When Robin F. of Seattle let out a shout to find out what people are doing at their kids’ parties if they aren’t requesting traditional gifts, she got many great ideas. She shares them here for anyone interested in gift giving alternatives:

1. Many are doing book exchanges in a few different ways: Read the rest of this entry »

These days, the issue of writing “no gifts” on birthday party invitations is wrought with conundrums. Some people listen and don’t bring a gift; others can’t bear the thought of not bringing a gift. Throw in the idea of donating to a philanthropic cause in the place of a gift, and the situation becomes that much more complicated.

The hardest part about this situation is that people want to do good and respect the host parent’s wishes, but they also want to stick with tradition, which says bring gifts to kids’ parties.

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If you are looking for an alternative to traditional gifts from your kid’s party guests that will not cost them any money, and will also take up party time as an activity, ask your guests to prepare a birthday wish, poem, or special charade for the birthday kid.

When you request something “theatrical,” the kids will be excited to prepare something special for your birthday child and they will also enjoy the opportunity to “perform” at the party.

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The idea of birthday presents is changing with many parents requesting “No Gifts” at their kids’ birthday parties. Of course, guests often don’t listen and bring one anyway…the guest feels awkward not to bring one and the host parent feels terrible that everyone brought gifts. A solution to this birthday party conundrum is instead of asking for “no gifts,” to provide an alternative to regular gifts. This way the guests get to bring something and the host knows where it is headed.

Birthday Buddies, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada is one of these options. Recently, I had the special opportunity to interview Jennifer Fast, the founder, and learn more about her inspiration, the organization, and how parents can get involved.

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If you are looking for some simple invitation language to explain to guests that you will be donating the birthday gifts, here is some:

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A Gift Exchange is another alternative to bringing presents for the birthday child. On your invitation, ask people to bring a small gift under the price of “X” amount of dollars to be exchanged at the party with the other guests.

You can have the exchange be something very simple as placing the presents into a big “grab bag” for the kids to each pick one at the end of the party on their way on out.

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