topic Re: Do children register for birthday parties? in Among Friends

Do children register for birthday parties?

barb40 — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 03:01:10 GMT

Hi...question...just got invited on Facebook to our 2 year old nephew's birthday party...was informed he is registered at amazon, or could contribute to college fund. Gave clothing and shoe size. Is this common? Not sure i have heard of registering for birthday parties...

Thanks for your replies!

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

GCR18 — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 03:07:19 GMT

I hadn't heard of it. My niece and nephew have gone/go to a couple parties each per year. I guess it helps those that don't know what to buy, but I'm not a fan of the idea.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

on the bay — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 03:12:20 GMT

I guess people are starting to register for anyting and everything these days!

It certainly takes the guess work out of getting a present and being sure to get what they want, but I also think it takes some of the fun and surprise of getting something that only you could give and that they would love-something special and individual kind of thing.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

lovestopaint — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 03:17:01 GMT

GOOD GRIEF !!!!!!!!!!

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

proudlyfromNJ — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 03:24:46 GMT

I'd rather give to a college fund instead of some plastic toy. A two year old wouldn't know the difference. Just have to hope the parents don't spend it!

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

Kachina624 — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 03:26:42 GMT

@lovestopaint wrote:
GOOD GRIEF !!!!!!!!!!

My sentiments exactly. This takes commercialism to a whole new level. I think I'd skip this party.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

Alsee — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 03:53:19 GMT

Difference of opinion here. My children's friends all register and so do we for our kids. It makes gift giving so much easier and we know they get what they want.

We do, however, register at the "cheaper" stores, such as Target. No expensive gifts.

With so many birthday parties for all of them, this really is a time saver for us busy Moms.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

Tantallum — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 04:01:26 GMT

whoa. What's next?!?

Why not just come right out and say, 'this is what I expect you to buy my kid if you plan on coming to our house for cake and ice cream'

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

Alsee — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 04:10:24 GMT

My feeling is that I know we're buying a gift. Why not buy something they want, and it saves the Mom from all the "what does he want" calls.

A real ti Seaver for me and I appreciate that.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

Tantallum — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 04:18:17 GMT

@Alsee wrote:
My feeling is that I know we're buying a gift. Why not buy something they want, and it saves the Mom from all the "what does he want" calls.
A real ti Seaver for me and I appreciate that.

I guess. Logically you are right. But it just seems like every single event now has become a transaction.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

Desertdi — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 04:36:22 GMT

@tantallum wrote:
@Alsee wrote:
My feeling is that I know we're buying a gift. Why not buy something they want, and it saves the Mom from all the "what does he want" calls.
A real ti Seaver for me and I appreciate that.

I guess. Logically you are right. But it just seems like every single event now has become a transaction.

I still can't get over kindergarten graduation parties......

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

KarenQVC — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 05:07:54 GMT

This is just too forward, too gift grabby, in my opinion. I always give a book knowing it can be passed on if it is a duplicate. The parents should buy the basics and the college education themselves.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

Kachina624 — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 06:13:04 GMT

I suppose it's no longer PC to buy a child a toy with which he could just have fun. If kids start getting gift certificates for college, they're going to ask to skip the party.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

Desertdi — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:21:44 GMT

I was born during WW2..........during rationing. My dad MADE my toys, mostly out of wood..............

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

colliegirls — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 11:45:23 GMT

A 2 year old only wants TOYS!! Not money, not clothes, just toys. Just another example of parents who think they and their children are so important and special.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

nunya — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:05:58 GMT

I'm on the fence with this one. I think a registery for a small child is over the top. But, if I had to choose, I'd probably give money for college. I know when my daughter had birthday parties, the amount of toys she received was ridiculous. Some went unopened and I ended up donating them.

I agree with @KarenQVC books are always a great gift.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

jackthebear — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:12:15 GMT

It does sound a bit odd, but when my kids were it grade school, I remember asking what they would like and getting a lot of "I don't know" so this would save a time and money.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

AuntG — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:12:33 GMT

Never heard of it. The only choice I was given for my birthday was the flavor of cake my mom made.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

Vivian — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:22:16 GMT

To me this is just another example of over-programming of children's lives. And this is for a 2-year-old? What's wrong with the anticipation and excitement of opening presents, being pleasantly surprised, or sometimes disappointed? That's life. I think that having a gift registry for children is a bad idea. Just let kids be kids. Parents need to stop micromanaging children's lives. Parents have enough responsibilities. This is totally unnecessary.

Re: Do children register for birthday parties?

on the bay — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:22:48 GMT

After reading all these I find I am agreeing with both sides and also thinking- if I think in terms of this modern day and what so many (esp the "younger" generation) is doing now, instead of thinking what we used to do, it doesn't seem so unappealing.

And of course I have gotten from registrys for the past several years. I wonder when they started. And maybe there is a way to get something from the registry and just a small personal something to add