You know all about “swag” … those goodies you get when you attend parties. According to this NY Post article, swag is not just for grown-up parties, conferences and weddings anymore. Kids not only look forward to good swag, they expect it!  From expensive toys to LeSac bags filled with spa goodies and beyond, many parents are giving in to giving swag.

The article also points to parents who don’t agree with the swag-giving trend, citing one parent who is giving a lollipop with a note that a donation has been made to Haiti Earthquake Relief.

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There is an excellent article on the Washington Post regarding a family who always held a book swap in lieu of gifts at their kids’ parties, but as the children get older they voice their own protests against this set up.  This is an interesting read regarding establishing family values and ones that you may want your children to pick up through experiences like celebrating birthdays.  Book swaps are a great alternative to traditional gift giving, but as the kids begin to decide what they want, parents have to balance their ideas with their own.

Would you keep the alternative to gifts going or try and find an in-between solution that retains values, but also gives the kids a bit of what they want?

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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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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