Tiny birthday at school, giant return-gift expectations

apricot_pigeon_31025 Oct 2025

My four-year-old would be thrilled with a small celebration and a little time with classmates. I am seeing elaborate gift bags elsewhere and do not want to start a contest. We also have an eight-year-old, so the younger one already notices what older children get. Is skipping return gifts completely considered odd now?

2 comments

sunny_chai_36875 Oct 2025
We did not give gifts one year and the children had a good time anyway. The adults discussed it more than the kids.
- apricot_pigeon_31025 Oct 2025
  That is probably the part I am overthinking.
ivory_pigeon_2785 Oct 2025
A handwritten card from the birthday child can be lovely, if the child enjoys making them.