“It was such a delightful birthday bash!” my close friend exclaimed. “They even had a food truck!” I must admit, I find a certain joy in enjoying gourmet food from a tiny vehicle. But how could anyone not have a blast at a birthday party with a food truck on site? Well, perhaps a 2-year-old might not grasp the excitement. “Oh,” my friend continued, “they even had every inflatable slide and bounce house known to mankind.”
So, what 2-year-old wouldn’t have fun munching on cage-free chicken nuggets while sliding down a bouncy structure that resembles a historic ship? Well, my child might not.
Maybe it’s my practical nature, or perhaps I’m just a rather tough parent, but I fail to see the necessity of spending a fortune on an extravagant birthday celebration for my toddler. Before I became a parent, I thought those over-the-top parties were mythical, reserved for celebrities like Beyoncé or featured on reality shows. Then I began to hear stories from fellow parents about parties where they hired Disney princesses, balloon artists, and reptile exhibits—all in one event. My wallet and heart ached. What happened to simple gatherings with friends, family, cake, and ice cream?
I grew up celebrating birthdays like any child, filled with balloons, cake, laughter, and backyard antics. There were no rented bounce houses, nor were there singing clowns. I don’t recall ever feeling disappointed that my parents didn’t go all out with elaborate themes or special guests. What I cherish are the memories of family and friends, and that’s what I want for my son.
I desire for my son to have wonderful birthday celebrations, too, but I know that the competitive atmosphere of extravagant parties is not for us. I prefer to show him that birthdays are not about excess but about love from family and friends. Thus, we will keep his birthday parties simple—complete with balloons, party hats, cake, and ice cream.
In the future, I may allow a clown or two to make an appearance (I’m not entirely heartless), but a full-blown theme park will not be part of the plan. My toddler doesn’t need a birthday celebration that rivals a blockbuster event. I also don’t feel the need to impress friends and family with a lavish party to demonstrate my love for him. I would do anything for him—except hire Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett to perform “Happy Birthday.”
These extravagant parties seem more for the parents than for the kids. While my son may remember every classic movie, I doubt he’ll retain memories of his 2nd birthday. He enjoys simple pleasures, like cardboard boxes, just as much as any lavish attraction.
And when he browses through old family photos before heading off to college, if he asks, “Mom, where was my life-sized Millennium Falcon and squad of Stormtroopers for my 2nd birthday? Didn’t you love me?” will I feel remorse? Probably not. Perhaps a little. But, as any good parent would do, I’ll explain the truth: “You loved bubbles that year! We had a bubble-blowing party! Besides, we couldn’t afford the spaceship and troopers because we hired them for your dad’s birthday.”
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In summary, planning a budget-friendly birthday for my son is about creating lasting memories filled with love rather than lavish displays. By focusing on simplicity, I hope to instill in him that true joy comes from family and friends, not extravagant celebrations.