Can I get away with no party bag?

[Mumoftwokids]

My daughter is having her 5th birthday party at a soft play centre. It is costing me £8 per child invited. The deal is one hour soft play, then a roast dinner followed by music & games, facepainting and then a visit to Father Christmas, who is giving each child a present (it is a chocolate selection box).

I am thinking each child is going home with a decent enough present from Father Xmas, I could get away with no party bag. Save me pennies and hassle! BUT kids nowadays expect a party bag , don't they? Would hate to have disapointed kids at the party.....

your instincts are right -you don't need to give a party bag - esp if Santa's giving a pressie away for each child!
Save your pennies and let Father Christmas give the gift - that's the perk of hiring soft play areas, they usually sort out the party bags/santa gifts as part of the deal so don't add to the cost further!

YANBU.

We never do party bags. The children go home with a piece of birthday cake wrapped up in a napkin, and a little gift - a balloon or pen or book or stickers or some such thing.

Present from FC (and, presumably, piece of cake?) sounds absolutely fine.

I don't do party bags. They can have some cake to take home if they want.

Be prepared for some kids to ask for their party bag as they leave. I just say, 'sorry, but you can take a balloon and some cake home if you would like'.

I think their disappointment lasts all of 5 seconds.

I never do party bags! Yesterday was dd's party. We had a fantastic drumming group who entertained the children and taught them various drumming beats. At the end, we gave each child an inflatable guitar! They absolutely loved them.

ROAST DINNER! what a fabulous party it sounds like. no bags needed definitely.

Message withdrawn

DS3 just been to a party with no party bags and was not bothered on bit. He had a great time all the same!

Thanks you all for taking the time to reply to my mini dilemma! Will take your advice and won't be giving a party bag as such, but give a bag with a bit of cake and a small cheap cracker (cos my daughter adores crackers so I am hoping other kids will do too)Cheers all!