The Birthday Party Industrial Complex: When Excess Becomes the Norm The latest reports of parents asking guests for tips or contributions towards their children's birthday parties have sparked a heated debate online.
Some argue it's reasonable to ask others to help cover costs, which can exceed $700 in some cases, while others see it as a sign of a larger problem: the expectation that every child deserves an extravagant celebration.
Kids' birthday parties have become big business, with event planners catering to parents' desire for over the top entertainment and decor. But when did we start measuring the success of these events by their price tag?