10 Photos That Show Why Birthday Parties Are Way More Expensive Now
Birthdays used to be simple: a homemade cake, a few balloons, and maybe a game of pin the tail on the donkey. Now it’s a full-scale production with party planners, towering cakes that no one actually enjoys, and balloon displays that cost more than a month’s rent.
If you’ve ever wondered when kid birthday parties started looking like wedding receptions, you’re not alone. Let’s take a trip down memory lane with these photos that prove just how much birthdays have leveled up — and how our wallets have taken the hit.
1. Simple, Homemade Cakes Were All We Needed …
Mom used to whip our cake, frost it herself, and put a couple of candles in it.
2. … Before Fondant and Pinterest Took Over
These days, parents contact a bakery to order themed, multi-tiered cakes that cost $100 or more, just for their kid to grimace at the taste of fondant. Mom’s cream cheese frosting is way better.
3. Balloons and Party Hats Were Enough …
A little banner, some balloons taped to the wall, and a few party hats to rub our chins raw — that was the extent of childhood birthday decorations back in the day.
4. … Now You Have To Take Out a Second Mortgage To Decorate
Balloon arches, giant faux macarons, ice cream cone pedestals to hold tasseled lamps … this isn’t even as out of control as some parents get these days.
5. Quaint Evenings With Family …
Mom, Dad, and our siblings singing “Happy Birthday” made us feel special, and it meant there was more cake to go around.
6. … Have Become Significantly Less Intimate
Mom invited the whole school again!
7. Happily Helping Mom Get Things Ready …
“Honey, help me blow up these balloons.” “Come put the candles on your cake with me.” We didn’t even mind lending Mom a hand for our special day.
8. … Is the Party Planner’s Job Now
Why enlist the kids to blow up balloons when you can hire someone to do it all for you?
9. A Kazoo for Every Kiddo …
When we were kids, the extent of party favors was kazoos or finger traps. And everyone was happy.
10. … Turned Into Full-On Gifts for All
At today’s parties, every kiddo gets a gift bag full of goodies to take home. Whose idea was it to give guests presents at someone else’s birthday party?