You know all about “swag” … those goodies you get when you attend parties. According to this NY Post article, swag is not just for grown-up parties, conferences and weddings anymore. Kids not only look forward to good swag, they expect it!  From expensive toys to LeSac bags filled with spa goodies and beyond, many parents are giving in to giving swag.

The article also points to parents who don’t agree with the swag-giving trend, citing one parent who is giving a lollipop with a note that a donation has been made to Haiti Earthquake Relief.

Read the rest of this entry »

Gina Lincicum is a mom of three kids under 6 in suburban Washington DC. She shares strategies to impact your family budget at Moneywise Moms, where you’ll find tips on planning, shopping, and having fun on a tight budget.  We are thrilled to welcome her as a Guest Party Blogger today to share some of her gift ideas for kids’ parties.  The best part, under $5!  Now, that’s easy-on-the-wallet.

Welcome, Gina!

Read the rest of this entry »

There has been interesting discussion over at the Washington Post on the topic of birthday party presents. In this great article, the author highlights her guidelines on handling which party invitations her kids accept, her party present budget, and thinking through with her children what the birthday child would like to receive. I am with her as far as the party present budget goes … $10 and under is plenty. She comes up with one quandary, however: When one family has been extremely generous with party presents for her son and the family finally decides to hold a party for its child, should she splurge on that party present or stay within her original budget?

My answer to this: stick with your present budget. This is really the top priority, especially during these economic times, and buying an expensive gift isn’t really a way to pay back what a family has done for your child throughout the years. Although they have been generous, attending the family’s party as a guest is the best present, and giving a well thought-out gift that is within budget is the absolute best plan.

Read the rest of this entry »

Too Party – or Not…that is the question that the Wall Street Journal’s Juggle blog asked its readers recently. Lots of good comments here regarding how people keep party costs under control…whether that means:

• Cutting the number of guests being invited
• Inviting only the girls or only the boys in the classroom
• Baking your own cake
• Not doing goody bags
• Not serving a full meal, just snacks

Read the rest of this entry »

How much should I spend on that present?

Parents often tell me that the costs of all of the birthday parties their children attend throughout any given school year can really add up—and that doesn’t include the expense of throwing their own children’s birthday parties. How can this all be so expensive? Gifts!

Read the rest of this entry »