Parents are now asking for tips to cover kids’ birthday party costs — and other moms and dads are enraged
Tipping and children’s birthday parties are among the most arduous parts of life for many American adults.
But those two things combined? That’s a new nightmare.
In a now-viral video posted to Instagram, baker Victoria Perry explained that attendees at kid’s parties are now expected to leave a cash gratuity — and “if you’re not bringing at least $10, you should not bring your child.”
Perry noted that she does “not personally feel this way,” but several of her clients have showed her the invitations for their child’s birthday parties, and many had one thing in common: asking for a tip.
“On those invitations, at least three that I’ve seen so far, there is a little spot on the bottom that says ‘tipping is encouraged,’” Perry shared.
One of the invites that she saw had an explanation for why the parents were asking for the gratuity.
The note read, “Tipping is encouraged. If you plan to bring your child and they plan to eat and play, please send along cash with your child for the tip bucket to go towards party expenses.”
The baker felt that this ask is “not appropriate” — and people in her comment section agreed.
“Don’t throw the party if you can’t afford the party,” one said.
“What?!? You bring a gift to the party. That’s the whole point. They throw a party with food and drinks and you bring a gift,” another flabbergasted user wrote.
“Absofrigginglutely NOT,” another declared. “There are plenty of low cost options you can choose that are still wonderful for littles. During Covid when we weren’t allowed to have parties we went toboganning with our daughter and friends and brought hot chocolate and donuts. It cost me $20 and she said it was her best party ever.”
“If I’m bringing a tip, then we’re not bringing a present,” another declared.
Someone noted that the expectations for kids’ birthday parties in general are becoming over the top.
“Dudes…. I haven’t seen this before, but wow. I think the expectations for kids parties in the US is offfff the chain right now. $100 balloons displays, goody bags, catering, cakes, etc…. Like chill,” they wrote.
This isn’t the only kids’ birthday party craze that has been thrown at parents.
There’s a new trend where parents hosting children’s birthday parties not only expect presents for the birthday boy or girl — they also require party guests to bring gifts for the child’s siblings.
Kylie Kelce recently hit headlines for claiming she is “vehemently against” the modern move.
“Our family knows no one else is receiving a birthday present for Bennett’s birthday,” Kelce said. “Everyone gets a special day. When your siblings get presents for your birthday, it reduces your birthday. It’s not their birthday — it’s your birthday.
“Also, I think it teaches them to a degree that just because someone’s getting presents doesn’t mean you get presents,” Kelce added. “It feels very participation trophy-esque.”
