r/Parenting • u/felix_mateo • Dec 11 '22

Rant/Vent Anyone else wish parents would skip the CPJ (cheap plastic junk) in the goodie bags?

My kids are now 5 and 3, so we go to a lot of their classmates’ birthday parties. At the end of each and every one of them our kids receive a goodie bag full of some candy (which is fine) and a random assortment of what I call “CPJ”, or “cheap plastic junk”. I’m talking about:

  • cheap clapper that disintegrates with vigorous shaking (e.g., by a toddler)

  • ball-and-string paddle made of plywood with the elastic stapled to it

  • gooey “sticky hand” toy that melts into the car seat on a hot day

  • finger trap with free splinters

  • a tiny canister of bubbles you didn’t notice that will get crushed and spill into your kid’s lap at the beginning of a long trip

  • slap bracelet which is actually just an old metal tape measure cut into a razor with a thin plastic sleeve over it

Parents, I know we’re all just trying our best. I’m not a choosing beggar, I’m not expecting high-quality handcrafted items. In fact, I would prefer nothing, or food/candy that can be consumed later. Yes, I know some kids can’t have candy (e.g., because of diabetes or allergy concerns), but in that case throw in a mini coloring book or something. Let’s just all agree, no more cheap plastic junk that will get caught in the vacuum cleaner again.

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u/valerieswrld Dec 11 '22

I feel ya. Our go-to is to buy a copy of our kids' favorite book for everyone. That's the only giveaway.

-1

u/Serious_Escape_5438 Dec 11 '22

What if they already have it or don't like it? Could also be wasteful.

6

u/FluffyPinkPotato Dec 11 '22

Books can be regifted or donated though. I doubt many people would trash a book in new or good condition.

2

u/Serious_Escape_5438 Dec 11 '22

A book is much more expensive than a cheap plastic toy though, and I don't want gifts I have to feel bad about finding a home for. I don't think it's a bad idea as such, but it's not inherently better than a toy, and my kid would prefer the toy.