NO parent wants their child to be left out when it comes to attending birthday parties.
But one mum has found herself to be in a tricky situation, after her child was slapped with a £20 fee to attend her friend’s birthday party.
She took to Facebook to reveal how she was left confused after receiving an invitation for her daughter to attend a local trampoline park, alongside the financial contribution request.
But that wasn’t the worst part for the mum.
As she read down a little further, she noticed that there was also a lengthy present wish list.
After the mum-of-two took to social media to vent about it, a debate erupted causing it to go viral.
She wanted to ask other parents what the correct etiquette was when hosting parties, and if she was wrong in thinking the request was unreasonable.
The mum revealed that she agreed to pay the fee as she understood that people have money pressures due to the cost-of-living.
She also didn’t want her child to miss out on the event either.
However, she pointed out that the wish list was also pricey, with items costing between £35 to £65.
On top of all of that, the mum noted that this particular parent had never brought her children presents for her children’s birthday parties.
The mum believes that if parents cannot afford to host a party, then it should be scaled down or choose a cheaper option.
She also believes that parents should budget accordingly and not put the pressure on other parents.
Many other parents rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts.
One person said: “I get it if they are going to some sort of paid for activity, but a ‘wish list’ – cheeky , you need to teach kids to be thankful for what they get as presents.”
Another person wrote on Facebook: “I would not be outraged at all. I would just laugh, and say ‘I won’t be attending’.”
Whether it's your first time hosting friends at your new house, or you're a regular dinner party invitee...
Fabulous’ Associate Editor, Rebecca Miller, has put together a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to dinner parties and guest etiquette – and it doesn’t include sending a guest a bill at the end of the night!
Do show up on time – a 10-minute grace period is allowed, but anything longer without letting the host know, is just plain rude.
Don’t show up empty handed – unless you’re popping round for a quick coffee, you should always show up with a small token of your appreciation for the host and their efforts. Flowers, a bottle of wine, candle, or contribute to the dinner by making dessert.
Don’t start eating until everyone is seated – what might be an obvious rule, it’s one many forget. Cooking a meal for a group of people takes a lot of effort, so wait for the host to park themselves, thank them, and await instruction.
Don’t do the dishes, do clear the table – everyone has their way of cleaning and tidying up. If you swan into the kitchen and start scrubbing, it could be seen as an insult. So help clear the table, and ask if there’s anything else you can do – perhaps top up everyone’s glass?
Get off your phone – few things can make a person feel less seen or important than coming second to a mobile. Leave it in your pocket, and check anything urgent during toilet breaks.
A third said: “Simple solution… don’t attend party. The parent hosting the party shouldn’t hold one if she can’t afford it. The entitlement… sheesh!”
“Tacky,” someone else stated.
A fourth added: “If you’re asking parents to chip in, then the nicest thing to say would be no gift.”
“The only thing the parents should bring is presents,” shared another.
Someone else concluded: “I like to think I taught my kids to have fun without throwing money at everything and not embarrassing those who are invited but can’t afford to go at all.”
