Kids birthday - requested to bring

[MumXtwo]

Just wondering thoughts on this. We were invited to a birthday party for two young children (from the same family) and asked to bring a plate and something to drink but there was nothing stated saying not to bring presents (often a plate is instead of a present) so two presents as well. I thought this was quite rude and asking a bit much? The people are by no means hard up for money etc. Just wondered what people thought on this?

Seems a bit much really. What do the mean by drink? Alcohol? If only drinks for kids then they should just provide juice etc.
Don't think you can then not get a present as wouldn't be fair on the kids. So yeah is pretty rude.
Could you just take a pack of buns or something cheap from the supermarket?
Sounds like they can't be bothered making food but if people just bring random food it's going to be a bit hot and miss...

Are you sure it means a plate of food? If i got that invitation I'd bring plastic picnic plates, having assumed they didn't have enough!

I'd also presume a literal plate. I think you will have to phone and ask.

Presents a must though - the kids don't know that a plate is in place of presents (if indeed it is).

I think it's a bit much. They should just do some sandwiches, carrot sticks and jugs of juice with a few party rings thrown in, if they're struggling.

We've just received a money poem, for a children's party though, so what do I know?!

I think asking anyone to bring anything to a party is rude personally. You don't do it.

I would read that as bring a dish and a drink but not instead of presents, bit harsh for a kids birthday! I'd do both.

Bring a plate means bring a plate of food. It’s completely the norm in lots of cultures.

Is it a party where adults are staying? A garden party/barbecue/party at the park sort of thing rather than at soft play or something.

Mind you, it's a bit 'hit and miss' asking people to bring a dish. When you do your own kids party food, you make sure you include lots of things they like. Could make for an interesting buffet!

So they get a birthday bash and lots of presents, absolutely free and no effort involved from them

• Unless it is a literal plate, that's CFery indeed.

Are they from NZ or Australia? If it's a bbq type party here you'd be asked to 'bring a plate', i.e. bring a plate of food. You'd probably bring a present too if it was for a child, but you'd only bring food if it was a gathering for adults as well iyswim. If it is a party just for the children you wouldn't be expected to bring food, I think that would be a bit cheeky!

I don't read that as a literal plate at all - that makes no sense, if you didn't have enough surely you'd just buy some paper ones. I bet it's a plate of food. Best to ring and ask about it.

I think if adults are staying and need to be catered for its ok. I would just make double dinner the night before.

I think if it was an adult party or BBQ, then it’s fine but for a kids party it’s really weird to ask to bring a dish especially as a lot of kids have allergies or special dietary requirements these days.

I’d probably take a small cheap present and just make something my kids like.