My wife's battled depression for a while, and though she rallied and had a decent few months, she plunged back into the depths of it for the few weeks around her recent birthday (which seems to happen every year, but this year was the worst yet). She had us cancel any birthday plans, cake, etc -- didn't even want anybody to say "happy birthday". After asking a few times and receiving this same answer, I went along with it; it was her birthday, after all. Her mood has lifted since then, but she still doesn't want her presents -- says to return everything, and shuts down when I bring up the subject. Fine, I can return them, except for one, a custom order meant as a present from our four-year-old (call her "Olivia"): a set of coasters printed with Olivia's scanned artwork. What do I do with them? [more inside]
posted by UtterlyDrained on Aug 11, 2008 - 65 answers

I am throwing my first birthday party ever, for my pre-teen niece. Needless to say, I'm completely out of touch when it comes to kids' birthday parties (having not attended any since the 1980s) and don't know what's considered typical and usual. Please share your experiences and advice. [more inside]
posted by parilous on May 6, 2008 - 20 answers

My kid is going to be six next month and he wants a party. We are very short on cash. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by maryh on Apr 19, 2008 - 42 answers

I need a venue for a 4 year old's birthday party in Seattle. [more inside]
posted by dw on Apr 2, 2008 - 10 answers

Birthday party etiquette question: Would it be in bad taste to invite my son's preschool classmates to his fifth birthday party? [more inside]
posted by LoriFLA on Mar 26, 2008 - 18 answers