Not only is it bad enough that the kids come home from birthday parties jumped up on Haribo and Tayto – they are clutching a bag in their hands with extra sugar. Please.
I don’t think I’m alone when it comes to party bag fatigue. And it’s not just sugar. There is no need for parents to buy plastic junk that I will just end up standing on in my bare feet. And some parents get very competitive about the quality of the items.
This mum decided to take action – she wants to abandon so-called ‘loot bags’
Renee Kaiman took to her blog ‘My So-Called Mommy Life’ to explain her reasoning behind this request, which some have deemed controversial.
She wrote:
“The story goes a bit like this. A parent decides to throw a party for a child. That parents picks the perfect venue, snacks, entertainment etc. The parent invites other kids to celebrate. Those kids arrive carrying presents or nothing… The guests have a wonderful time and when it’s time to leave all the kids in attendance receive a loot bag. Party is over. Now repeat this for umpteen birthdays per child per year.
“Instead of beating around the bush, I’m just going to flat-out say it. Why do we give out loot bags? Why? Why? Why?
“Since becoming a parent this is one thing that I can’t really wrap my head around. I don’t understand why my kids need to receive a gift after being invited to celebrate a friend’s birthday? Yes, it is so lovely and special that we were able to make it, but we made it! We were able to celebrate with the birthday kid. Why should any kid in attendance receive something for coming to a fun-once-a-year-type party? This got me thinking that the problem is our society. Who decided that kids need to leave a party with a gift? Why is it that are kids need to be given a reward (which the loot bag totally is) for coming to celebrate with a friend! A Friend! These types of interactions should be free and our kids should never come to expect it. Our kids should learn the feeling of giving to others without expecting anything in return.”
She goes on to explain that she has seen a number of kids ask for a treat bag before pleading with parents to get rid of the tradition altogether.
She added:
“Parents, please keep your dollar store crap to yourself. Don’t get me wrong, I love the dollar store, but a bag full of junk isn’t exactly what I want in my house or my kids need to play with. I get that everyone wants to keep up with those Pinterest moms, but sending my kid home with junk that you won’t even feed your kid or toys that will break into a million pieces 5 minutes after they’ve played with it is ridiculous.
“Another reason I don’t get loot bags is the cost associated with them. Instead of one dollar store piece of junk, you are filling a bag with $5 worth of junk. No, no, no, no. Sorry. Don’t spend that type of money on my kid. Again, it goes with my reason above. If i buy your kid a $25 gift, don’t spend 1/5 of what I spent on you, to thank them for coming. Save your money!
“Can’t we all just agree that it’s enough with loot bags! Let’s teach kids about making the birthday child feel good by being there to celebrate with them. After all, that’s the point of a birthday party! Not, what the attendees are leaving with.”
The majority of parents agreed with Renee’s sentiments and we want to know what you think – let us know in the Facebook comments or get in touch on Twitter.
