I told DH and a mom at DS's school that I'm going to start campaigning for going back to basic, easy Valentine's Day parties. A handful of kids bring cookies/cupcakes, pass out cards, and do a craft. Done. No more elaborate treats, no games.
DH also heard my whole speech that these over the top parties are setting expectations for EVERYTHING to be an extraordinary magical thing and when it isn't the kids are little brats about it.
I'm either onto something or grumpy that the mom's in DS's class are difficult to work with.
This reminds me of the first valentine's when Ds started preschool. First time for one of these school parties. I went out and got his cards in his favorite superhero. Bought a bag of suckers to give out as a special treat. I was so proud of myself and my first school/mom valentine. I get there and one of my friends has these big homemade valentines with treat bags full of candy, pencils, stickers. Needless to say, I was a little deflated.
Its ridiculous. I love celebrating things and make a huge deal out of birthdays, enjoy special treats for accomplishments big and small, and like giving presents. One gift bag seems reasonable, but having a class party become such an event is exhausting for working moms and SAHMs. The moms that helped with the party couldn't even help because they had their younger kids with them.
I’m feeling lucky after reading these posts - we got too much junk and I had to help make a box for DD, but neither kids’ class exchange had parent attendance.