Spin-off of the birthday gift thread...

[becoming]

Since I'm pretty sure we will be opening gifts at my son and daughter's birthday party this Saturday, do you think it would be okay for me to buy (very small) individual gifts for each kid that attends the party? Nothing extravagant, but better than a favor bag or whatever, and something wrapped that they can open. There will probably only be 8-10 kids attending, and they'll all be around the age of 4-5. Do you think this would give the other kids the idea that they should always get their own gift at someone else's birthday party, or is it a good idea?

[Dakota's Mom]

I think the goodie bag already gives them the idea that they should expect a gift at a BD party. I see nothing wrong with giving a bit larger gift if you can afford it. I know two years ago, the "goodie bag" at my neice's birthday included 4 or 5 hard cover books for each child. I thought that was a bit too generous. But everyone went home happy. Personally with my older kids we never even did the goodie bag thing. This is pretty new to me. Wedo one for each of the kids at Dakota's parties, but so far he's only four and he's only had a total of 3 kids each year, two cousins and another adopted child that we know.

Kathi

[annethcz]

To me, it just seems wasteful. Quite honestly, I'd be less than thrilled if my kids brought another crappy little toy home from a birthday party. However, I wouldn't mind if my kids *created* a craft project and brought it home.

Kids need to learn that the world doesn't revolve around them. I really don't understand the compulsion people have to constantly give children *things* they don't need.

[TiredX2]

I, personally, wouldn't do that unless it was in the same place as a goodie bag (something to take home and open, not open at the party).

I have never had a problem w/4-5 year olds accepting that the birthday person gets presents. Usually they are VERY excited to see the birthday child open *their* present. If you want to skip that scene, you can open presents as they come in (individually), after the party, or something else.

[mommy68]

I think the goodie bag is more appropriate. I'm sure the parents of the children talk to them on the way to the party about not getting a gift and that the host of the party is the one getting gifts. I'm sure they're prepared ahead of time by their own parents not to receive one I would stick with goodie bags if it were me.

I have done crafts at one of my children's parties and the kids love that kind of thing, but be sure and keep it age-appropriate or they'll get bored.

[newmommy]

Originally Posted by annethcz

Kids need to learn that the world doesn't revolve around them. I really don't understand the compulsion people have to constantly give children *things* they don't need.

:

[hipumpkins]

I love that craft idea...going to post a new thread

[Twocoolboys]

Originally Posted by TiredX2

I, personally, wouldn't do that unless it was in the same place as a goodie bag (something to take home and open, not open at the party).

I have never had a problem w/4-5 year olds accepting that the birthday person gets presents. Usually they are VERY excited to see the birthday child open *their* present. If you want to skip that scene, you can open presents as they come in (individually), after the party, or something else.

This is so true. My ds is 7, so has been doing b-day parties for awhile, both his own and his friends. The highlight of the party for the kids is watching their friend open what they picked out for him. I have never seen a kid have a problem with it. I like the craft idea too. Or what about a decorate your own mini pumpkin since Halloween is right around the corner.