“It was such an amazing birthday bash!” my friend Laura exclaimed. “They even had a gourmet food truck!” I must admit, I can see the appeal of food trucks; there’s something delightful about ordering a fancy meal from a tiny vehicle. But let’s be real—how much fun can a 2-year-old really have with a food truck around? “Oh,” Laura continued, “they also had every inflatable slide and bounce house imaginable!”
But honestly, what toddler wouldn’t enjoy munching on organic chicken nuggets while zooming down a bouncy slide that looks suspiciously like a sinking ship? Well, maybe mine wouldn’t. Perhaps it’s my practical nature or maybe I’m just a harsh parent, but I can’t justify spending a fortune on an extravagant birthday celebration for my little one. Before becoming a parent, I thought over-the-top children’s parties were just tall tales reserved for celebrities or reality TV. Then I started hearing about the extravagant parties where moms rented princesses, balloon artists, and even reptile exhibits. My heart—and my wallet—ached. What happened to simply celebrating with friends, family, cake, and ice cream?
Growing up, my birthday celebrations were just like any other kid’s—balloons, cake, laughter, and playing in the backyard with friends. No rented amusements, no clowns singing. I cherish those memories, and I want the same for my son. I want him to have joyful birthdays that are filled with love and laughter, not a competitive atmosphere of lavishness. I believe that love should be the focus, not excess. So, we’re keeping his parties simple—balloons, party hats, cake, ice cream, and the basics.
Sure, down the line, if he requests it, a clown might make an appearance (I’m not completely heartless), but a full-blown amusement park? Not happening. My toddler doesn’t need to celebrate like it’s 1999, and I refuse to throw a grand party just to impress family and friends. I’d go to the ends of the Earth for my son—except maybe hiring pop stars to sing “Happy Birthday.”
These grand celebrations seem more for the parents than the children themselves. Although my son can remember every scene from classic movies, I doubt he’ll recall his second birthday in the years to come. He finds joy in the simplest things—a cardboard box can entertain him just as much as fancy toys. So, the extravagance isn’t for him.
And when he’s combing through old family photos before heading off to college, if he asks, “Mom, where was my life-sized spaceship for my second birthday? Didn’t you love me?” I won’t feel guilty. Well, maybe a little. But I’ll simply say, “You loved playing with bubbles that year! We had a bubble party! Honestly, we just couldn’t afford the spaceship because we hired it for your dad’s birthday!”
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In summary, I believe in celebrating birthdays simply and meaningfully, focusing on love rather than extravagance. My goal is to create beautiful memories for my son without the pressure of competition and excessive spending.