DD was invited to DL (drama llama) neighbor's DD's bday party (she'll turn 5). While I have little affection for this neighbor, I try to keep the kids on good terms and am friendly with the neighbors, just not as close as previously. DL neighbor suddenly cancelled her DD's bday party 3 days ahead of the party itself and strangely 30 minutes after calling to say DS was invited along. Another neighbor revealed (5 days prior to the cancellation) the reason was due to poor attendance (only about 2 kids could make it, which wasn't surprising considering less than 2 wks notice of the party itself). DL neighbor said in the cancellation she would try to reschedule for another time. DH and I are doubtful about that happening (the girl is their youngest (and a surprise) and seems like a constant afterthought in comparison to her far older siblings) and peg the odds at about 40-50%.Meanwhile I now have a Ballroom Dancing Barbie (this little girl was into Barbie, it fit in the budget and DD liked it although it bears a striking resemblance to a stripper) plus a little bracelet and lollipop from a local toy place. Doll was bought from Amazon so returns are difficult. Here are my options:1. Do nothing. If the party is rescheduled, I can give it to the little girl then. If not, I already know we are being invited to another little girl's 4YO bday party in November so could regift then without issue. 2. Go ahead and give the little girl the presents on her birthday.3. Keep the doll for DS to give to DD for Christmas. DD needs another barbie doll like she needs a hole in the head and her play with them is sporadic at this point. Plus I would prefer to get her the Barbie pediatrician, vet or dentist or even snowboarder. Not that I'm projecting or anything... 4. Special snowflake (please explain) FYI, for those of you who want to know, the neighbor's DD was unable to attend DD's birthday and DD received no gift (which is appropriate for non-attendance). Given that the actions were in keeping with traditional etiquette in the matter, I'm not really swayed by that.So WWYD? TIA!ETA: We rarely interact with this neighbor and doesn't allow her children in our house so the kids, while they get along great and enjoy playing together, rarely get to so are not terribly close now.
Under normal circumstances, I'd be leaning towards #1. Except I kind of feel bad for this little girl. She's always an afterthought for her parents and now won't have a birthday party? I think it would be nice for her to get a present and therefore, would give her the Barbie anyway.
I would give the child the barbie. It's already bought and you intended to give it to her so why not. Especially since she seems lost in the shuffle of the other kids. Make her feel special even if her parents don't. It's not her fault that her mama is all about drama. Trust me my mama is ALL about the drama. This is part reason we live far away
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Thanks, ladies. I have it nicely wrapped up with all kinds of spiral curls and we'll walk it over Saturday (her real birthday) after DD's morning dance class.
Re: another bday party dilemma (xp)
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I would give her the doll. Based on what you said about her home life, this child could benefit from a nice gesture.
agreed.
click the pic (blog)
DD -- 5YO
DS -- 3YO