B-day party w/o favors -- tacky?

JenGK

We're going to be having DS's third birthday party at a local waterpark.  It's going to be very low key -- we've invited some friends and family, and some of his classmates from last year's preschool class.  We're paying for admission for the kids and their parents, and we'll just have some pizza, snacks, and cupcakes.  I know he may be young to have a birthday party at a waterpark, but he has special needs (including anxiety -- who know it was possible for a 3 year old to have anxiety issues?), and this is a place he loves and will be completely comfortable at, even with lots of people around him (provided they don't actually try to sing "Happy Birthday" to him). 

With all the admission fees, the party is going to be on the expensive side.  Now I'm thinking about favors and am heavily leaning toward forgoing them entirely.  I hate to spend money on little trinkets that are just going to be thrown away (which is what I often do with favors).  I can't really do anything edible because of the various dietary restrictions of some of his friends. 

If we don't have favors at the party, is that tacky?  Would Emily Post want to string me up?  If you think I should have favors, can you give me some ideas?

tracy042206

I'd skip the favors.  Personally I don't expect them and like you said they often get tossed or parents 'forget' to take them home.  I only get some favors for our parties that I know Maggie will like and the kids can play with during the party.  Since you are already at a waterpark I can't imagine the kids will be bored or have nothing to play with.

victoria1212

I don't think you need favors at all. The party, food, fun times is favor enough :-)

Hey Jellisy

I don't think so, the children will never miss them and they aren't for the adults.  If you decide you MUST have them, I would look in the clearance bins to see if they have kids sunglasses, travel sunscreen or other pool related item and just tie on a cute tag with ribbon. 

amh_navyblue

I say don't worry about the favors...it's a nice gesture on the one hand, but I agree that most time they are thrown away in the end anyway.  I don't think Emily Post will come hunt you down;)

 It's funny, I was at a bday for one of DD#1's friends recently and there was a little girl and her mother who are recent immigrants. The mother commented that she thought it was so interesting/strange that at American birthday parties you bring a present for the birthday girl/boy AND you get a present from them...and I thought, "how true!"

mek10976

Personally, I hate all the cheap crap we accumulate from all the birthdays.  If I were your guest, I wouldn't think twice about skipping favors.  You could always take a group photo and then send everyone a copy as a token, maybe as part of the thank you card?

Sofka

I did not have favors for DD's 1st b-day party and don't plan on them for her 2nd. Think of all the trees you are saving but not using up paper bags others will throw out.

bh2720

mek10976:

Personally, I hate all the cheap crap we accumulate from all the birthdays.  If I were your guest, I wouldn't think twice about skipping favors.  You could always take a group photo and then send everyone a copy as a token, maybe as part of the thank you card?

this!

MrsTiara

I am anti-favors!  I think Emily Post would heartily agree, and Miss Manners, that they are unnecessary.  I hate getting them at other's parties (and have tried to discreetly decline, but to no avail), just more stuff to have to throw away, and it's not like they're particularly baby-safe, either.  I think when my kids are old enough that it's seen as mandatory, we'll just do craft projects instead.

kbird

I too wanted to come in on the anti-favor camp.  My sister with older kids said once her mom friends actually cheered when she apologized for skipping favor bags at one of her kid's parties.

Let's all save our money and time!

 Karen

 

Lion&Hokie

I haven't yet had favors and I haven't been excommunicated. Yet.

Lion&Hokie

I haven't yet had favors and I haven't been excommunicated. Yet.

barkers4jmm

I hate all those crappy little trinkets, too.  And the stuff is always too small for the little ones. 

kirnat848

I'm on the anit-favor bandwagon as well! We just end up throwing them away and the kids get like 5 mins of enjoyment from them. For their parties I only really give like fruit snacks and maybe a small thing of playdough...maybe. So I say you are just fine without! And have fun, sounds like a great party!