Seems like kids can be a status reset if you let them be. They’re not aware of brands and costs unless you make them aware.

If your squad is snobby about food/luxury/etc, they shouldn’t won’t care that you’re hosting your kid’s bday at Shakey’s pizza. Or park hang instead of a fancy restaurant kids DGAF about. Or toys from Goodwill instead of brand new. Some of your friends might even be pleasantly surprised at how low-cost and no-frills the events are.