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Let’s face it, a first birthday party is really for the parents more than the child – they’re never going to actually remember it. But this mum’s unique requests for her daughter’s first birthday have really taken the cake!

Mum of two, Rachel Gibbs, who has more that 200,000 TikTok followers, posted a video titled, ‘Unusual Things I’m Doing At My Daughter’s First Birthday Party’. The party is Harry Potter-themed, as Rachel is a big HP fan, and her daughter is named Hazel Paige. But that’s about as fancy as it gets. Rachel says she didn’t do these things for her son’s first birthday party, and admits the requests are a little ‘not normal’.

Let’s start with the timing of the party. Rachel says she made it clear on the invitation that the party is from 9.30am until 11am.

“I want you all to know I don’t want you at my house all day,” Rachel said. “I’m giving you your day. I do not expect you to sacrifice your entire Saturday for a child’s birthday party who’s not even gonna remember it.

“And the end time? Please leave my house. My child needs to nap, and anybody who’s coming to a one-year-old’s birthday party is already up at 9.30am., or they can suck it up for one day because it’s over at 11. You have your entire day.”

Rachel continued on with her unique requests, saying there won’t be a meal served at the party.

@rachonlife Cannot wait to celebrate HP’s first trip around the sun but I am not ready for her to grow up ❤️‍???? #rachonlife #firstbirthday #firstbirthdayparty #babybirthday ♬ original sound – rachel | mom stuff + lifestyle

“Please eat breakfast before you come. I will have some snacks and that’s it.”

The party will also be game-free, with Rachel saying there will be a ball pit and some climbing toys set up for the kids.

“I’m not doing anything really. This is going to be a very 90s vibe birthday party. I am not spending money on this. And I am an excessive shopper. This headband cost $75. Ok? I’m not spending money on this.”

But Rachel’s most controversial request involves a ‘no presents’ rule. Instead of asking for gifts, the mum asked for money towards a backyard renovation.

“I specifically, very clearly, put on the invitations, ‘Please, do not bring gifts.’ And then I said, ‘If you feel inclined to bring something, consider $5, because we’re trying to remodel, redo our yard. Our backyard is a train wreck. Bring us five bucks to help us redo our backyard. That’s what we’re asking. But she does not need anything.”

As expected, many of the comments on the video were brutal, with many saying she should just forgo a party altogether. But some of the comments went too far, pushing Rachel to do a teary follow up video saying she was having a break from social media.  

@rachonlife I dont let negative comments get to me, but man today has been rough. Ill check in in a few days. #rachonlife ♬ original sound – rachel | mom stuff + lifestyle

So, what do you think? Is this your type of party or do you go all out? Let us know in the comments below. 

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  • She is a person with many followers on Tik Tok…..Attention and controversy makes her happy.

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  • She could have worded it a lot better.

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  • I guess if you were a friend of this young mother you would know how she thinks and acts and talks only too well, so it probably wouldn’t be a problem for you at all. What she did by putting it out there on social media is the mistake in my book. Her sentiments are quite reasonable, really, and they probably made her close circle of friends smile. If she hadn’t put it out there, she wouldn’t have had to follow up with all the nasty trolls.

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  • I get the concept, but the way it is delivered is poor and comes across as selfish and entitled.

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  • She needs to either forgo the day altogether or word it differently. It’s more like she’s willing to put up with you for an hour and you should pay her for talking to you. Wonder what her daughter will think when she’s older and finds out mum did a party for her brother but not her? I’m sure if she has money to spend on luxurious things she can pay for her own backyard

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  • Some of what she is requesting is reasonable, but the way she says it comes across selfish and entitled. For goodness sake, it’s one day! Yes, you have a routine but on this one day it’s about your child having fun. Who cares if she won’t remember. If people want to linger a little longer be thankful you have friends who want to be there for you and socialise. The things you have to do can wait one day. Not providing a meal is fair and everyone will only expect party food anyway, so make it a nice morning tea. Then, maybe people might want to contribute some money. But with an attitude like that in the video, they won’t!

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  • Maybe she could bring it a bit diferently, but nothing wrong with her requests

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  • May as well not have a party as it seems be please come between these hours and drop off a gift of money. It’s obvious she does not even want to socialise with other friends and family.

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  • Fair enough. The only criticism I have is that the $75 she spent on a headband may have been better spent on her backyard.

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  • I think it was just raw and honest and let’s be real – we’ve all been there with the young kids and people overstaying their welcome.

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  • Why have a party at all. Life is getting so demanding and unrealistic now.

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  • Gee. Don’t have a party to celebrate your daughter’s birthday. Just celebrate with your partner. Simple. It’s very passive aggressive and could have been handled very differently.

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  • If she feels that strongly about the party and gifts and her child not remembering and the time limit, why on earth have a party at all. I agree with having a time limit and also about the gift business but she’s making it all one sided. It’s all to her advantage and nothing to her guests. So why bother at all. ????????‍♀️????????‍♀️

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  • Actually love this! Wish people could be more open and honest with how they want things to go, instead of just people pleasing

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  • If she is not asking for presents, she doesnt have to give them lunch!

    Reply

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