Envelope money for 18th birthdays: Mother revolts after son asked for 500 lei

An 18th birthday party in Romania has become the subject of parental concern and debate due to escalating financial expectations. A mother, identified only as posting on the Facebook group "La Tablă," expressed her astonishment after her son informed her that guests were expected to contribute 500 lei (approximately $110) in an envelope for a classmate's celebration.

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My son told me very calmly that he needs to have 500 lei.

The mother recounted that her son, who recently finished 12th grade, casually mentioned the required sum. She was further taken aback when a friend, whose daughter is in her first year of university, revealed she had given 1,000 lei (approximately $220) for a similar event. This friend explained that the higher amount was due to the party being held at a more expensive venue and featuring fireworks and a live band.

"Have we really reached the point where we treat a child's 18th birthday like a wedding?" the mother questioned, reflecting on her own teenage years when parties were simpler and gifts were given according to personal means, or a single class gift was purchased. She feels that the current trend of envelope money, akin to weddings and baptisms, places an undue financial burden on guests for adolescent celebrations.

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Have we really reached the point where we treat a child's 18th birthday like a wedding?

The situation highlights a growing trend where teenage milestone parties are becoming increasingly elaborate and costly. While some parents argue that such sums are justified if the party includes a full restaurant menu, DJ, and photographer, others, like the mother who shared her story, find it excessive and a departure from the original spirit of celebration.

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And she tells me that she gave even 1,000 lei at an 18th birthday party, because the party had fireworks, a band and was organized in a more expensive venue.