[Bobsygirls]

I was 38 weeks pregnant for my DDs 5th birthday so she didn't have a party just a couple of friends at the movies and then sushi train for lunch. She is having a party this year for her 6th. Your son doesn't know that 5 is supposed to be a big birthday and a ski trip is a pretty awesome present!

[Etcetera]

Ds1 didn't. He has just started school and we didn't really know anyone so it felt a bit wrong.
He will have his first party this year when he is 6 and is very excited!

[No girls here]

I didn't do a 5th for DS2. His birthday is January and he had left day care and was about to start school, so I didn't feel there was much point doing a friends party when his group of friends was about to change dramatically. We just did a party for his 6th birthday instead. I don't really see 5 as being an important birthday anyway.

[balletmom4]

My 7yo DD has only had 2 parties in her life. My 14yo had a party every year until she was about 10. TBH the simpler the party the better. The kids really dont care what they do as long as they get to hang out with friends. I think overplanned parties are crazy and dont get the hype.

[meggs10]

I don't get why people want to have big parties for kids under 8 years old because they aren't going to remember it as the years go by and it costs a lot of money that could be used to buy them some things that they wouldn't normally get. I think parties are more for the adults at that age.

I know that I had a few birthdays parties when I was a kid because I've seem photos but I don't really remember them and I have not idea who those kids are in the photos.

[Freddie'sMum]

We did a proper 'big' party for DD#1 when she turned 5.

DD#2 will be 5 in October - so will do another proper 'big' party.

For us (coming from NZ) 5 was the age you started school - none of this dilly dallying - you would turn 5 and start school the next day - so I guess that's where having a 'big' b/day party for a child turning 5 years old.

We also don't do a b/day party every year. We get cupcakes / watch a DVD / have a couple of little friends around - but not an all out 'party'.

I don't think DH knows how much I spent when DD#1 turned 5 - I hired a fairy - we had the party at a local park - tonnes of little girls all dressed as fairies - food and juice / water - party bags - the lot

[balletmom4]

I don't get why people want to have big parties for kids under 8 years old because they aren't going to remember it as the years go by and it costs a lot of money that could be used to buy them some things that they wouldn't normally get. I think parties are more for the adults at that age.

I know that I had a few birthdays parties when I was a kid because I've seem photos but I don't really remember them and I have not idea who those kids are in the photos.

Agree 100%

[Maple Leaf]

We only do a party every second year...so I suppose DD1 will miss and has missed supposed "big ones".

Doesn't bother her or me!

[RatbagBob]

Don't let it bother you. We decided not to have a party for DDs 5th birthday this year because she's only just started school, and doesn't really know anyone in her class. So we're taking her and her best friend, who goes to a different school to the Easter Show as her birthday treat this year.

If he's happy about it, don't worry. Like PPs, I've never heard this thing about it being a "big" celebration either.

[katbalou]

I didn't realise the 5th birthday was a 'big' one either. My boys (3 of them) have parties every year. Up until school though it is just family and a few family friends. DS1 is having his 8th birthday party next weekend. I have told him however, this is his last big party (lots of school mates) - from next year it will a few friends to the movies or bowling or something. They are a lot of work - but I figure I can make the effort one day a year for each child.

OP it sounds like that's what he wants anyway. I wouldn't feel guilty in your situation.