One mum has revealed how she was charged an entry fee to a children’s birthday party. She was even more baffled when she found that there was no food or drink there
A mum has shared her fury after being told she had to pay to enter a children’s birthday party, where there was “no food or drink”.
Anyone with children often spends their weekends dropping off their kids at birthday parties. It can be an expensive affair if you buy every one in your kid’s class a gift or card when invited to their party. In return, kids typically come home with a piece of cake or a party bag as a token of thank you for attending the event.
So imagine one mum’s shock when she turned up to a kid’s birthday party and was gobsmacked to find that there was no food, drinks or cake on offer – and she had to pay for both her and her child to enter the party. Her frustration has divided opinion online.
In a video shared on her TikTok page @olginspired, the mum said: “Recently attended a kid’s birthday party. Turns out, everyone had to pay for their own entry tickets. No food, no drinks – not even cake, cupcakes, or water.”
The American mum added: “Kids played, then left. Everyone still brought gifts. I tried to act normal, but honestly…what was that?”
She continyed: “I’d be okay with at least some water(juices) and cupcakes. Super cheap, but this way child could be actually celebrated.”
In the caption to the video she wrote: “People are weird. Why not just invite to the park? Or why not to add no gifts please if you literally don’t do anything.”
One other who agrees with the frustrated mum, said: “Why are people defending this? The parents didn’t put money or effort into organising a party, it’s so clearly a cash grab it’s not funny. You could have made box mix cupcakes for $1. Water is free. Come on the bar is beneath the floor.”
Another who has experience similar, shared: “Had this happen at a water park. there was cake but everyone had to pay to get in. I was so shocked and disgusted. we drove 35 minutes to a “party” that we were invited to, we shouldn’t be paying.”
One other said: “its rude to not include that info on the invitation. If it stood on the card me paying for my kids entrance. If my kid is having a bday party there no doubt I pay for it and cakes n stuff. The guest is already bringing a gift and then putting more money into to entrance is just a no.”
Another agreed, and added: “I don’t mind paying as long as I’m informed ahead of time. Showing up to a party and being blindsided would upset me.”
But some pointed out that not every family can afford to host a birthday party for their child, as one said: “Consider for a moment that poor children also deserve parties, even if they don’t quite meet adult expectations.”
Another agreed, and noted: “Maybe the kids family didn’t have much money for a party? To us adults it looks weird, sure, but I think it’s more important that the kids had a good time and that your kids got to hang out with their friend on their friends birthday. We don’t all have the same situations and experiences in life.”
One other parent suggested that there are cheap ways of hosting a party. They said: “I was in a bad spot two years ago. I got boxed cake mix and made my own. Got cheap pizza and juice boxes and went to the park. Everyone had so much fun & it was the atmosphere of a birthday. I only spent $50 [£38.73].”
One other suggested: “I get that some people can’t afford parties. They’re expensive but u have to set clear expectations on the invite. Join us for birthday play date. Each kid responsible for admission. Gifts not required.”
Do you agree? Comment below…