THE lengths today's parents go to to provide their offspring with birthday parties with a difference never ceases to amaze me.

They dress up to the nines and head off for organised dos in restaurants or at skating rinks, or have clowns and magicians put on a show at home for their little pals.

What's up with jelly and cakes, a game of musical chairs and pass the parcel?

Who am I trying to kid? I'll bet guests would turn up their noses unless the prizes were a Gameboy, mobile phone or holiday in Disneyland.

It must be tough having to bring up a child in this must-have-it-all world.

I was lucky enough to get most things I wanted - but they were usually a book or doll from Woolies or a packet of Finart crayons and a colouring book!