When you host a party, you get to set the guest list. But one man’s decision to exclude a friend from his New Year’s Eve celebration sparked a massive argument about boundaries, collectibles, and parental responsibility.
The reason for the ban was simple: the friend’s six-year-old son had damaged the host’s prized, locked collection of Amiibo figures the previous year. The damage was bad, but the mother’s reaction, ridiculing the host and refusing to pay, was the real dealbreaker.
Now, the mother is furious, calling the host “childish” for prioritizing his collection over their friendship.
Now, read the full story:
![and said i was an [jerk] and that that wasn't a reason to not invite someone and that her child was just playing.](https://dailyhighlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wp-editor-1762277396008-13.webp "Man Bans Friend From NYE Party After Her Son Damages His Amiibo Collection")
and others agree that i’m the [jerk]. So reddit, AITA?.
This situation is a perfect lesson in the difference between an accident and a lack of respect. The OP admitted it was his mistake for leaving the key in the lock, allowing the six-year-old access. The child’s actions were typical for his age.
However, the mother’s reaction was the true offense. She didn’t just refuse to pay the modest €136 replacement cost; she “ridiculed” the OP and “brushed it off.” That reaction showed a profound lack of respect for his property, his hobbies, and his friendship.
The OP’s decision to uninvite her was not about punishing the child; it was about protecting his boundaries from a disrespectful adult. He is entirely justified in choosing his peace of mind over a friendship that clearly views his belongings as disposable.
The High Cost of Collectibles and Parental Responsibility
The value of the Amiibo figures, around €136 for the damaged ones, might seem small to some, but the principle is huge. For collectors, items often hold sentimental value far exceeding their replacement cost, especially since many were gifts from friends.
The mother’s refusal to pay for the damage caused by her child is a failure of basic parental responsibility. As the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes, teaching children to take responsibility for their mistakes, including financial restitution, is a crucial part of moral development.
The mother’s excuse that the child was “just playing” is a common form of deflection. A 2023 survey by Credit Karma found that 40% of parents reported experiencing financial stress due to unexpected costs related to their children, yet most parents understand that paying for damage is non-negotiable.
The mother’s refusal to pay, coupled with her mockery, is what broke the friendship. As relationship expert Dr. John Gottman notes, contempt—which ridiculing a friend’s passion certainly qualifies as, is one of the most destructive behaviors in any relationship. [Source: The Gottman Institute]
Check out how the community responded:
The consensus was overwhelmingly NTA, with Redditors arguing that the mother’s refusal to pay for the damage was the real reason for the ban.
Many users pointed out that the mother’s refusal to compensate was the key sign of disrespect.
Commenters emphasized that the mother’s behavior was the problem, not the child’s accident.
The OP made the right choice. He set a clear boundary, and when his friend responded with contempt and disrespect, he removed her from his life. The ban wasn’t about the Amiibos; it was about the mother’s refusal to act like a responsible adult and friend.
Do you think the OP should have given her a second chance, or was the ban the only way to protect his property and his peace?
