They have been back at school, what, 6 weeks, and we have had at least one party every weekend. It's official. My daughter has a better social life than I do.
If that wasn't bad enough, the cost of weekly presents for these parties is cutting into my 'new top' fund.
I have now limited it to a £5 per party present. Measly I know, but you should see the gift tables at these things! (Top tip - M&S do great make your own Jewellery Tinkerbell kits for £5 that are perfect for girls. Boys always get Lego and a big box of Maltesers).
The last party surpassed all other parties. It was like a small wedding reception. Held in a hotel, the whole of year 1 was invited. That's sixty children. The theme was pirates and princesses. I dropped eldest daughter off, had a peek around the door, and there was a top table (assume for birthday girl and best friends), with two tables off it, decorated with pirate and fairy sprinkles and table decorations. I half expected to see a menu,
Starter
Lightly Salted Chipsticks or Curly Quavers
Mains
Egg, Cheese or Ham sandwiches,
Sausages (not on sticks anymore due to sharpness)
Cucumber and Carrots
Dessert
Barbie Birthday cake
followed by Apple juice and Haribos
Even eldest daughter looked a bit in awe of it all. I left her to the entertainment, named Mr McDooDoo and disappeared for a couple of hours, slightly miffed that our whole Sunday revolved around this do. As it was 1.30pm 'til 3.30pm there wasn't much we could do before or after the party.
At pick up, I arrived 5 minutes early and headed back to the Carlton Suite, the lights were off, the music was pumping and it was hot and sticky. It felt like a club! Only with little boys running around holding two balloons to their chest and shouting, 'Look at my boobies!' (Just think, in a few years they'll be desperate to meet a girl who will say the same thing...)
So, off she goes yet again to another party. Another day revloving around a bunch of 5 year olds. The present's wrapped, another card written (badly) and already the conversation has begun about what to do for her party in 4 months time. Any ideas? I'm thinking of leaving the country...
13 comments:
Yes, its like an extra school run isn't it. And it eats right into your weekend. AND there's constant forking out.
I used to invite all the girls in daughter's class and maybe a few boys but no way, would I have the whole of the year! Thats just madness!
When they get older ie year 3, it whittles down to their "good" friends, so cheer up xxx
Yes, Jenny, you are so right, it is like another school run, only more expensive.
So it gets better in year 3? Ooh joy, just two more years to go then! xx
That's too many parties. The stress!
Personally i love the parties but only if i get to stay and eat the party food :)
OK, on the presents: every birthday your child has keep half the (good) presents back and hidden. That way you can re gift them next year. Remember to keep the tags...
On the party: Leave the country.
I want to move to the countryside. Even better, into the woods.
I just wonder, if little people's fifth birthday parties are like this, what are they going to expect by the time of their 21st, let alone their wedding? x
Oh CTTF We are leading mirror weekend lives, thousands of miles apart....but so far this party season, every parent/Prince Birthday has chosen the same inflatible partee-zone. A case of party-boredom is sure to set in v soon. xx
This made me laugh!!! Talk about competitive partying... oh dear! I don't blame your for scaling back on the pressie cost either. Especially when one minute they're telling you that so and so is their best friend and the next its "Dont be silly mummy... she was my best friend last week.. now I just know her"! Oh the fickleness! x
I am the party pooping mum who always gives a book. I always get a big thank you from the Mum, the kid on the other hand, not so much. Oops. (I'm surprised we get invited at all.)
Tricky one the return party list - you feel like you have to invite all the kids who invited yours AND compete with whoever set the precedent of inviting the whole year. Lucky if you're here and that only adds up to 20 kids!!
This year I propose a make-over slumber-party for a select few girl-friends (and thats just my birthday..!)
Gosh, I don't think £5 is measly - it all adds up!
That is so funny but scary. A look at what I have ahead of me. What is wrong with the naff parties we used to have in our own homes or the village hall with pickled onions and cheddar on a stick.
Same here. We've got two parties this weekend, but I've roped husband into taking her to one. I've limited presents to £5, but find some fantastic bargains and multipacks you can split at www.thebookpeople.com
The hotel party did seem a bit over the top. I did daughter's fifth birthday party at a local garden centre that has a miniature train for them to ride on. Anything like that near you?
Post a Comment