Many parents will understand the drama and financial stress that a child’s birthday party can bring. Recently, there has been a wave of controversy around gift-giving, with parents writing invites outlining eccentric gifts their children needs, which are later slammed online.
Australian parenting expert Sharon Witt told Daily Mail just how bad things are.
‘I recall a shocking exchange between a friend and another mother at my child’s kindergarten once,’ she told the publication.
‘When one mother explained to a child, ‘I’m so sorry, but Hannah won’t be able to attend your fourth birthday party as we are away that weekend’ little Justine had a look of horror on her face, before her mum piped up and said: ‘Oh don’t worry sweetheart! I’m sure Hannah will still get you a present’.’
‘Really? The poor mum was just stunned. So if my daughter cannot attend, am I still expected to send a present? Where does it end?’
Lately, parents have been taking to various social media channels to share the bizarre and strange invitations they have been sent from other parents.
A Melbourne mum shared an invitation that said gift cards were the preferable gift and no size one clothes were needed. The invitation also asked guests to provide a gift receipt, presumably so whatever was gifted could be returned or exchanged.
Meanwhile in the UK a Facebook post went viral after a mother named Karen De Noosh allegedly asked for £50 ($88 AUD) from her son Alfie’s friends for his seventh birthday party.
The invitations read: ‘Please note: For Alfie’s birthday gifts, we have imposed a £50 minimum spend – thanks for your understanding.’
Sharon Witt told Daily Mail, ‘Gift etiquette has become increasingly complex and problematic in recent years – not just with children’s birthday parties, but engagements and weddings as well. But where do we learn gift etiquette? It begins as children.
‘Remember the phrase ‘It’s better to give than to receive?’ Well we can add to that now…as long as the gift is gender neutral, organic, fair trade…you get the idea.’
