It seems to be a growing fad in our suburban area to put a registry list and gift ideas on children's birthday party invitations. Our son has recently been invited to 3 parties where the invites include places where the child is registered, clothing sizes, and favorite colors, action figures and so on.
To me, this seems a little "out there" for children's parties. While I understand children do sometimes receive multiple gifts of a certain item, giving me a registry list to a very upscale children's clothing boutique where the cheapest item is listed at $50 seems a little outrageous. I cannot imagine these 5 and 6 yr. olds chose to go register for their party, so is this growing trend really just a fad or something that is happening other places?
2007-03-19 08:58:00 · 6 answers · asked by P H 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I do want to add this..to the 2nd responder..we are in an affluent area, but that is no excuse still. I will go on to say that one invitation did include a little note saying the childs room had just been decorated in a military motif and any military type things would be a hit with the birthday child. I can accept that...it left me with a ton of possible gift ideas and I appreciate that. I just cannot wrap my mind around placing clothing sizes, shoe sizes and actual registry lists or places to visit where the child is registered. This isn't a wedding...it's a child's birthday celebration!
2007-03-19 09:08:53 · update #1
I think it's extremely tacky and presumptuous. I live in a nice suburb too. Birthday parties have become so extravagant. What do the kids have to look forward too? I admit it's convenient to have a party outside of the home at a themed venue like a bouncing party, laser tag, etc. However, a gift registry is too much. I'm leaning towards the other extreme of saying "Please - No Gifts" on my son's next party invitation simply because he has everything he could possibly want and we're filled to the brim with toys. We're fortunate as parents to be able to provide for him.
By inviting a guest to a birthday party, you're asking them to share in your celebration. In my opinion, it's not about the gifts and I don't want my son to think it is his chance to get everything he wants in the world.
I like to give themed gifts like pool toys and a beach towel for spring/summer birthdays or themed pajama and toothbrush sets. Most kids need pajamas or a beach towel. This solves the problem of what to give a child you don't know well or who has everything. The other thing I do is let my son pick out the gift and go with that idea (within reason).
Give what your child wants to give. Don't feel obligated by a registry.
2007-03-19 09:24:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you 100% this isn't a one time special event like a wedding or a baby shower - it is a birthday - everyone has one every year.
I say you go pick out a bunch of coloring books and kids toys and call it good.
Registering for a birthday is way over the top!
2007-03-19 16:15:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to America, anyway to juice more money out from the working folks. My principle is very simple. Buy what I can afford and give what you think is the best for the recipient and never cares if the next thing you see in the garbage is that very same gift. You have done what you can with heart. Gift Registry or no registry. I really don't care. Thanks for sharing this observation which I haven't seen it migrate to Canada yet.
2007-03-19 16:25:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My goodness $50 for child's clothing? You must reside in a wealthy community, or is it a greedy parent?
This sounds like the parents indeed, and they need to be more considerate, of a person coming to the party to make their child's day, not bearing $$$$$d gifts.
2007-03-19 16:04:27 · answer #4 · answered by Born Valentine's Day 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh. My. Gawd.
I've NEVER heard of registering for children's gifts! I'm actually sitting here in disbelief that someone would actually DO that!
Just when I thought I'd seen it all and was at the height of my annoyance with the lack of manners exhibited by all the "how do I tell people to only give me cash or gift certificates" questions, I see this!
Wow. I feel for you. Your suburb takes the cake!
2007-03-19 16:03:02 · answer #5 · answered by sylvia 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
... As you said, PH, I don't see a problem with listing what the child would like, but certainly they should should have a provided a price range that everyone can afford, not just the 'Lexus Ladies'..! ;) ...
2007-03-19 16:19:37 · answer #6 · answered by CynAnne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋