I think discretion is the issue. You can hand things out discreetly, or you can make a big show and fuss about it all. I think there are some settings where giving out invites is inappropriate (I've been to parties where someone was giving out invites for their own party), but when it comes to school parties it is really tricky. I think kids and their parents need to be handed (or posted) something rather than just putting it in their pocket because there are probably a few who don't check very thoroughly!

I dunno - I'm not sure there is a good way to give out invites at school. Maybe posting to home? But then you don't always know the address, and it can get exxy. At some point the kids who aren't invited will find out about it, and as others have said you can't always be invited to everything.

But if it was me seeing lots of other children being invited, I'd feel pretty crap