Birthday Surprise

So my youngest just turned 4. She loves horses, so we did it up barn style (and yes, bringing home five oversized helium filled horse balloons was both interesting and fun).

It seems like every other weekend we're carting our kids off to someone's birthday party. We don't mind -- it's fun for them and gives us a couple hours to relax or get things done -- but it can break the bank and there's also then the stress of hosting the party yourself. Ever mindful that your party activity speaks volumes (in the world of inflatable bounce houses in the backyard, animal experts visiting with snakes, lizards and small rodents, etc.), my wife and I went dirty old school and opted for the at-home party with hokey games like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Birthday Bingo and, yes, the infamous treat-filled Pinata. And it was a blast.

Pursuant to my recent post on stifling creativity, perhaps the biggest surprise of the day came when we realized that every gift she got was somehow about creativity or role play. Nothing electronic (thank you!), no DVDs. She received dolls, arts & crafts kits, Polly Pocket (though we curse the little bits!), board games and books.

So I can't help but wonder: as we chart the course of endless birthday party gift shopping, are we unconsciously opting for the classics? Certainly when you don't know if a girl likes Barbie or Bratz or if a boy likes Spider-Man or Superman, Monopoly, arts & crafts and LEGO are natural, stress-free choices.

On the receiving end of a wealth of creative play opportunities for my daughter, I'm so grateful to our friends and family that we didn't end up with a bunch of trendy novelties that deliver more sizzle than steak.

The moral: consider giving what you want them to receive.