How bout taking that money and putting it in their college fund?

It may teach the Bday child that it is not all about them, but it teaches all the kids to expect presents just for being guests.

I see this amplified in the ridiculously extravagant wedding favors and bridal party gifts. Sometimes the sharing of the day should be enough.

I don’t do cards, either. Stupid custom. Write a note!

This year, my son took his two besties to the amusement park for the day– as his present and party combined. Last year he had a handful of friends over for cake and games. It was shocking how few kids knew how to play simple board games- and they loved it!

My daughter had a home party this year- but last year was a bus trip to American Girl– as her present and party. She spent money from the grandparents and was able to budget for exactly what doll and items she wanted.

My two youngest are just now entering the party years- my three year old daughter will have her first “party” next year when she turns 4.

One issue I always have with b-day parties is too much stuff from relatives. I try to tell them to go easy on the presents but it never seems to work. Any ideas?

I have mixed feelings about take-away party favors. I think they seem unnecessary, but I don’t have kids and am a billion years away from my own childhood, so what do I know?

If I shop in a store, it’s usually somewhere like Nordstrom. I get handwritten thank-you notes, personal attention, and returns are very easy. There’s a freakin’ live piano player, and if I call ahead to inquire about an item, they’ll pull every one in my size and have it in a dressing room for me. My mouth dropped open on that one. I don’t even spend that much. My biggest shopping trip at Nordstrom was maybe $200 during one of their big sales. I know that’s chump change compared to what other people spend in there, but you get the same service no matter who you are.

I think good customer service is hard to come by these days, and I’m willing to pay extra and drive across town to get it, rather than reward subpar companies. I also find that I have to replace cheap clothing more often, so it’s worth it to get something nicer that won’t fall apart.

Enjoy the birthday party–such a fun age!

Third birthday…three guests. I read somewhere that a good rule of thumb for children’s birthday parties is to invite as many guests as the child’s new birthday age. Much better, especially for such young children, than having hordes of overexcited three-year-olds (or four-year-olds, etc.) After a point, with much older children and teenagers, you might invite only their closest friends. At that age you consult the child, of course.