My daughter’s 8th birthday party was a success. The house was trashed but everyone had fun. The theme was k-pop demon hunters. All it means that we had a banner and some balloons with the three huntrix, plus “Takedown” blasting from the speaker. Also, her cake had the three huntrix on it.
I am quite a party-pooper when it comes to birthday parties. See below.
1. games or scavenger hunts or any kind of crafts/activities during birthday parties. Never did, for any of our kids. Entertainment? The kids have each other, so that takes care of them being entertained. Craft or no craft, the house will be destroyed regardless.
A friend of a friend set up the pedicure/manicure station for the little girls and painted many sets of little fingers and toes during her daughter’s birthday party. God bless but no way.
2. goodie bags/ party favors. I find it unpleasantly intriguing that, upon departure, the guests receive goody bags/party favors. Why?… To help them remember the party by way of a bag filled with useless stuff?
That’s not to say that sometime party favors can be creative and meaningful. I remember one year (was it L’s second birthday?) we donated money to the animal shelter, printed the cards with cats’ and dogs’ names and left a message, something along the lines of “dear [guest], thank you for celebrating with us. Instead of party favors, we donated $ to help [name of animal shelter]”. I also remember that a friend sent everyone home with her son’s favorite book so that was nice. We actually still have it.
3. receiving a birthday party invite after your kids (or moms) no longer keep in touch. Just this year I had a situation where we received a birthday invite from a person who used to be L’s friend when they were still little. They actually played together quite often, when they were around two years old. I decided to not be a party pooper and RSVP’d yes. When we arrived, nether my daughter nor the birthday girl remembered each other.🤷♀️
4. birthday gifts. This may be cold but we always ask for contributions for kid’s future in lieu of physical gifts. I admit some people probably find it strange. BUT. These kids are already very privileged and have everything they need. I then take whatever cash they receive, add a little more on our behalf, and put it all into their brokerage accounts where money is invested.
5. food and cake. Very easy! I don’t bake and I only cook when I must, so takeout (pizza, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, a few salads) and a Dairy Queen ice cream cake.
Are you a party pooper?
This month I am participating in #NaBloPoMo2025. A running list of participants can be found on San’s NaBloPoMo page as well as more information about this lovely initiative on this NaBloPoMo page.
Mom of Children 