After-game snacks have become a whole new way for parents to show off. I joined in, but stuck to a budget.

Detailed summary

My kids' after-game snacks have become elaborate gift bags that rival birthday party favors. I decided to embrace the trend, but set some limits.

My boys are playing baseball this season, and besides marking practices and games on my calendar, I also signed up to bring the snacks after a few games. After seeing my kid's first after-game snack, I am so glad I didn't go first. That's because these after-game snacks were a whole thing. Our first was a cute reusable gift bag filled with a baseball card, a woven baseball necklace — and the snacks. I was floored. I'm also a bit embarrassed to admit that I immediately logged into my Amazon account to start planning my own over-the-top snack. I usually don't mind being the "extra" mom, but this one got me thinking: are kids' sports snacks the new birthday parties?

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