AIBU to not do party bags

[IAmADancer]

Just that really. Hosting a whole class party in our back garden for 50 kids plus friends and family kids. There is a bouncy castle, inflatable slide, soft play area plus cakes, food and drinks.

When my two get party bags it’s just more plastic crap we don’t need and stickers that get stuck all over the walls and floor!

AIBU to just do a few sweets, some cake and a little book?

Last party DS had I was on a mission not to give out plastic crap in his bag. Admittedly he was older, at 8 you can be a bit more creative. So, cake, pencil, bracelet (boy version!), twin bar & the highlight... gel!!!

When my Sainsbury's delivery come the bloke did query my order of 20 bottles of gel!

Anyway they all remembered THAT party bag.

So think outside the box.

My DD is slightly older (8) but she had an afternoon tea party. We decorated biscuits as an activity and they took them home in a paper bag along with a floral glass milk style bottle with straw that they used for juice during the party. They cost 59p from home bargains

If you have a home bargains locally they are great for this stuff! They are currently selling Disney junior colouring sets (sheets and crayons), travel white boards with pen or travel chalk board with chalks for 39p each, and they’re really nice. I just got them for my sons party, although I only needed 10!

Yadnbu - They don’t need party bags, they are only given out at kids parties to impress the parents

You’d be reasonable not to do party bags. But the 3-5 year olds I know are unreasonably obsessed by them. I would!

I always do ‘party bags’ because they are expected by the children’s but I try to ensure it’s not just sweets or plastic junk.
For my sons first birthday he had a “very hungry caterpillar party” so I got 10 wooden caterpillar toys (you know the type - wooden balls that move on elastic) and gave those with a slice of cake.
2nd birthday was fireman Sam so everyone got cake and a fireman’s helmet.
3rd birthday was paw patrol so we got a paint your own money box paw patrol figure each.
His 4th was weekend just gone. He decided on avengers and it’s the first time he’s had all of his nursery friends over. So I ended up bulk buying a load of avengers origin stories (but the comic book style ones) and handing those out with cake.
Every time we host a party, the mums always thank me for not putting plastic junk in their lives and giving out a “party bag” that’s actually good. Plus it means the kids who expect something actually get something that’s useful/actually wanted.
Next year he wants dr who. So I have a feeling I’ll be getting a whole bunch of sonic screwdrivers......

One good thing is much better. Bubble wand is great idea. Try looking at the wholesale and joblot section on eBay.

I always went to the book people and bought books. You can generally get collections which have around 10 books and work out at £1 a book or less. These have always gone down well, especially if you let them pick one themselves. Piece of cake and book, job done,

I love party bags. DD loves them too: plays with them for weeks. But I wouldn’t feel obliged to do them for 50 children as it will be time consumung & expensive. For 25 or fewer, I would do them though.

sorry “consuming”. My typing whilsy breastfeeding is rusty.....

As for needing a party bag to signal the end of the party..... Isn't that why you tell people the times?

Everyone will hate me but here goes... How about politely saying the children have all they need but feel free to donate to xxxxx. For example I sponsor a child and use extra money for this.

I now await the onslaught of people telling me I am cruel to small children.

I think the birthday child should receive gifts in general. It is their birthday. I just don't think the guests should also get gifts for attending! They've been entertained and fed in most cases for a few hours. Also, they will get gifts on their special day and we all take turns.

YANBU Cake and a balloon would be fine. You're already doing so much!

I've only done 1 party and balloons were the entertainment! Haha!
I did do party bags, it was near to christmas so along with cake I put in a letter to santa set, chocolate coins and a bag of hot chocolate powder and marshmallows.

Please don't do balloons!

Bubble wand. Wilko's do them for about 79p I think. Kids love a bubble wand.

50 kids though? Yikes. How big is their pre-school?!

If you're near a Flying Tiger then you can get 5 twirly (reusable) drinking straws for £1. One of those, cake & a couple of sherbet straws (bulk purchase from Amazon) were a hit at last DDx2 parties (8 & 11). I like books too but getting the age range right becomes more difficult as they get older.
Good luck with your party & if you think having some of the parents staying around would help, then we've always found adult snacks & cold beers encourages them to stay & pitch in.