A mum has expressed her frustration after being asked to pay to attend a children’s birthday party where there was “no food or drink”.
Dropping kids off at their friends’ birthday parties can often hit parents in the pocket, especially when faced with getting a small gift or card for each celebration. Usually, as a gesture of appreciation, children return from parties with cake or a goodie bag. .
But this mum was stunned upon reaching a party and finding out that not only were refreshments absent – she had to fork out for both herself and her youngster just to get in. The incident has sparked debate online.
On her TikTok page @olginspired, the baffled parent shared: “Recently attended a kid’s birthday party. Turns out, everyone had to pay for their own entry tickets. No food, no drinks – not even cake, cupcakes, or water.”
The US-based mum added: “Kids played, then left. Everyone still brought gifts. I tried to act normal, but honestly…what was that?” She argued that some basic provisions like “some water (juices) and cupcakes” would have been acceptable to properly celebrate the occasion.
In her video’s notes, she wrote: “People are weird. Why not just invite to the park? Or why not to add no gifts please if you literally don’t do anything.”
One person who shares the disgruntled parent’s opinion commented, “Why are people defending this? The parents didn’t put money or effort into organising a party, it’s so clearly a cash grab it’s not funny. You could have made box mix cupcakes for $1. Water is free. Come on the bar is beneath the floor.”
Another with similar experiences shared, “Had this happen at a water park. there was cake but everyone had to pay to get in. I was so shocked and disgusted. we drove 35 minutes to a ‘party’ that we were invited to, we shouldn’t be paying.”
A further comment read, “its rude to not include that info on the invitation. If it stood on the card me paying for my kids entrance. If my kid is having a bday party there no doubt I pay for it and cakes n stuff. The guest is already bringing a gift and then putting more money into to entrance is just a no.”
Echoing the sentiment, another individual highlighted, “I don’t mind paying as long as I’m informed ahead of time. Showing up to a party and being blindsided would upset me.”
However, some noted not all families can foot the bill for a child’s party, with one adding, “Consider for a moment that poor children also deserve parties, even if they don’t quite meet adult expectations.”
Another concurred, adding: “Maybe the kids family didn’t have much money for a party? To us adults it looks weird, sure, but I think it’s more important that the kids had a good time and that your kids got to hang out with their friend on their friends birthday. We don’t all have the same situations and experiences in life.”
Another parent pointed out affordable ways to celebrate, commenting: “I was in a bad spot two years ago. I got boxed cake mix and made my own. Got cheap pizza and juice boxes and went to the park. Everyone had so much fun and it was the atmosphere of a birthday. I only spent $50 [£38.73].”
A further suggestion from a different parent was: “I get that some people can’t afford parties. They’re expensive but u have to set clear expectations on the invite. Join us for birthday play date. Each kid responsible for admission. Gifts not required.”
Do you agree? Comment below…