Just say “no” to treat bags…
Treat bags, gift bags, party favors, whatever you call them, they’re really: “Every-Kid-Deserves-A-Present- Even-When-It's-Not-Her-Birthday” bag. I mean, that’s really what it is, right? So, my question is: Does every kid deserve a present even when it isn’t HER birthday? I understand when Grandma comes for a visit and gives the younger sibling a little something to open, even though it’s his sister’s birthday. But the definition of a party favor is: “A small gift or decorative item given out at a party." Well, sometimes those "small gifts" get out of hand. Before you know it, you’ve spent as much on the favors as you did on the cake, the punch, and the clown, combined. Okay, that may be an exaggeration, but they can throw a wrench in your party budget if you forget to include them until the last minute. Is a flower lei from the Dollar Store an appropriate party favor? Heck, yeah! In fact, it’s the perfect party favor.
One of my first experiences at a birthday party as a new mom, the hostess told me it was cheaper for her to buy 15 toys on sale, than it was to buy 15 theme bags and all the little stuff to go in them. So, my daughter came home with a toy nearly as nice as the one we wrapped up and gave to the birthday girl.
So now, after years of this, I am asking moms everywhere to band together and just say "NO" to treat bags. I know. I know. You’re probably appalled at such an idea when treat bags have become the social norm. Well, I was too, when my friend mentioned it offhandedly. But, think back to when you were a kid. You would never have expected such a thing. You might have gotten an extra piece of cake to take home, but back then, the birthday girl got the presents, not the guests.
Let the idea sink in for a minute and I think you will see the rationale. Not-every-kid-deserves-a-present-when-it's-not-her-own-birthday! I’m just saying...
Treat bags, gift bags, party favors, whatever you call them, they’re really: “Every-Kid-Deserves-A-Present- Even-When-It's-Not-Her-Birthday” bag. I mean, that’s really what it is, right? So, my question is: Does every kid deserve a present even when it isn’t HER birthday? I understand when Grandma comes for a visit and gives the younger sibling a little something to open, even though it’s his sister’s birthday. But the definition of a party favor is: “A small gift or decorative item given out at a party." Well, sometimes those "small gifts" get out of hand. Before you know it, you’ve spent as much on the favors as you did on the cake, the punch, and the clown, combined. Okay, that may be an exaggeration, but they can throw a wrench in your party budget if you forget to include them until the last minute. Is a flower lei from the Dollar Store an appropriate party favor? Heck, yeah! In fact, it’s the perfect party favor.
One of my first experiences at a birthday party as a new mom, the hostess told me it was cheaper for her to buy 15 toys on sale, than it was to buy 15 theme bags and all the little stuff to go in them. So, my daughter came home with a toy nearly as nice as the one we wrapped up and gave to the birthday girl.
So now, after years of this, I am asking moms everywhere to band together and just say "NO" to treat bags. I know. I know. You’re probably appalled at such an idea when treat bags have become the social norm. Well, I was too, when my friend mentioned it offhandedly. But, think back to when you were a kid. You would never have expected such a thing. You might have gotten an extra piece of cake to take home, but back then, the birthday girl got the presents, not the guests.
Let the idea sink in for a minute and I think you will see the rationale. Not-every-kid-deserves-a-present-when-it's-not-her-own-birthday! I’m just saying...
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