Kids' Bday Parties - What Would You Do?

[Zandy595]

We invited several boys from DS's (turning 10) scout den. Scout meetings here are basically for the whole family so when we get together the siblings come too. On the invitations we sent to the boys, I added "Siblings Welcome".
One of the moms emailed me today to say that both her kids would love to come to my DS's party and explained that her daughter (a few years younger than DS) was having a party on the same day, but earlier. She invited my DS to the party. There's only an hour gap between the end of her party and the beginning of DS's. DS doesn't want to go to the girl's party because they're going roller skating and DS doesn't know how. I also don't know how I'd have the time to drop off/pick up and get ready for the party (at a bowling alley) at the same time. I feel bad that DS won't be going to her daughter's party, when her kids are coming to DS's. I'm not sure what to tell her.

Should we buy a gift for the girl and give it to her at DS's party?

 

[Marseeya]

We invited several boys from DS's (turning 10) scout den. Scout meetings here are basically for the whole family so when we get together the siblings come too. On the invitations we sent to the boys, I added "Siblings Welcome".
One of the moms emailed me today to say that both her kids would love to come to my DS's party and explained that her daughter (a few years younger than DS) was having a party on the same day, but earlier. She invited my DS to the party. There's only an hour gap between the end of her party and the beginning of DS's. DS doesn't want to go to the girl's party because they're going roller skating and DS doesn't know how. I also don't know how I'd have the time to drop off/pick up and get ready for the party (at a bowling alley) at the same time. I feel bad that DS won't be going to her daughter's party, when her kids are coming to DS's. I'm not sure what to tell her.

Should we buy a gift for the girl and give it to her at DS's party?

I'd buy a gift if he doesn't go.

How well do you know the family? Would it be possible to take your son and stick around until he was comfortable on the skates and ask her to bring him to his own party? I know, at skating parties around here, not many of the kids know how, so they're all in the same boat and they end up having a great time.

 

[jlaspoq]

I wouldn't send him or take a gift - just let them know he'll be busy getting ready for his own big day.

He wasn't originally invited.
He doesn't want to go.
She's not his friend, the boys are.

Don't feel bad at all!

 

[SDFgirl]

Sounds like she was just trying to be polite. She probably doesn't even really expect him to be there, knowing that his own party is a few hours later.

I'd decline by saying, "Thanks for the invite! Unfortunately, we'll be scrambling around getting ready for his party, so he won't be able to be there. Have fun!"

And I would get a small gift for her and give it to her at the party.

 

[Christine]

Sounds like she was just trying to be polite. She probably doesn't even really expect him to be there, knowing that his own party is a few hours later.

I'd decline by saying, "Thanks for the invite! Unfortunately, we'll be scrambling around getting ready for his party, so he won't be able to be there. Have fun!"

And I would get a small gift for her and give it to her at the party.

This is perfect!

 

[Beth76]

I'd decline by saying, "Thanks for the invite! Unfortunately, we'll be scrambling around getting ready for his party, so he won't be able to be there. Have fun!"

I like this and I don't think a gift is necessary.

 

[eeyore kelly]

Should we buy a gift for the girl and give it to her at DS's party?

Yes. Call the mom and explain.

 

[disykat]

I don't think a gift is necessary. Your DS got a curtesy invite, but is not attending. Nothing but a polite decline of the invitation required. You gave her dd a Curtesy invite, but she chose to come - so she will probably come to a gift.

IMO you already gave the gift - the curtesy invite. Thier mom gets some free time to unwind after her dd's party.

 

[Zandy595]

I don't think a gift is necessary. Your DS got a curtesy invite, but is not attending. Nothing but a polite decline of the invitation required. You gave her dd a Curtesy invite, but she chose to come - so she will probably come to a gift.

IMO you already gave the gift - the curtesy invite. Thier mom gets some free time to unwind after her dd's party.

The thing is we know the family pretty well because DS has been in scouts with the brother for almost 4 years. The girl comes to all the den meetings. In our community, the moms and/or dads usually stay at the party, especially if it's at a location other than the bday child's house. I think if the parties weren't on the same day I wouldn't feel like I should get her a gift. We'll probably just get her something small.

 

[Cruisin]

I think that I would get the girl a small gift and give it to her at your son's party.

I would say...... Suzie, I'm so sorry we had to miss your birthday party but we were busy getting things ready for Johnnies party.

It would make her feel extra special to be remembered and since she is probably what 6 or 7, it would be easy to find something small and inexpensive that would make her happy.

 

[daisyduck123]

I would just let her know that you won't be able to make it (she should understand that you are getting ready for your own party). I don't think I'd get her a gift either, since your DS isn't going.

 

[crazydingoman]

don't forget the pinata! I loved the pinata! bring several so there are shorter lines!

 

[Zandy595]

don't forget the pinata! I loved the pinata! bring several so there are shorter lines!

After watching America's Funniest Videos I have come to the conclusion that a pinata is an ER trip waiting to happen. DS is having his party at a bowling alley and pinatas aren't allowed.