AIBU...Books instead of party bags?

[ILoveGroot]

Just thinking of giving something more useful and long lasting than the usual party bag fillers, although I'm aware children love the usual things.

My DS will be 6 soon, and I thought of going everyone a book, plus a few sweets and a piece of cake. Not sure it would be appreciated though?!

Great idea op, I would much prefer that to the usual bits and bobs that tbh are usually left lying in my car after.

Years ago dd1 came back from a party with a copy of ‘You’re a bad man Mr Gum’. It was the best party-bag-that-is -not-a-party-bag she ever received. We ended up with all the Mr Gum books as both dds and I absolutely loved them. Dd2 (now 13) will still retreat into the Mr Gum audiobooks (yeah, we got them all on audiobook too) when she is ill or can’t sleep.

Go for it OP. It’s a great idea. Mr Gum books work a treat if you’re looking for ideas

Marie Kondo doesn't recommend that you get rid of all your books. She simply says to keep those that spark joy. So that could be 1000 for one person and 3 for someone else. I adore reading but now only keep absolutely amazing books. I pass on everything else to friends. My children have occasional clear outs too.
My eldest child is a real bookworm and loves to receive books in party bags. She read a horrible histories all the way home from a party once (we were walking, it was tricky!)
My youngest child, not so much. She gets quite upset if it's a book instead of a party bag.

I think this idea works when they are little but once school starts reading can be an issue for some and a book is not seen as a treat.

I think this idea works when they are little but once school starts reading can be an issue for some and a book is not seen as a treat.

I think books can always be a fun treat just don't necessarily pick one with lots of text. There are great picture/graphic books suitable for all ages eg
www.amazon.co.uk/Graveyard-Book-Graphic-Novel/dp/0062194828?tag=mumsnetforum-21
www.amazon.co.uk/Geronimo-Stilton-Graphic-Novels-13/dp/1597074489/ref=sr_1_16?s=books&keywords=geronimo+stilton+graphic&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1548749753&sr=1-16
or draw their own
comic book

Are you a Southerner?

Only been to one party that did this but thought it was an excellent idea
Go for it

I think all parents in the UK should get together and ban party bags from this day forward!

I think it's a bit tight. Some children will like it but not all love books and reading (or have parents who will read with them). I think a selection of items is better, after all a party bag is to thank guests for coming. Why not a small book plus something fun? One of DD's friends did party bags with a pack of modelling clay (the sort you bake in the oven, 3 colours and a print out of ideas!) We've had sunflower seed kits, novelty stationery, little toys. It doesn't need to be a bag of plastic tat.

you can't please everyone anyway, so at least books are a keepsake.

I don't like competitive party bags, so if you are happy with a selection of items it's fine, if you just give a mini pack of haribo and a slice of cake it's fine too. It's a token gift and a great way to tell people it's time to leave

When you spend a few hundred pounds in a party, you do not need to thank the guests for attending! They thank you for hosting the party. A token bag is nice, but more than enough.

@Tjzmummabear, I live in the south, but not sure why that's relevant?

Thanks for all the fab book ideas!

Great idea!

My DD had a craft party once where they all made an item. They each took their own animal they had made home and I gave them a piece of cake. A few asked where the party bag was and I felt a bit embarrassed but I felt they had all got something to take home anyway.

Recently went to a party (9 year old boys) where they all got a choose your own adventure type book, thought that was a good one as those are a bit more fun and novelty value than just a normal book.
The activity books or sticker books sets from the book people are also brilliant, I’ve had sets for my toddler working out less than a quid a book so it’s cheaper than a party bag as well as much better!

Did this for a party v recently! Multipack of Julia Donaldson books, 10 books for £20. Book, balloon and slice of cake for each child. All v happy.