Birthday parties for kids

Is it me, or have birthday parties nowadays gotten out of hand? My next door neighbor rented a giant inflatable castle that filled his backyard when his daughter turned four. Another neighbor rented ponies for his child’s party. When I was four, we had a pinata, bobbed for apples, played outside, and ate cake. Very simple.

Maybe I’m traditional, but I wonder when this became a case of “Keeping up with the Joneses.” Whatever happened to Pin the Tail on the Donkey? Why are we now suddenly having to rent clowns, ponies, and circuses?

Can you tell I’m protesting the whole movement? :batman:

My son is three and he hasn’t had a birthday party yet. I might do one for him next year, but it will only involve a few friends and it will probably be food and games–that’s it.

What are your thoughts about birthday parties for kids?