Whatever happened to pin the tail on the donkey?With birthday parties costing Americans over 10 billion dollars a year, the games the kids are playing at parties are a far cry from the traditional favorites.
Children's parties are supersized these days.With more and more money being spent on party celebrations, parents are under growing pressure to deliver an extravangaza for their own children.The party planning industry is burgeoning, with the traditional jumping castle making way for entertainers, fully propped themed events, magic shows and music bands
We’re not that phased when celebrities throw lavish, expensive celebrations.A cool 100 000 dollars was reputedly spent by Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes on daughter, Suri's 2nd birthday whilst the Beckhams were said to have spent 10 000 dollars on Brooklyn's 5th birthday party.This Hollywood effect is creeping into the lives of ordinary people, who feel compelled to scale up the celebrations to compete.
And it's not just the food, drink and entertainment that costs.A recent investigation put the average cost of a goody bag in Britain at 7.50 pounds, which equates to a whopping 239 million pounds annually.Goodie bags are now big ticket items, with expensive gifts replacing the old fashioned cheap plastic trinkets and packet of candy.
This growing culture of excess has elicited numerous websites offering advice on consequences and suggestions for more modest celebrations.One such citizen action group is Birthdays Without Pressure, and they formed the group to engage in dialogue about 'out of control' parties, and what can be done about it.
A number of issues concern them, including increasingly lavish invitations and bi-annual birthday parties to celebrate half birthdays.Their website lists examples where parties of excessive proportions have been thrown, such as the million dollar extravaganza for a 13 year old in New York which included ten thousand dollar goodie bags! 
Are there better value alternatives?
* Invite fewer guests
• Invite guests to send a gift for charity, rather than to the child
* Be imaginative and make gift bags economical. brown paper bag with birdseed, flower seeds, homemade cookies
* Having a theme can escalate costs.Consider having a party that doesn't have a theme
* Outsourcing the event can be a costly route.  Have a home party, and make cleaning up fun
• Shop for party supplies at discount stores, and look for special offers ahead of time
• Schedule the party for a time when you won’t be expected to provide a meal eg 10am to 12 noon or 2 to 4pm
* Enlist the involvement of the kids. Plain paper can be used as a tablecloth, with the kids getting involved in their own 'decoration'.
• Organise simple party games like pass the parcel, hide and seek
* Outdoor activites are fun - what about hiring a bouncy castle.Perth jumping castle hire company, Soxon Jumping Castles say that the traditional favourite is still a favourite, keeping kids active and occupied at reasonable cost.

And yet, at the end of the day, after all the extravagance, there are often so many children who complain about the 'lame' party or that they were 'bored.’  It’s time for the parents to stop having children’s parties for themselves, go back to basics and let the games begin. 

Related posts:

1. Magical Balloons and Children?s Parties Balloons are magical, just looking at one will bring a...
2. Planning great kids parties – revel without a pause! Great children’s parties do not happen by accident - oh...
3. Popular Birthday Party And Anniversary Party Ideas For A Memorable Party Whether it is the first birthday or the thirteenth birthday...
4. Planning parties for little ghouls Planning a children’s Halloween party need not be bubble, bubble,...
5. Several Party Favor Ideas for You to Think about Are you searching for party favor ideas for a bridal...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.