and I thought it was genius.

funnyfoursome · 28/08/2016 21:29

Brilliant idea cheap and cheerful. I hate party bags with Chinese plastic tat that goes in the bin when you get home. Waste of money, resources etc. Something edible is nice though :)

Pinkheart5915 · 28/08/2016 21:30

Just give them cake on the way out

Balletgirlmum · 28/08/2016 21:31

Piece of cake & a balloon will be fine but I'd also add a mini bag of haribo.

greathat · 28/08/2016 21:32

In the future order some book packs from book people (can normally get a set of 10 for a tenner. Give em a book and a pack of haribo. Job done

emsyj · 28/08/2016 21:32

Party bags are the main focus of parties for my 6yo and 3yo. They dont care what's in them though - easily pleased! A quick trip to a big supermarket is adequate - balloon and bottle of bubbles, mini pack of haribo. Job done.

jennn · 28/08/2016 21:33

Really, don't bother.
I find them rubbish!
I always used to get book people sets (approx £1 per book) & if we had time DD or DS would make a bookmark for each guest.
A piece of cake to take home is fine.

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