I'm not convinced that the area dictates very much the type of party provided.
My local dgc have gone to parties at 'venues' and take a gift of around £10/£15. At their local primary school where the party circles are made up from, it is a very broad mix socially, from the higher paid to others on benefits. The fancy parties appear to be provided regardless.
In my original post I mentioned that I had asked a family member who lived abroad what they did . This family member and his wife are both professionals and have lived in the USA for many years, that is where they came across the 'bring a book' idea. They live quite modestly in order to be able to afford to live in a nice-ish area. They plan on doing the bring a book for their own child's birthday this summer and having a party - old style- in their garden. Perhaps even in the USA they are getting fed up with the OTT approach and looking back to the simple fun.
I am delighted at the positive response to the bring a book idea. It only takes a few parents to take a stand in their child's social circle and the idea could well take off.
And most likely, there would be many happy parents.
Can I use my bus pass on London buses?
Awwww, he is so happy to see me…..