INQUISITR.COM / News & Politics

Boy’s Birthday Party Invitation Gets Slammed On Facebook For ‘Offensive’ Stipulation On Gifts, Here’s Why

By Meaghan Ellis
Published on: 04:19 PST, Feb 24, 2016

One mother is facing backlash from numerous directions because of a seemingly offensive stipulation she has for her son’s 7th birthday party. Apparently, no cheap gifts are allowed and a £50 gift minimum (approximately $70 in USD) has been enforced.

According to Metro, Karen De Noosh arrived at the gates of Elms View Primary School after school on February 20 to pass out invitations to parents for her son’s birthday party. The invitation included an adorable photo of her son, Alfie, holding his Minions-themed birthday party invitation. At first glance, the invitation looks like any other until you read the fine print.

At the top of the invitation, the standard information is written — the date, time, and location of the party. But, at the bottom, there’s a disclaimer with specifications about gifts that will be accepted.

Apparently, the stipulation on gifts caused an “all-out war at the school gates,” according to Southend News Network. One parent shared her sentiments of the seemingly expensive request and how it could backfire and lead to a relatively grim outcome for Alfie. Due to the gift demands, many parents may be detoured from bringing their children to the party, and her son could end up without having any partygoers.

“All of us feel the same way, and her demands are utterly ridiculous…That greedy b*tch will be the one explaining to her poor little boy when nobody turns up to his party,” one parent reportedly said.

The birthday party invitation has caused such an uproar that snapshots of it are also circulating on Facebook, and now the mother is at the center of controversy on social media. Almost immediately after the post was shared, Facebook users began complaining.

However, De Noosh stands by her decision. When contacted by Southend News Network, she offered a detailed explanation for her decision to enforce an unconventional minimum amount for gifts. Apparently, she’s tired of putting effort into purchasing nice gifts for others only to receive gifts that aren’t up to the same standard. So, the price increase ensures the value of the gift, according to De Noosh. Although she’s received a flood of complaints, she still doesn’t believe she made the wrong decision. In fact, she also included reasons to support her decision and how gift shopping could actually be beneficial for children.

“I am tired of buying nice presents for all of Alfie’s friends and then getting gifts in return that one would expect to uncover in a happy meal! I don’t think that a £50 minimum gift value is unreasonable, and there are some real bargains to be had out there. Also, I think that the parents can use this as an opportunity to take their kids to the shops and teach them all about the value of money and getting a bargain.

“However, that’s not all. She went on to say that she contemplated creating a gift registry, but opted not to because she didn’t want to seem ‘pretentious.’ I was considering just making a gift list that you could find at a wedding or engagement party, but I didn’t want people to think that we are a pretentious family. I have suggested this service to Waitrose staff at their London Road branch.”

Do you think a $70 minimum is too expensive for a 7-year-old’s birthday party? Would you pay the price to take your child to a birthday party? Share your thoughts.

[Image via Facebook/Southend News Network]

Share this article: Boy’s Birthday Party Invitation Gets Slammed On Facebook For ‘Offensive’ Stipulation On Gifts, Here’s Why
parenting Facebook
More from Inquisitr