to not want ds1 to have a party because we've NOWHERE to store the 30-odd presents he'll get?

[LovelyWalters]

I'm not being a killjoy, honest!

Ds1 will be 6 in a few weeks, and dd will be 3 a few days after. Ds1 has just started school and so far has been to about 6 parties at various soft-play places etc. Everyone in the class appears to get invited - I don't think they're at the stage yet of choosing who comes, iykwim. There are about 26 children in his class.

Every time I drop him off at a party I see a mountain of presents, which I just know consists of endless amounts of plastic tat. We live in a small house with very little storage, and nowhere to put more storage. If we have a party for him I just don't know where we could put his stuff!Especially after the deluge of presents he was given at Christmas. Plus becuase it's dd's birthday too I'd feel obliged to throw a small party for her (she's at nursey and it would only be for a few dcs, probably in the house = more plastic tat).

Any suggestions? It's not that I don't want to let him have a party, it's the aftermath I can't bear! He's a great kid...oh maybe IABU, I want him to have fun! But what can I do re presents?

I think it's a shame if your DS misses out.

Even if you had the whole class, some Mums WILL ask what he wants and you can suggest money etc. Other presents you'll be able to exchange at the shop where they were bought or re-cycle at future parties or in Operation Christmas boxes.

My DD has got used to me sneaking unwanted gifts away before she has chance to rip off the packaging!!!

We were once invited to a party with the message "Please do not feel obliged to bring along a present. Your presence is what we would like." or something to that effect.

My DS is 5 at the end of feb and we're having a party at home for 10 friends/neighbours etc. Im dreading the amount of presents he'll no doubt get as well and I think asking for a small donation or gift card is a fantastic idea...just not sure I'll be brave enough to do it!!

DS absolutely loved playmobil and is itching for the farm which we're not buying him as he is having the party but I definitely think some money towards that would be a lovely idea...I also think if it was explained in a good way that most parents would feel happy that they've contributed to something that a child would actually properly play with rather than stuff which just sits around.

I certainly wouldn't be offended if I got an invite saying it as it would save me having to find something suitable as well. I also think buying "good" presents (sorry can't think of better word!) for girls is much easier than it is for boys...DS is going to a little girls party at the weekend and Ive got a small bead necklace/braclet (£1),little purse with chocolate in (£1) and a princess colouring/sticker book (£2) all of which is small and will hopefully get used whereas boys stuff is generally much more overpriced/character etc unless its a little car which of course DS would love but it would add to the 3 million we already have!!

So no I don't think you are being unreasonable at all!

If you have a huge party just ask for no presents.

Having just done stockings for dd5 and dtwin boys 6 I funnily enough found boys easier:-

small Lego sets from Tesco £3.95
Mr Men books £2
Book People books for as little as £1
small Knex sets £2.99
a Playmobil pirate£2.99
metal harmonica from Hawkins £3.99
Plastocene sets £1 from Tesco (my dc have played all afternoon with this)
tin dinosaur money box £2.99
Hawkins metal compass(they loved these) £2.49
balloon helicopter £1.99
novelty erasers
eco torches

Sorry having forked out for DD's Playmobil pony centre this Xmas I personally would begrudge paying for your son's farm. Party gifts are a possible extra not something to be planned. Asking for money is presuming your dc will be getting a gift. You're inviting a child to spend time with your child not requesting a gift. I think it's cheeky and presumptuous to put in orders.Your guests might not wish to give a gift at all.

I wasn't implying that I wanted people to pay for the farm...I was merely agreeing with the original poster that if people actually felt the need to give my DS some sort of gift when coming to his party then a very small donation towards something big that he desperately wants is better than 10 toys which he doesn't need and which I don't have room for.

Personally I would rather people didn't feel they needed to bring presents at all because like you said the whole point is to have fun on his birthday but if they really want to then I personally can't see the problem with a small gift of a couple of pounds...I wouldn't be offended by being asked to do that at all but I obviously realise that some people would be.