Anonymous wrote:I've never heard of goody bags before moving to the U.S. and for the life of me, I don't understand the logic in this tradition. You get invited to the party, get free food and drinks, games, time with friends, a chance to have some fun, AND you need a present for coming? I don't get it. Kids are not Oscar winners, they don't need to leave with goody bags. I've never received anything in a goody bag worth keeping, and we've never done goody bags for the few parties we've thrown because I refuse to feed this ridiculous habit. A party is gift enough for the invitees.

I agree. I grew up in PA and we never had goodie bags. It is amazes how many parents here are posting for them. I don't know one mom who likes them.

Anonymous wrote:My mom used to put quarters in the cake. Everyone got to keep however many they found in their piece of cake.

I doubt that would go over well now but our friends loved it.

LOL, disgusting and hilarious. And dangerous, I suppose, but I assume it was done with 8+ age kids. I would LOVE to see someone go to a birthday party nowadays and come back and post about htat. The thread would be epic.

Anonymous wrote:We are giving a custom made cut out cookies with my daughter's name on it, one large cookie, in a clear little bag with a cute bow and a thank you note.

= look at how awesome of a mom I am. Has nothing to do with a birthday party. Soooo over the top

My five year old is on her way to a birthday party today and, apropos of nothing, listed off her favorite part of birthday parties to be (1) playing with friends, (2) goody bags, (3) birthday cake, and (4) giving presents to birthday kid.

She's 5, so I'm happy she even thinks giving someone else a gift is on the list, even if it came in last. I'm glad playing comes first. I'm just noting that goody bags came ahead of cake, even. Hey, you don't have to cater to my kid, but I'm pretty sure her love of the surprise of a goody bag is somewhat universal to young kids. You can fight it, but I think you're a little mean and stingy and weird. They're just kids. How hard is it to buy some pencils and fake tattoos?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've never heard of goody bags before moving to the U.S. and for the life of me, I don't understand the logic in this tradition. You get invited to the party, get free food and drinks, games, time with friends, a chance to have some fun, AND you need a present for coming? I don't get it. Kids are not Oscar winners, they don't need to leave with goody bags. I've never received anything in a goody bag worth keeping, and we've never done goody bags for the few parties we've thrown because I refuse to feed this ridiculous habit. A party is gift enough for the invitees.

They're not new, and weren't invited in DC. We had them when I was growing up. They're a customary part of birthday parties.

Are you saying that goody bags are the only difference in culture between the US and the country you came from?

They aren't customary worldwide.

I don't know how you got the impression that I believe goody bags are the only cultural difference between the U.S. and my home country. I don't believe anything in my post suggested as much. What I AM saying is that I did not encounter this tradition outside of the U.S., don't like it and think it unnecessary and wasteful.

My mom used to put quarters in the cake. Everyone got to keep however many they found in their piece of cake.

I doubt that would go over well now but our friends loved it.

Once kids are out of preschool goody bags aren't necessary. They aren't necessary in preschool either of course, but for younger kids I think it's okay.

Anonymous wrote:I've never heard of goody bags before moving to the U.S. and for the life of me, I don't understand the logic in this tradition. You get invited to the party, get free food and drinks, games, time with friends, a chance to have some fun, AND you need a present for coming? I don't get it. Kids are not Oscar winners, they don't need to leave with goody bags. I've never received anything in a goody bag worth keeping, and we've never done goody bags for the few parties we've thrown because I refuse to feed this ridiculous habit. A party is gift enough for the invitees.

They're not new, and weren't invited in DC. We had them when I was growing up. They're a customary part of birthday parties.

Are you saying that goody bags are the only difference in culture between the US and the country you came from?

I pity your poor kids, Sanctimommy.

I've never heard of goody bags before moving to the U.S. and for the life of me, I don't understand the logic in this tradition. You get invited to the party, get free food and drinks, games, time with friends, a chance to have some fun, AND you need a present for coming? I don't get it. Kids are not Oscar winners, they don't need to leave with goody bags. I've never received anything in a goody bag worth keeping, and we've never done goody bags for the few parties we've thrown because I refuse to feed this ridiculous habit. A party is gift enough for the invitees.

Anonymous wrote:My son is having a b-day party this weekend at Chuck E. Cheese's (his choice) and I am NOT doing any G-D goody bags. I know kids expect them now, and I may look like a miserly mom, but I have had it with little bags full of crap. I figure that the kids will get enough tickets to buy some piece of junk from the CEC store, and they are getting free pizza, cake, and all the over-stimulation they could ask for. I'm rebelling against the machine (at least a little bit)!

I am with you!

Anonymous wrote:I hate when my kids bring home the plastic bag full of the plastic crap, but I know it's expected around here. Too many parents get bent out of shape if THEY bought plastic crap for their kids guests but their kids get none in return

Around here? As opposed to everywhere else?

I know, it's so hard to follow custom, and display manners.

Anonymous wrote:My kid will be disappointed. We went to a party a month ago, and the host got goody bags and forgot them. My dd is still talking about that.

Tough.

I hate when my kids bring home the plastic bag full of the plastic crap, but I know it's expected around here. Too many parents get bent out of shape if THEY bought plastic crap for their kids guests but their kids get none in return

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ive done CEC parties before and they put one together for you so your good to go.

You have to pay extra for them and I'm already paying enough. These parties are out of hand.

Well, aren't you a charming mother!