Comments on: How to Have Socially Responsible Birthday Party – What To Do About Gifts

By: Angela

Angela — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:32:45 +0000

I am looking for ideas on what to do… will ask guests not to bring gifts – some will listen, but have some mainstream friends that I know will want to buy gifts. I was interested in echoage, but 15% “administrative” cut is a little too much for me to swallow. I think I like the book request idea.

By: vnessa

vnessa — Sat, 02 May 2009 03:35:14 +0000

instead of gifts (especially the little ones) I’ve had friends ask for guests to bring books to donate to the child’s school, adopting a needy family, ask for donations to take to the local pound, etc. etc. There are many ways to help the local community that don’t even really require you to buy a goat for an African village, but that is also a possibility. This really teaches children and creates a more long-lasting impact than what a few measley toys can provide. we’ve started this tradition early so our son can get used to it.

By: Ben Derez

Ben Derez — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:49:30 +0000

Finding the right gifts is really tough. You should try http://www.kaddoz.com. It’s a web site that allows you to create a share lists of gift ideas for you or anyone in your family. We also publish a daily blog and we recently had a special week for eco-friendly gift ideas (see http://blog.kaddoz.com/category/style/eco-friendly/). We would appreciate any comments or suggestions to improve. Cheers. Ben.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:38:05 +0000

This year, we asked the birthday party guests to bring a used book instead of a present. Then, we had a book exchange. I made sure to have extra books on hand for the folks that forgot or decided to bring a gift anyway. The kids all got to open a gift, Abby only ended up with a few things to take home and I didn’t have to get favors. I just sent the kids home with organic, not too sugary granola bars. I think that helped avoid the melt-downs that usually happen at a pre-schooler’s party. We had a lot of fun! You have some great ideas here. Thanks!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:03:41 +0000

i couldn’t handle something huge. one screaming child is enough. i don’t need like…6. xD i just take my son to chuck e cheese just to be simple.

By: Paul Maurice Martin

Paul Maurice Martin — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:51:05 +0000

Sounds like a real learning experience for your son -