Group party advice needed!

[lou33]

Ds2 came home with an invitation to a birthday party, which is fine, BUT it is going to be a group party for 8 children!

It says at the bottom of the invites "presents at your discretion", but I don't know what to do. If I send none I would feel a cheapskate, and tbh don't know if I can afford eight! They also want me to provide a picnic for ds to eat at the party, including blanket.

Tbh I feel a little bit like they want a present but won't put on anything in return (i.e expecting us to provide food and gifts), but ds really wants to go. Also happens to be on dh's birthday, which I suppose isn't really too much of a problem.

What shall I do oh wise ones?

Message withdrawn

Why not buy token pressies ie little crappy things and wrap them up and put in a lucky dip bag so the 8 kids have fun getting them out. I think the anticipation and fun of that would outweigh the lack of expenditure!

Can't say I recognise a single name on the invite. It's a mix of girls and boys.

I will think about the lucky dip idea though.

lol@ little crappy things btw

This, I feel, is one of those occasions when I can release my recipe for chocolate brownies.
if I were you, I would knock up a batch of these little smackers, put them in a colouful box and with one of those write on icing tubes, put the initials of each birthday child on 8 of them.

CD's lucky dip idea is probably better and less messy though

Ooh madame, would you really do that for me?!!!!

Suzywongs brownies are about the best you could ever try btw.

yes
of course, will email recipe tomorrow to you

oh
they should have nuts in though, would that be a problem for 3 year olds? Shouldn't be unless otherwise stated

I had this problem but not as bad - just 4 host children. We didn't go to the party in the end because, thank goodness, the date was inconvenient.

Like you, in my own secret uncharitable way, I thought it sounded a bit like an excuse for presents with little outlay. And in your case you've even got to provide the food !!!

If we'd gone to the party I would have raided our local pound shops - you can get a lot for your money there - gel pens, notebooks, etc.

It could be the hosts parents really can't afford a big party and this is the only way of doing it. And they did say 'presents at your discretion' so at least they are being up front. I wouldn't miss the party on account of not wanting to stump up money for big presents x 8.

They will be 5 or 6 i think. I will check, but will be forever in your debt anyway I meant ds1 not 2 , silly me I am losing count of my many children .

Tigermoth, that was my first instinct

Suzywong's and CD's ideas sound great. Oh go on Suzywong, post the recipe here!