Good evening,
Next month is my daughter's first birthday and my husband and I are hosting 2 small parties for her. Reason being, I am from Maryland and that is where my family resides and my husband's family resides an hour away from our residence. With Christmas just passing, our daughter was showered with tons of toys since it was her first Christmas and she is the first grandchild and first great grandchild for my family and she is the baby grandchild for my husband's family. Soooo many toys that more than half of them have yet to be opened. The unopened ones are in a big trash bag in her closet. She does not need any more toys as she doesn't even play with the ones she has.
Anyway, only family is being invited to the parties. I would like to ask for monetary donations to her college fund or savings bonds and a personalized wisdom/prayer letter in lieu of gifts. She already has way more than enough toys and she is only turning one.
I have read numerous posts regarding this topic but still wanted to ask. Asking for monetary donations is widely popular on wedding invitations and it seems to be going over well. I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions on this matter. I only ask that you not be rude. I am asking for help on this matter.
I would open a savings account specifically for her college savings and have them donate to that if they would like. If I had a family member ask for this, I would love it! They get SO much stuff!
I guess it depends on how open your family is about asking/giving money. otherwise, ask for books instead, as someone suggested.
Good luck!
Relatives and friends get pleasure from buying for a small child. The savings account for the future seems to far off to be meaningful (to me). Would you be interested in asking them to pay for a swim or music lesson, a voucher at an in door kids gym etc. Most places will let you buy gift certificates online so you just turn up and announce yourself to redeem it.
Anyone who has ever had kids should understand 'we cannot justify another toy or piece of clothing'.
I can appreciate what you are asking of your family here. It would be far more beneficial to her future. But many people find asking for money offensive. Many people also don't like the idea of being told what to buy. Some people also just really enjoy a kid's excitement about getting a toy, so the request may just be ignored. You know your crowd best. If your family is open about asking for money and open to the idea, go for it. If you have reservations about it I'd refrain from doing it. Maybe give it as a verbal suggestion.
Another thing that was really great was 18 mo+ clothes. And just ask make sure you specify "college fund" or "savings bond" type gifts, to be clear it isn't money, but an investment in her future. I love that sort of thing, because it means they get the gift when they can actually appreciate it.
My daughter-in-law also started an add-a-pearl necklace for my daughter.
I think the donations is a great idea. I suggest if you've already sent out invitations (if you are doing those) then to just send an email out to everyone explaining that in lieu of gifts you would appreciate *enter donation option here* . Let them know they have already been gracious enough with toys and such at christmas time and are set for the next year on toys! Try to make light of it but at the same time let them know how important it is instead of meaningless 'toys;. Good luck and either way she'll have a great birthday surrounded by family! (You could always return toys and get something else you may need for her instead.)
I've asked and everyone brings gifts anyway, one relative told me I was rude :( Ask the guests for a children's book to build up her library, she can never have too many books!
I think that's a great idea and you can specify the account if they are able to deposit directly. You might say "or" instead of "and" and have a table where people can write letters or notes if they forgot. Get a book to put them in, and maybe even scrapbooking materials for people who are extra crafty.
We asked for things other than stuffed animals this year because she has a ton of them. She is very happy with her art stuff.
At 1, people can also get her practical things - toddler plate/bowl/cup/silverware, labels (like from Mabelslabels.com), toy bins, clothes, etc.
Hi, D.:
That's a good idea not only for birthday but also Christmas too.
Go to Ed Jones or any other financial institution of your choice and
open a college fund and then you can tell your folks and friends how they can donate money to the baby's college fund account.
Good luck.
D.
We're in a similar situation with a first birthday coming up right after Christmas. My parents already contribute to a college fund for both kids for Christmas and b'days - I felt comfortable asking them. I think you could speak to people verbally if you feel comfortable but I'm not sure about putting it on the invitation. You could set up a Amazon.com wish list for her with some of the great non-toy ideas some others have already listed, but I'm not sure how to put a college fund on there. Again, though, I think you'd have to refer people to it verbally, which would mean either they had to ask or you had to feel comfortable directing them there. Good luck!! And happy birthday to your little one!
Another gift idea is to ask for organizers for the toys. My January boy just got a LOAD of toy cars so for his birthday he's getting a car back pack and zip bin, plus a zip bin for his farm toys and another one for all his fish and bath toys.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias...
Or remind people that she'll need clothes or shoes....it's ok to ask for anything BUT toys too!
The savings is a great thing.. Give them the account number if they ask..
Also good Children's classic books are also great. They will help your child get into college.
I think you're on the right track-establish a trust-give it a name-and ask your family to contribute to the trust in lieu of gifts. Tell them why. I do encourage you to open the gifts - so that notes can be written and you will not have something in the bag that will not be age appropriate when you get around to opening it.
