Mum forced to pay a $40 'fee' for child to attend friend's birthday party

The lengthy and expensive gift list she received sent her over the edge.

2 min read

August 7, 2024 - 1:06PM

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A mum has been left scratching her head after receiving an invitation to her daughter's friend's birthday party at a local trampoline park.

In addition to the details for the day, the invite also asked for a $40 financial contribution to cover the costs of the day... and was then followed up with a lengthy present wish list.

After the mum vented about the request online, a viral debate erupted over the 'correct' etiquette here and whether or not it's ever okay to ask other parents to chip in for the day.

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"Taken advantage of"

The mum-of-two shared that she agreed to pay the fee as she understood that cost-of-living pressures meant that not everyone was doing well. She also wanted to make sure that her child wouldn't miss out on the event.

But she drew the line after she was sent the pricey gift wish list, which was laid out like a registry, with items costing anywhere between $60 and $80.

She also noted that this particular parent never brought her children presents at their parties, so she felt taken advantage of.

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Her overarching opinion on the topic was that if parents can't afford to host the party they've planned, then they should scale it down or choose a cheaper option.

Parents should be organised and budget accordingly and not put the onus on other parents to fund the day, the mum concluded.

Image: iStock

"Tacky"

Commenters had a lot of thoughts on this issue, with one person saying: "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'."

"Simple solution... don't attend party. The parent hosting the party shouldn't hold one if she can't afford it. The entitlement... sheesh!" a third said.

"Tacky," someone else stated.

"If you're asking parents to chip in, then the nicest thing to say would be no gift," another put forward.

"The only thing the parents should bring is presents," shared another.

Then 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."