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Original poster

Can we start a mnet movement to ban party bags?

412 replies

bubble99 · 29/08/2006 20:18

Back in the dark ages, when I was a girl, we sometimes got an extra piece of birthday cake in a paper napkin to take home.

When did this 'party bag' nonsense start? From what I can see most of it is (expensive) junk and, what offends me more, is that the guests look for it.

Am I an old skinflint/curmudgeon? No honest answers required.

FGS, most parents have already forked-out for the food and the makeover/clown/entertainer/ unicycling jugglers, as it is. Isn't that enough?

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MoreTeaAnyone · 29/08/2006 20:21

Totally agree. And why, oh, why do some mothers feel the need to try and outdo each other?

Too much money, Too much brain power in relation to contents.

sallystrawberry · 29/08/2006 20:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ghosty · 29/08/2006 20:24

Oh yes Bubble ... I HATE them with a passion ... I think there is a thread somewhere from last year that I started on this very subject ....
especially because children EXPECT to get them and even ask for them when they leave a party
Last year I didn't have them - but I did get some small $2 toys, wrapped them and made a lucky dip for the children to take home at the end.
I hate receiving them too ... full of cheap crap and sweets and chocolate ... as if they haven't had enough sugar at the party!
I will join your MN ban ...

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southeastastra · 29/08/2006 20:24

oh i love them too my son doesn't like sweets so i get to eat them all. please don't ban them

Original poster
bubble99 · 29/08/2006 20:24

But Sal, most of the stuff ends up lost/broken before the guests have even got home. I'm all for an extra bit of cake, but can't we all agree to ditch the other stuff?

OP posts:
Original poster
bubble99 · 29/08/2006 20:27

Moretea and ghosty (good to see your proper name back, BTW) I shall add your names to my virtual petition.

southeast. I will allow you the cake, but begone with your talk of sweets etc.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 29/08/2006 20:29

but i want the sweeties (boohoo)

WideWebWitch · 29/08/2006 20:29

Im in, have always been mean old bag on this subject.

Original poster
bubble99 · 29/08/2006 20:30

Then bloomin' well go and buy some.

Do not inflict your habit on the rest of us.

OP posts:
sallystrawberry · 29/08/2006 20:32

This reply has been deleted

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southeastastra · 29/08/2006 20:34

see it brings out the worst in us! you are denying poor mums their goodies. if we buy them it isn't the same

Crackle · 29/08/2006 20:35

I haven't done partybags for three years now. Instead I delight our party guests and horrify their parents by handing out a large bag of haribo each. Buy one get one free works out to about 49p per child.

I have never, ever had a child say 'ohhhh, I really wanted a bag of tat'.

My eldest went to a party where the mum had put real fossils in the party bags.[/faints]

Original poster
bubble99 · 29/08/2006 20:35

www. It's the expectation that gets to me most. Am I also a mean old (party) bag?

OP posts:
MoreTeaAnyone · 29/08/2006 20:37

Good idea crackle I will try that next time. Thanks

Original poster
bubble99 · 29/08/2006 20:42

Fossils? That's almost more cruel. The child is expecting his/her bag of tat and instead gets a bag full of 'educationally enhancing' goodies. All very worthy and well meant, I'm sure, but they should be banned whether stocked with haribou or mathematically/ecologically/culturally themed 'goodies.' IMO.

OP posts:
magicfarawaytree · 29/08/2006 20:44

not getting a party bags was the least of my problems at the last party - no one provided food either - we were asked to bring our own picnic!

ghosty · 29/08/2006 20:49

Magicfarawaytree! But maybe they were skint and desperately wanted their child to have a party but couldn't afford it all?????

Original poster
bubble99 · 29/08/2006 20:49

I propose a ban on party bags mainly because we parents spend enough on food etc.

How did the 'bring your own food' party go?

If no food is provided then the hosts should have provided party bags with ponies/racing cars etc.

The party bag ban is to underline the fact that we are already providing a party (food/entertainment etc.) already and therefore no 'extras' should be expected/provided.

OP posts:
Original poster
bubble99 · 29/08/2006 20:51

ghosty. You are kind and I am obviously not.

But they should have then provided an 'IOU a party bag' note?

OP posts:
pointydog · 29/08/2006 20:52

Life without party bags... what a grey world.

Kids just seem to like the whole idea of receiving something small and shiny, no matter how crappy. Tooth fairy, stockings, lucky dips, party bags. Pretty little pieces of tat that you love for 10 minutes and then the mood has passed.

And whether you give 'em fossils, worthy books or chocolate coins, the pleasure will still only last for 10 minutes.

Original poster
bubble99 · 29/08/2006 20:53

And end up all over my floor/car.

OP posts:
pointydog · 29/08/2006 20:54

Ah, that's the problem. My experience of kids' parties is that party bags are an integral part, not an 'extra'.

MarsLady · 29/08/2006 20:54

Honey I never give party bags! Don't care what anyone thinks of me. I figure I give these kids food and cake and entertainment at my expense. Enough is enough! It's not their birthday after all.

ocd · 29/08/2006 20:54

i LOVE E em

you miserabvle sods
bung a few sweets in and have done

SoupDragon · 29/08/2006 20:55

LOVE doing them.