tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post4745601715584046908..comments2024-03-13T03:59:42.108-05:00Comments on Daily Blog: Why I'm Done Throwing My Son Birthday PartiesWendi Kitsteinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05515018912328000746noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-89520501165373464802015-04-04T12:57:53.125-05:002015-04-04T12:57:53.125-05:00Our neighbors are grandparents and instead of givi...Our neighbors are grandparents and instead of giving their grand kids an elaborate or expensive gift, they make a memory. Each grandchild gets to spend a day or weekend with them and they'll plan a trip/visit to a location or activity the kid would enjoy but that would allow a memory to be made. They've done a visit to a historical site or boat ride or butterfly park or bowling, miniature golfing, beach, etc. It's usually not something expensive, but the event may be more elaborate for a bigger birthday such as 18 or 15, etc. <br />I've always loved the idea because it makes a memory and allows the bonds to grow more. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-85793465314679682582015-04-01T13:18:10.656-05:002015-04-01T13:18:10.656-05:00We have always done parties, but after planning an...We have always done parties, but after planning and planning this year and then only 3 of his friend's showing up to the party, I thought, "Why am I doing this?" We have decided this next year to take them to do something special instead of doing a partyJenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01388468688754715480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-54841575428521516882015-03-31T23:27:48.464-05:002015-03-31T23:27:48.464-05:00When I was growing up (in the 80s, which is defini...When I was growing up (in the 80s, which is definitely different from today!), we had no hard and fast rules, but generally had small "parties" most years, and a big party once every few years. For me, small parties usually consisted of a couple of friends spending the night, having pizza, cake and ice cream, and renting a movie (we even rented the VCR! LOL!). A bigger party might be a pool party or the McDonald's party, or something like that. To this day, we get to choose our birthday supper, regardless of the day we actually celebrate. That goes for our parents, too!<br /><br />My cousins, who are currently elementary and middle school aged, have the opportunity for a party every other year, and they don't always take it. The non-party years, they have the opportunity to choose a family activity (sometimes an overnight trip somewhere, other times, just an activity close to home). When they were younger, we always tried to get together for their birthdays, mostly just an excuse to spend time together with extended family and to eat cake and ice cream!<br /><br />I think it's a great idea to tone down birthdays, and most everything else in life. It isn't easy, and you definitely have to choose to do it. Keeping up with the Joneses is a real thing! I am working on toning down on "stuff". It is not easy, but will be worth it! Good luck in your "intentional" adventure, and enjoy toned down birthdays! :)<br /><br />shannonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-86838952619956504522015-03-31T20:43:23.086-05:002015-03-31T20:43:23.086-05:00After moving far from family, we started doing som...After moving far from family, we started doing something small and enjoyable for each child. Last year we let Addison invite one friend to her choice of venue (the movies). We also let them choose the meals for the day! This year we will be moving right before Addison and Austin's birthdays, so we are making a fun stop en route to celebrate both! (And they have no idea!!!) <br /><br />Parties are so stressful and expensive! I would rather give my children fun memories with their family!! Kristin A.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-50119996146595749582015-03-31T20:00:57.322-05:002015-03-31T20:00:57.322-05:00I have 2 children. I never understood how people ...I have 2 children. I never understood how people spent so much money on parties. The kids get to invite as many kids as they are years old. We'll probably cap that at 10 though. I make a cake which costs less than $5, ice cream for $3. We usually don't feed the guests other than maybe a snack and cake and ice cream. I buy plates and napkins at the dollar store. We use Pinterest to create a few games related to the theme and then do very simple gift bags. I've never added it up but I know it is less than $50. We also do a party every other year, rotating between kids. If it's not the party year they can invite a friend to a special activity adn go out to lunch.Melissanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14468282.post-66212781341854112892015-03-31T18:57:54.230-05:002015-03-31T18:57:54.230-05:00Yes! I totally agree! We are a one child family, s...Yes! I totally agree! We are a one child family, so it is easy to go overboard with things like birthday parties, but really try not to. <br /><br />We do a party every other year, and I, like you, do not make the cake or do very much. We usually go bowling with friends or something like that so we don't have to deal with having lots of people at our (small) home at once.<br /><br />The non party years? We take a family trip or pick a special activity that our son can do with one friend. Depending on what we choose, these activities can get pricey, so we combine these activities with our plans for a yearly vacation or something somewhat educational, but fun, too. Susie Rnoreply@blogger.com