No doubt that a birthday party with friends and family is a fun way to celebrate, but you know what’s an even better time? Throwing a party that helps others, too! We’re not suggesting a ban on all birthday gifts! But there are ways to strike a balance and make kids’ birthday parties more socially, environmentally, and financially friendly.
Giving back should be based on what feels and works best for your family, and it can evolve as your kids grow. Get the birthday kiddo involved and keep their interests in mind when planning for their birthday party. Are they animal lovers? Book lovers? Have a friend in the hospital? The more an issue or charity is tied to something your kids care about, the more interested they will be in helping to support it.
Here are a few ways you can incorporate giving back at your child’s next birthday party:
Invite guests to bring a small item to donate.
Pair the items to your child’s interests. For a booklover, invite guests to bring a book to donate to a shelter or children’s hospital. Pet lovers can request pet food, toys, old blankets (which many animal shelters need), or other wish list items the animal shelter has. Deliver the donations as a family and include photos in party guests’ thank yous so they can feel part of the experience.
Celebrate a favorite food and help a local food bank.
Is your child a peanut butter fanatic? A pasta lover? A fan of canned fruit? Help out a local food bank by asking party guests to bring jars, cans, or boxes of the birthday boy’s or girl’s favorite non-perishable food to donate to those in need. Set a goal of donating twenty-five jars of peanut butter or 100 packages of pasta and choose a fun way to display the donations as they come in like a can pyramid.
Do a simple volunteer project at the party.
Incorporate a fun project, such as making cards for first responders or decorating place mats for Meals on Wheels. You could also purchase items to donate, like birthday party essentials for kids in need or toiletries for a women’s shelter, and then have the party guests package them for delivery.
Volunteer as a family.
Spend time volunteering as a family on or near your child’s birthday. Choose a fun outdoor community project and recruit your friends to join you. Or volunteer at a local charity and food pantry.
Have the birthday boy or girl donate gently used toys or books.
Children can celebrate their new age by picking the same number of gently used books or toys to donate and delivering them to a nonprofit. Another idea is to donate one toy or book that your child has outgrown for every birthday present received. It helps others and makes room in your house for the new gifts.
Give meaningful party favors.
Replace plastic party-store items with items such as seed packets that families can plant in their neighborhood or cards to color and give to the elderly. Or skip the favors entirely and make a charitable donation in the guests’ names instead.
Donate some gifts.
If your child receives multiples of a gift consider donating the duplicates. Or, if you host multiple parties for your kids, you could ask them to donate some of their gifts. For example, your child can donate birthday party gifts to a nonprofit of their choice while keeping presents they get from family members.
Request a donation in lieu of gifts.
Explaining on the invitation why the chosen nonprofit is important to your child will make it more impactful. Some guests still might prefer to give a gift, and that’s OK. The charity can become part of the party theme, such as a pajama party where guests bring a pair of new pajamas to donate to a shelter.
How do you incorporate a sense of giving into your child’s birthday parties?
