TikTok user Rachel Gibbs, a 29-year-old mother of two young children, sparked a range of reactions on the platform with her low-budget approach to her 1-year-old daughter’s birthday party.
In a video posted to TikTok, Gibbs outlined her unconventional party plans, which included skipping meals, banning gifts, and asking for donations toward backyard renovations. She prefaced the list by saying that the plans might seem unusual, and that she was having a ’90s-style party.
Gibbs’s approach drew criticism from some viewers, who accused her of being cheap and of using her child’s birthday as a fundraiser for her own backyard project. Others, however, supported her decision, arguing that it was a practical and honest way to celebrate her daughter’s birthday.
Gibbs defended her decision, emphasizing that she is a content creator who relies on her videos for income. She also said that she got the idea for the donation suggestion from a friend who had asked family to contribute to a stroller fund instead of giving Christmas gifts.
Despite the criticism, Gibbs followed through with her low-budget party concept. She said she received about $50 in donations at the party, which was held outside in her backyard. Gibbs noted that her daughter and the other children enjoyed the party, and that she spent very little money on food and decorations.
Gibbs’s video highlights the different perspectives on parenting and the pressures that parents face to provide elaborate and expensive birthday parties for their children. Her story also underscores the importance of setting realistic expectations and finding ways to celebrate special occasions that are both meaningful and budget-friendly.
