My five-year-old son has certainly attended his share of birthday celebrations. From daycare parties featuring indoor play spaces with pizza and cake to preschool events at museums and carousels, he has enjoyed a vibrant social life. Just this year, he’s celebrated at a pool party, a bounce house extravaganza, and multiple school festivities.
But something on a recent invitation stirred up some strong feelings in me. To put it simply, it frustrated me. At the bottom of this fancy invitation was a link to a birthday registry—a registry for kids’ birthday parties.
What?!
For those unfamiliar, the concept of birthday gift registries isn’t entirely new. This trend has been circulating since around 2015. But what exactly is a birthday registry? Much like a wedding or baby shower registry, it’s a list crafted by your child, who gets to browse online or scan store shelves to pick out what they desire.
On the surface, this may appear to be a practical solution. After all, no parent wants to receive a kazoo or a toy that sings “Wheels On the Bus” on repeat. I certainly don’t need any more slime or stuffed animals in our house. However, I still find these registries unnecessary.
In fact, I consider them rather absurd. They come across as pretentious and possibly greedy. What happened to the old saying, “You get what you get, and you don’t get upset?” These lists imply that guests must bring gifts, which I think is completely unreasonable.
The essence of a birthday party is to celebrate the individual and the memories created during another year of life. While gifts often accompany these events, they should not be obligatory. I have many friends and family members who struggle financially, and I wouldn’t want to impose anything that could make them feel uncomfortable or inadequate.
Gift registries convey the expectation that attendees should shower your child with presents, often costing at least $20 each. This practice can foster a sense of entitlement among children, as journalist Laura Wright noted in a 2015 interview with ABC News. “When kids make these lists, they may feel entitled to everything on them, which can lead to issues if boundaries aren’t set,” she explained.
Wright did, however, acknowledge some potential benefits. Supporters claim that registries can save time, reducing the hassle of returns and exchanges, and offer guidance for relatives or friends who aren’t parents. But does this outweigh the negatives?
“There are aspects of birthday parties that shouldn’t be overly planned or expected from a child’s perspective,” Wright added. The most cherished gifts are often those that are unique, thoughtful, or unexpected. The thrill of being surprised is part of the fun.
Does this mean you won’t sometimes receive unwanted items? Absolutely. My son has been gifted some truly odd toys—more than once we’ve received duplicates of the same item. One year, we ended up with two tricycles and three ice cream maker sets. Thankfully, gift receipts exist for a reason or you could always tuck items away for another occasion. Re-gifting can be a delightful option too.
So, let’s take a step back from the registry trend, shall we? If you’re curious about what little Max or Emma truly wants (or needs), just ask them or their parents. Answers are often just a message away. For additional insights into family planning, you might find this resource on artificial insemination helpful. If you’re looking to boost fertility, check out these supplements that could aid in your journey. For at-home insemination kits, this blog offers authoritative information.
In summary, while the idea of birthday registries may seem convenient, they place undue pressure on guests and can foster entitlement in children. Celebrations should prioritize joy and connection over material gifts.
Keyphrase: children’s birthday registry trend
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