I don't get these nut-job parents who bring the entire circus to their backyard on their kid's birthday! Is it because the parents feel guilty for being at work all the time and this is their substitute for love? He's 3, he probably won't even remember it. YDI

dude not being funny but $300 dollars for a 3 year old is riduculas !!!!!

Return everything. Do something small- very small. They won't remember their third birthday

300 dollars isn't a huge amount to spend on a kids birthday, if you can afford it. If it makes you happy, go for it. On my birthday; I bought 4 lobster and a bottle of wine. It cost almost 300 but its my money and that's how I choose to spend it.

one if those "you had 1 job" moments

If someone really cares he will come no matter if he gets the invitation or not.

I have a 10yr old. And for the last two yrs, I let her invite 3 girls for a sleepover/slumber party for her birthday. I took them to an indoor waterpark and bought pizza. The total was maybe $60? When they are older, parties can be cheaper if you have a sleepover which my kid prefers vs a party which last a few hours at most. And its cheaper.

What is up with the self righteous "why are you spending $300?! I never spend that much and no 3yr old deserves a $300 party...etc" Who the hell are you to decide what a complete stranger is allowed to spend on her child?! You are not her, you are not in charge of HER income.

Wow. I'm surprised by all the people who are baffled by children's birthday parties. It's not always about spoiling the kid--especially for a younger kids. We've had large parties for my daughters since they were one.. and it's not all focused on the kid, it's also an excuse to get the family together and have a good time. My family generally only gathers for holidays and by celebrating birthdays together, we get to add more holidays to the years. It's worth the money to host a get-together for my family and provide a meal for the people who raised me and my cousins who I grew up with...and it's an added bonus that my kids get to feel extra love from the family on their birthday. When they were one, it was more about seeing the family than for the kids, of course. Now that they're 4, they really really enjoy seeing everyone and getting to be the center of attention... but I still enjoy seeing my extended family for an extra party. No one is getting spoiled. It's just nice. If your family doesn't work that way, that's fine. But don't act like this is some alien event :-p

That should be the first thing you do. Lessened learned.