I am amazed at the effort people put into parties but if that is what they want then doesn't bother me apart from general wastefulness at alot - party bags with stuff in them no one really needs or wants - I prefer food in them than 'things' but much of the food is overpackaged. The stuff you see in the community centre bins after parties horrifies me in terms of the waste.

We haven't had a proper party yet, I always said would have one once kids asked for one - so DD will have one this year - but there will be a request for no presents and wont be any party bags.