A Quick and Easy Guide to Birthday Party Etiquette

Organizing your little one’s birthday party can be a stressful ordeal, but sometimes sending them off to someone else’s party is worse. There seem to be a lot of rules about birthday party etiquette, and they only appear to be getting more complicated, and at least a little ridiculous. It seems as if there’s a bit of a minefield to navigate when it comes to kids’ birthday party invites. So how do you try to get it right and avoid the wrath of a parent who thinks you’ve done the wrong thing? If you’re nervous about putting a foot wrong and the other parents spurning you for breaching the unspoken rules, read some of these hints and tips for help.

Stephen Depolo

Be Polite

It might be a party for kids, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to play by adult rules. In sending your RSVP and other tasks, be as polite and prompt as you would be for a grown-up invitation. Respond to the invite before the deadline, if you have received one, and let them know if your child can’t go, as well as if they can’t. You should also be kind enough to let the organizers know if something changes. Don’t leave them hanging if something comes up and your child can no longer attend. You should also make sure to RSVP if you’re planning to turn up!

Who’s Invited?

Sometimes there can be some confusion over who’s invited to the party. Some parents ask children with the understanding that their siblings can come along too. It’s understandable then that they might assume that other parents do the same. But people can be a little put out when unexpected brothers and sisters show up, and they’ve only planned for a limited number of children. The best way to stop this from happening is simply to ask. However, if you feel that asking the question seems like pressuring the family, just send the one whose name is on the invitation.

The Birthday Gift

Birthday gifts for other people’s children can be difficult, especially if you don’t know them well. It might be your child officially giving the present, but let’s face it, it’s you buying it. If you don’t know them particularly well, there are all kinds of things you can get them based on their age. There’s no need to spend too much on them – your child hasn’t been invited to the present. Let your son or daughter have a say on what to get because it’s likely that whatever they want will be appropriate for most kids their age. If you’re stuck, you can’t go wrong with gifts from a Singapore-based floral and gifts company or elsewhere. General gifts of chocolates, soft toys, and trinkets are always well received.

Sticking Around?

Sometimes the parents might be asked to stay until the end of the party. In this case, there’s hopefully enough to keep the adults entertained too. Make sure you check to see if you’re expected to stay, so you don’t make any other plans.