I was stunned when I got billed for a child’s birthday & the mum’s demands didn’t end there… she should learn to budget
A MUM-OF-TWO was shocked when she was charged for her children’s attendance at a birthday party.
Lucky Magezi said she couldn’t believe it when a fellow parent requested payment for the festivities, and that wasn’t the end of the demands.
The Londoner explained that the party was located at a trampoline park but revealed that the charge wasn’t for admission.
She said the arranged event was actually taking place during a free jump party at the venue.
“I was asked to pay £21 per child to attend the free jump party,” Lucky said.
While she couldn’t comprehend the charge, she said she was still open to forking over for each child.
However, an additional demand sent the 29-year-old mum over the edge.
After returning her kids’ RSVP, Lucky was sent a wish list for presents, costing between £30 to £40.
“This is the first time I have ever been sent a birthday present wish list for a child’s birthday without having first asked for it,” she revealed.
She shared that other parents were also unimpressed by the upfront ask.
“It’s not common practice and many felt that if the parent couldn’t afford to pay for all children, then she should have scaled down the party or chosen a cheaper option they could afford,” she said.
The hairstylist said she has hosted her own parties for her two children, Malikah, 11, and Za’nyah, six, in the past without requesting funding from other parents.
She revealed that she has even spent up to £1,000 on one party and managed to do so without anyone else’s help.
Lucky called out the woman for “taking advantage” of the other parents.
“I was initially open to paying for my children to attend as I’m aware not all families are doing well, especially in the cost-of-living crisis we face as a country,” she said.
However, the gift list as well as the other mum’s previous actions made her change her mind.
“When I was then sent the extravagant wish list, I was beyond frustrated as this particular parent never usually brings a present,” she said.
Average kid's birthday cost for parents
According to a new study from the UK’s leading money-saving brand, Voucher Cloud, has revealed that over two thirds of British parents throw their children a birthday party every single year - and the costs can be high.
- Average spend on party – £320.50
- Average spend on presents – £175.80
“It then dawned on me that this parent was trying to take advantage of us parents.”
Lucky stated that she plans and budgets to be able to cover the cost of the parties in advance and was left confused as to why others don’t do the same.
“I usually spend between £500 to £1,000 per party as I enjoy my children having lavish celebrations,” she explained.
“However, I cover all costs and start to plan and budget for these parties well in advance.
“I do not expect everyone to have lavish parties like me but I do expect parents to have organised and catered for the event if they are inviting children.
“I think all parents should learn to have events within their means and plan and budget well in advance before inviting children to a celebration.”