To not attend the birthday party

[Gownsandteas]

DS has been invited to a birthday activity from a boy in his class. I confirmed the invitation with the parent but then she asked for a certain amount of money for the activity. I thought this was odd but as it was a small amount, I paid. But I knew the children were going out for dinner after the activity- so just in case, I asked the parent if parents have to pay for the children's meal. She said "Yes". I had to pay for the activity, the birthday present and now the food?!! AIBU to let DS miss the birthday activity and skip the food. I don't enough funds to do the birthday food AND the birthday present. AIBU?

Not the done thing around here.

if you can’t afford a party/activity, don’t do it!

‘Yes, ‘hey CF, Childs name is so excited for the party, but unfortunately we won’t be able to stay for the meal as we can’t afford this at the moment especially with Christmas coming.’

That’s the problem OP said she doesn’t have the funds.

That would be a good solution but how do you do that if you don’t have the funds?

If you've already paid for the activity then go to that then leave after

I'd just explain you can't attend the meal because you can't afford to pay for the activity and the present and the meal.

She wants a champagne budget birthday party but she expects her guests to pay for it. It's cheeky fuckery but you've paid for the activity now.

I wonder if she’s asked other guests for payment yet or told them they have to pay for their own food? That could be slightly awkward for her when it comes to paying if she hasn’t

This

Was this an actual paper invitation? Or was this 2 kids talking saying do you fancy coming to do this for my birthday?