For many parents – in certain areas of London, at least – the schoolgate politics of children’s birthday parties, presents and gift bags is already fraught.
Here’s another example to file under #middleclassproblems. Musician and presenter Myleene Klass (not short of a bob or two herself, most likely) tweeted her dismay at being asked to contribute towards a Kindle and desk as “class birthday” gifts for two girls at her daughter’s school.
Klass posted the group email in which the request was made on Twitter (after changing the names) - along with #inbox #bonkers #schoolgates.
The email stated that two mothers “would prefer a class birthday gift for their daughters this year”. It goes on to say that one child wanted a Kindle, the other a desk.
Klass and other parents were invited to contribute a “suggested” £10, “via an envelope in your daughters school bag” if they preferred.
A second email stated: “From memory, about £10 seems to be a popular amount, but feel free to give what you like or indeed, to give your own gift.”
1/2 FYI I have changed the names etc, but this landed in my #inbox #bonkers #schoolgates pic.twitter.com/uGRJ6u2kLj
— Myleene Klass (@KlassMyleene) February 4, 2015
Klass made her feelings even more abundantly clear in a 2nd tweet.
2/2 My reply #sent pic.twitter.com/xvJ1qp5BZw
— Myleene Klass (@KlassMyleene) February 4, 2015
Glamour editor Jo Elvin probably summed up common reaction in this response.
@KlassMyleene well this is a game changer. My daughter wants a trip to the maldives, preparing the class email now.
— Jo Elvin (@jo_elvin) February 4, 2015
Last month the parents of a five-year-old made headlines after they were invoiced £15.95 for his failure to attend a birthday party in Plymouth.
In a recent Guardian Money piece, a parent asked: “My daughter has just turned four, and I’m now taking her to endless other four-year-olds’ parties – and have to buy gifts every time. It’s really starting to add up. What’s the ‘right’ amount to spend, what’s a good thing to buy, and would it be noticed if I didn’t buy anything? There’s never a thank you.”
The consensus appeared to be £5-£10, or less. Also, be creative – look for bargains, buy in bulk, recycle unwanted gifts, make your own.
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