My 5-year-old son has attended his fair share of birthday bashes. From lively celebrations at indoor play zones featuring pizza and cake to themed events at museums and joyous times at places like Chuck E. Cheese, he has certainly experienced a wide array of festivities. This year alone, he’s bounced around at trampoline parks, participated in multiple school parties, and celebrated with friends at a pool gathering. (Yes, my little guy is quite the social butterfly!)
However, a recent invitation I received left me feeling frustrated. At the bottom of this glossy card was a link to a birthday registry. A birthday registry for kids? Seriously?
What is a Birthday Registry?
For those who might not be familiar, the concept of gift registries for children’s birthdays has been around for a while, reportedly gaining traction around 2015. But what exactly is a birthday registry? It’s akin to a wedding or baby shower registry, where children create a wish list of gifts they desire. In other words, your little one can browse online or wander through stores to compile their preferences.
Are Birthday Registries Necessary?
While this may seem appealing at first—who wants another kazoo or an endless supply of plastic toys?—the necessity of such registries is highly questionable. In my view, they are excessive and somewhat presumptuous. They give off an air of entitlement, suggesting that guests must bring gifts, which feels greedy. What happened to the old saying, “You get what you get, and you don’t get upset”?
Moreover, these registries imply that every guest is obligated to present a gift, which can be burdensome for those who may not have the financial means to contribute. I would never want to create an environment where someone feels inadequate because they can’t afford a gift.
The Impact on Children
Gift registries also risk instilling a false sense of entitlement in children, as highlighted by journalist Lisa Carter in a 2015 interview. She noted, “Kids might feel they deserve everything on their list, which can lead to issues if boundaries aren’t set.” Although Carter acknowledges some benefits to registries—like reducing returns and helping gift-givers find ideas—she argues the drawbacks outweigh the positives.
Many aspects of birthday parties should remain spontaneous and enjoyable. The most cherished gifts are often those that are unique or unexpected, creating memorable moments. Yes, this means sometimes we’ll receive things we don’t particularly want. My son has been gifted duplicates of toys more times than I can count. But that’s what gift receipts are for—or we can simply re-gift those items to another child in need!
Conclusion
So, let’s ease up on the birthday registries, shall we? If you’re truly curious about what your child wants, consider asking them directly or consulting their parents. The answers are just a call or text away.
In conclusion, while the rise of birthday registries may seem convenient, they detract from the true spirit of celebration and can create unnecessary pressure on both parents and guests.
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