I took my 5-year-old to the wrong birthday party. It taught me a lesson about the grace of strangers.

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Close-up of a birthday cake on the table at home

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My 7-year-old invited a local shop owner to her birthday party. He showed up.

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The author's daughter poses with a local shop owner at her birthday party.
The author's daughter was adamant that she invite a local shop owner to her 7th birthday party.

Courtesy of Bridget Shirvell

I went over the top for my 1-year-old's birthday party. I just wanted to prove that I'm a good mother, but I regret it.

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Paulina Roe's daughter on her first birthday
The author threw her daughter an elaborate birthday party.

Courtesy of Paulina Roe

I almost got swept up in the excitement of throwing a birthday party for my 2-year-old. I'm so glad we skipped it.

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The author with her husband and son, in front of a lunch spread at a dining table.
The author decided not to have a large birthday party for her son and had family over for lunch instead.

Courtesy of Autumn Gavora

Instead of buying gifts for our daughters, we ask parents to bring toys their kids no longer use. We do an exchange at the party.

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Family and friends celebrating a birthday party outdoors at dusk. People are wearing party hats.
Katrina Donham (not pictured) tells parents not to bring new gifts to her daughters' birthday parties.

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An event planner for the rich shares how to throw the perfect birthday party — and the outrageous asks she's gotten

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parents with their son at his birthday party
Duron and Christine Harmon with their son, Cobe.

Ferdinande Fotography

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