Birthday Party Etiquette for the 21st Century

As parents, our child's birthday is more special to us than the 4th of July or New Year's Eve. After all, it's the anniversary of the day our precious baby came into the world and changed everything forever. It's only natural to want to throw an elaborate bash befitting such a monumental occasion. However, as any parent knows who has had to accompany their own child, gift in hand, to the birthday parties of countless school friends, making the scene on the birthday party circuit can get expensive and exhausting. Here are some tips on being a gracious party guest and for throwing birthday parties that work for everyone.