1) Party Etiquette
Once your kids are old enough to spend time around other kids—whether it’s at classes, daycare or school—you can expect one thing to pop up like clockwork.
We’re talking about birthday party invitations … and they just keep coming and coming and coming.
You may think, Oh, kids’ parties are simple affairs. Balloons, cake, presents, done.
But there are actually plenty of money issues that arise regarding birthday parties, whether you’re hosting, or your kid is attending. Namely:How much should you spend on gifts?
- What’s the appropriate amount of money to spend on gift bags?
- What should you do if someone gives your kid an inappropriately expensive present?
Because these are tricky issues, we decided to go right to the source.
2) If You’re Hosting a Party, Should You Invite the Entire Class?
You’re not obligated to invite the entire classroom if that doesn’t work for your family. According to Post, many families follow the “age plus one” rule. For example, a party for a 4-year-old should have five attendees. Many schools even have set policies, like inviting half the class or less, or all of just one gender. If you’re not inviting everyone, it’s worth talking to your kid about discretion, says Post, and remind her that she should keep party talk to herself. And, if you’re planning to invite nearly the whole class, then you should invite everyone.
3) Is It Appropriate to Send Invitations via Email?
Though electronic invites can be convenient and budget-friendly, Post believes they lack one big benefit: They don’t allow your child to be part of the process. Opt for paper instead and you can let your child help pick out and write (or decorate, if he’s too young to write) the invitations. Feel free to use email to send out a party reminder.
4) How Should You Remind Guests to RSVP?
Make sure you give a date by which you want RSVPs, and a method or two to reach you (a phone number is best, says Post). Then, one week before the party, call any families you haven’t heard from and say, “I wanted to call to see if Johnny was going to be coming to the party. This is the time and date again. Please let me know—I’m just trying to get an accurate head count.” You’re not being pushy by giving a friendly reminder.
5) Should You Open Presents at the Party?
There are pros and cons. The benefits are that it’s good to teach your child about opening gifts and receiving graciously. Also, it’s wonderful for guests to see the joy and happiness their presents have brought. But little guests can get bored, and sometimes everyone wants to play with the new toy (which can get broken or lost).
If you do decide to open presents while guests are still there, it’s important to create order, says Post. Have everyone sit down and remind kids they’ll be getting their own party favors later. Once presents have been admired, hide them away with a, “We’ll have lots of fun playing with these later.” Note: Even if your child does open gifts in front of his friends, he should still send a thank you note later.
6) What Should You Do if Your Kid Receives an Expensive Gift?
Receive gifts with the same spirit of generosity in which they were given, says Post. Be grateful, and don’t consider refusing the gift because it’s “too much.” Instead, explain to your child that she received a very special present, and be sure to have her personally thank the gift giver. When it comes time for that child’s birthday, don’t feel you have to reciprocate. Stick to your budget on presents, and don’t try to match gifts.
7) Are Goody Bags a Must?
“Goody bags were always a part of parties when I was growing up,” said Post. All the same, she says, they are not necessary, and giving them out depends on your party style. Sometimes the most meaningful takeaway is one you’ve made, like sending guests home with homemade muffins, or cupcake liners filled with candies or balloons.
Birthday Spot 