Birthday Parties: How Old is Too Old?

If you're a parent, you have most likely hosted or carted off your child to numerous birthday bashes. When a child's in elementary school, it can seem as if there's a party every weekend, whether it's at someone's home or at one of the many .

Our question for this week is related to these types of parties—the ones where guests are expected to bring a gift (read: mom or dad runs out to grab a gift card on the way to the party).

At what age do you think these parties (gift expected, lots of friends invited) should end, if at all? Do you find that the parents of your child's friends are in agreement with you, and if so, how are these sentiments conveyed? Have you ever sent your child to a party for a kid who you thought was "too old," to be having a group party? Please share any thoughts you may have on kids' birthday parties, gift-giving, and communicating with other parents about these issues.