Hi Moms,
Not too long ago I had a question about whether moms would think it was weird if I specified "no gifts" and/or "instead of a gift, please consider making a donation to ___ charity in my son's name" on his birthday invitation (I want to invite the whole preschool class--30 kids--and I do not want to troll for gifts--my son is the only grandson/nephew for a myriad of relatives and does not need gifts from his friends--the gift from them is truly their presence at his party). I received thoughtful responses from that question, but now I have a follow-up:
I saw on Oprah a long time ago an episode that talked about a "book birthday party", where the invitation specified that the guest bring ONE favorite children's book (pre-K through grade 6) as the gift to the party, and that the guest should write a personal inscription (their name and a short message) on the inside, therefore, no birthday card would be necessary. I thought of this the other day and I thought that perhaps this would be less weird than my original idea and not ignored by the majority of invitees, while also being thoughtful (my son loves to read) and wouldn't break the bank for parents (as great books can be had for as little as $4). It could be really fun for my son to have a little collection of books personally autographed by his friends. What do you think, wise mommies??
Thanks for indulging me (again)!
:-) D.
Hi Moms! Thanks so much for your terrific responses! My current plan is to do the "book birthday party," kindly requesting that every guest bring ONE favorite children's book as the gift with their signature inside. Instead of goodie bags, I will be giving out books, which I am ordering from Scholastic Book Club. I have a mom friend who does this already in lieu of goodie bags, and it's been a hit for her... Yea for books! :-) D.
GOOD idea! Bravo!
My daughter's school does this too, as a suggestion.
I'd do it, and yes, it would be 'fair' for any type of budget of financial concerns parents ALL have for birthday presents.
Awesome idea! I will keep this as an idea too for next time!
Good luck,
Susan
i think requesting them to give their favorite book to read as a gift is a great idea. if your son loves to read like you say he would be very happy to get a large selection. also maybe request the reciept for the book so you can return duplicates. also have them give their favorite board game. theres many possibilities here to do. good luck!
Hi D., I like that idea, I think worded just right, people will like that Idea, what I would do if I were you, I would buy my child a special book case just for the books that come in from his party. J. L
Nothing wrong with that. I don't know what message you would leave for them to do this. I was thinking you could ask for them to bring a book they no longer needed for a book exchange, but that would say everyone would come with a book and leave with a book...you wouldn't have to buy goodie bags as they would leave with a new book this way =)
In an effort to eliminate all those presents but still have a big party, I've implemented a "No Gifts" request. I do ask everyone to bring a new or gently used, wrapped book to the party. At the end of the party, everyone gets to take a book as party favor.
We've had parties and been to parties with a donation box for a favorite charity, too.
This is a fantastic idea!! Go for it!
I LOVE IT!
My son is 2.5 (today) and adores books...he's addicted to Borders and we spend every other Saturday there for storytime. :)
Plus, given the fact that I spent two weeks after his last birthday tracking down gift receipts in piles of toys, to return toys he either had or would never use or got doubles of and exchanging them for books or other stuff...I'm for it.
Good LUCK!
Love it!! Great idea. Another idea I read is have every child bring a book and then do a book exchange so every kid leaves with a new book as their party favor. As for the donation idea I have found it doesn't really work most people feel weird coming empty handed. You could also find a family or organization you like that has specific needs and ask for those needs to be met and then donate the items to those who may need things in your son's name. I just heard of a family in Thousand Oaks who loss everything in a home fire. Just an idea
Wow I love that Idea...I will have to borrow it for my childrens birthdays when they are older.
Hi D.,
My daughter turned 5 in May and my husband wanted to to this too. In the end, we decided against it, but had all the family donate to her college fund instead of buying her "stuff".
That way, she got gifts from her pals, still had stuff to open and everyone was happy.
But, I LOVE the book idea!!! Wish we had thought of that.
Good luck!
I'm officially co-opting this idea from now on! Marvelous! Brava!
Cool! I never saw that episode of Oprah, but I really like the idea! My daughter also loves to read and can sit in my lap for sometimes over an hour just being read to. Her 2nd birthday is coming up and I will consider this idea also! Thanks! :)
Yes! A book party is a great idea!
M.
