Have you heard about the newest idea in kids’ birthday parties? Gift-free birthday parties. In lieu of gifts, partygoers donate money or specific items to the child’s charity of choice. Teaching kids about giving is a noble cause but I’m not sure if a gift-free birthday party is the answer. Also, at what age should a parent start? In an article in the July 22, 2007 issue of the New York Times, kids as young as four were becoming little philanthropists. Sure, today kids have more gadgets than they could possible ever play with, but still…
I have no problem with the child wanting to forgo his gifts but if it’s the parent’s idea then I take issue. There are other ways for kids to give back- volunteering is just one of those ways. I know, I know, many agencies need the extra money. However, there are other ways of fundraising than gift-free parties.
Even Miss Manners apparently hates the idea. She was quoted as saying “People seem to forget that you can’t spend other people’s money, even for a good cause. Do you really want the birthday child to grow up hating philanthropy because it’s done him out of his birthday presents?”
I wrote recently about Tyler having the gimmes. I certainly don’t want to raise him to think only of himself and his wants but I certainly would never force him to forgo his birthday gifts. Again, if it’s his choice then I’m all for it. I have always given my time for causes I believe it. I always said that I didn’t have the finances to help but I could always give of my time. I would hope that my volunteering will rub off on Tyler. And yes, I understand that sometimes in-kind gifts aren’t the answer. However, there are other ways of fundraising- bake sales, garage sales, etc. But no-gift birthday parties? I’ll have to think about that one.
See also:
Birthday Parties- Are Some Parents Going Too Far?
Let Them Make Cake- And Eat it Too!