Much as I like to be as mainstream as possible when it comes to parenting, there are just certain things that I can’t bring myself to do, even for his sake. Socialising with other parents is one. Preparing party bags is another.
I’ve never prepared one of these before.
We did give out some bags during his 1st birthday, but those were actually prepared by his Godma. After that, there were no more party bags for his 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th birthdays simply because the celebrations were always kept within the family.
I’ve always justified on the basis that his birthday falls on a public holiday although the reality is, I could have tried to celebrate it at his school the day after if I really wanted to. But, I never did because I just dislike the whole meaninglessness of the act. And this is why I don’t understand why the other parents would bother to bring these bags for the kids even when the birthdays were not celebrated in school.
Honestly, I doubt I’ll ever try to improve in this aspect. Even though I’ve reminded myself on 9 August 2006 that I have to be less anti-conventions when it comes to my kid, it’s just not going to happen when it comes to preparing party bags.
I’m even thinking, perhaps when he’s old enough, I can tell him to go prepare his own if he really wants to give them away.
i’m not a parent yet so i can’t say from experience but i would agree with you. there is too much consumerism happening and kids are the obvious targets. party bags are a result of birthday parties and i’ve heard that some parents go to the extent of having themed parties! some party bags contain barbie dolls which are not cheap. the party bags i received as a child contained sweets and trinkets, now they’ve advanced to expensive toys. how do you keep up….
Tracy: Well, I suppose different parents have different priorities. I’m fine with them doing whatever they want but I just can’t bring myself to follow suit.
Comment by Tracy — Thu, 6 Mar 2008 @ 6:08 pm
You’re just like me or I’m just like you. Haha. I have been giving this some thought. Though I think its pretentious and unnecessary, I may just succumb to it this year, just once, just so that my girl won’t feel left out or feel peer pressure because most of her classmates who celebrate their birthdays come with special cakes and party packs for everyone. Some of them painstakingly prepared by the parents including beautiful home made cakes etc. The most I could muster up is probably a store bought cake and if I do eventually do a party pack it would not be store bought one but I’d turn it into an activity for my girl to enjoy. Just buy simple plastic bags, ribbons, little trinkets and get her to pack them herself and explain to her the meaning of giving.
mumsgather: Well, actually I’m fine with other parents preparing and doing whatever they like. Afterall, different parents have different priorities. But I can’t do it myself and I don’t understand why they need to give out the bags when the birthdays are celebrated at home.
Comment by mumsgather — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 @ 9:12 am
I feel you. But Hailey’s last b-day, my aunt made the party bags. Apparently, mine sucked. I usually put snacks into the bags and if there are babies coming, I’ll stuff a diaper in too.
And when I get those bags, they’re usually filled with junk! So I prefer not to get those bags too.
Irene: I end up eating some of the tidbits in there myself!
Comment by Irene — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 @ 10:30 am
i frankly think it ridiculous. the girlfriends are doing this party bag thingy starting from the 1st year parties.
and i can tell you, it’s mainly for the other parents rather than the kids. they put things like Tiffany photo frames, shoes (bobux & shoo shoos),mustela & nuk baby shampoo & body wash stuff, noukies & baby armani, berlingot & kaloo toys, the sorts. u get the picture.
seriously, what would children know about brands?!
imp: Wa, those I’ve not come across but I do find the stuff a bit overwhelming.
Comment by imp — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 @ 11:17 am
Actually you are quite head strong also huh? Hee hee..
I did the party bag for Zara last year.. but I got her to help me put them together. Just some markers and erasers for her friends who were all going to school this year.
I actually dislike recieving party packs with forbidden food items like hard sweets (I only give mine fruit drops made from fruid juice) or overly sweatened jellies. I don’t mind the things that Imp get though..
I’ll use them myself. Haha.
ZM: Let’s say I have character.
Comment by zara's mama — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 @ 10:47 am