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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Labor Day seems to be one of those holidays where anything goes as long as it’s red, white, and blue.  Some head to the beach, others relax at a backyard BBQ, and many picnic with friends. Host a unique Labor Day picnic where everyone pitches in with picnic blanket stations that offer food, drink, or an activity for all to enjoy.

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Tailgating is typically a “food sport” for the big kids, but plenty of little kids enjoy hanging around before the game chatting it up with fellow fans.

Make your kid’s tailgating experience a fun one with these tips from Celebrations’ Jeanne Benedict.

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My son would like one gift this year for his birthday that is expensive. Instead of having all of the guests bring individual gifts to his upcoming party, I would like to ask everyone to put their money toward this gift. Is this appropriate, or will people be offended?

This is a tricky question because most people do not want to be directed toward purchasing a particular item or contribute money for a specific gift. However, if you have close friends and family who you know will not be offended and you feel comfortable asking them, it is acceptable. If you decide to do this, I would not designate an amount, but let them choose what they would like to contribute without any suggestions on your behalf. Also, be aware that if you do not ask all of the guests at your party for such a contribution and they find out, it may lead to some awkwardness as well. So, if you decide to only ask a few people, you may want to consider keeping it quiet and unwrapping gifts after the party is over so no one asks why presents may be missing.

Football season (both Pee Wee and High School) is well and truly under way, and, of course, that means cheerleading is also in full swing.  Perhaps your kid is or aspires to be a cheerleader someday and would love to have a cheery, cheerful, cheerleading type of party.

You may be able to host this party at the local football stadium … this would give you plenty of space and an authentic feel.  You may want to call your local schools and see what’s involved with securing such a venue.

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The Wall Street Journal’s The Juggle blog featured the topic of bringing gifts to kids’ parties when a “no gifts” request has been made on the invitation. If you have received these invitations for your kids’ friends’ parties and aren’t sure what to do, this blog and the related comments are definitely worth a read to see what people think.

I have already chimed in my thoughts here, but it’s an ongoing issue with modern day kids’ parties. Check it out!

Recently someone wrote that they received an invitation to a kid’s birthday party that included a card for a gift registry of presents that the kid wants for his big day. Is this a trend? And if it is, is it a good thing?

Well, the off-the-cuff reaction is, “No way!” And then, “I would never do that!” It gives off the air that parties are really out of control, and that presents at the party are teaching kids to demand what they want, in terms of “stuff,” and expect to get it. Many parents are trying to get away from this message altogether, and teaching kids that their parties are about being with their friends, having fun, and sharing the good times. Other parents are moving toward giving donations to various local non-profit organizations or a family-favorite charity to teach lessons of altruism.

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