My DD5 is desperate for a class birthday party. Since starting in Reception there have been maybe 5 class parties, including her own last year. From what I've heard people are preferring to do things just as a family, largely to save money. Totally get it.
I would love to give her a simple birthday party, but last year I found I wasted a lot of money on a standard birthday tea which hardly any kid ate, even though it was around 4pm when they were eating. But less food wouldn't be enough to go around. The party was in a village hall with an entertainer, it was otherwise nice and not too pricey.
This time, I'm planning to do an hours private soft play, at a non lunch/dinner time, and skip the party tea. Just before the end we'll do a quick Happy Birthday, then pop cupcakes in some really nice party bags that include savoury snacks and a drink for the road. I'll provide drinks during the play session too.
Is that awful? It just feels smart to me, but I tend to break traditions a bit...
I would make the lack of tea really, really clear on the invite. And I will also say something about not feeling pressured to bring a present (my daughter's birthday is in early Jan so it's already toy overload by that point).
AIBU?