As a parent of 4, I hate this aspect of a birthday party. We would’ve thrown a lot more parties if the thought of obligating our friends to buy presents didn’t bother me so much. I would’ve allowed the kids to go to more parties if we didn’t have to worry about what you’re worrying right now. Kids nowadays have too much and nothing means anything anymore. Like someone else has said here–who needs more plastic junk that can only be played once? Also speaking of embarrassement, many years ago we went to a kid’s party and being immigrants and not knowing the American customs we didn’t know we were supposed to bring a present. The kids didn’t mind but what an embarrassing for us!
