With birthday parties approaching in our family, I’ve been paying special attention to ideas for party locations, themes, recipes, and ways to decrease the horde of gifts about to rain down on my home. Hey, I get it. There are literally millions of toys out there, and shopping for them is especially fun and has become so affordable. The struggle is all too real.
But, now we’re living in the age of minimalism among millennials and Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up (an amazing book turned new Netflix series). And to be frank, many of these toys, and putting them away, do NOT spark my joy. Throw out the mom guilt because new studies suggest fewer toys actually increase creativity in kids. So here are several alternatives to piles of toys.
1. Ask for Experiences
It’s increasingly popular to ask for memberships and gift cards to experiences. Some good values around Columbia include EdVenture, Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens, and the South Carolina State Museum. You can also buy sets of music, dance, martial arts, horseback riding, or art classes. Sports and other activities are experiences that grow their world and last a lifetime, but they are some of the priciest parts of being a parent.
2. Time Capsule Gift
You can always make birthday tradition a sentimental meal or activity with your closest people, including a special gift that records messages for the future, such as a favorite book.
3. Book Swap
This one is great for younger children whose pals might not understand why they aren’t getting anything to open too. At the same time, it means bringing home only ONE new item, at least from friends. Also, it takes care of party favors. Here’s how it works: each guest and the host put a wrapped book of their choice on the gift table. when the time comes, each child takes a gift and, in one excited second, everyone tears into their pretty papered package.
4. Charity FUNdraiser
Let your child learn the joy of giving by letting them choose a charity for their well wishers to donate to. Drives are often more fun, such as taking up collections for an animal shelter or food bank where they can proudly deliver the goods themselves and see where they are put to work.
5. Fiver
Take out the hassle of shopping and wrapping in that pre-party rush by asking guests to drop a $5 bill. The pool can go to a big gift the parents have already purchased as a surprise or to the child themselves.
Whether you go big or go home, the most important thing is taking time to celebrate family birthdays however you choose: they will remember that you remembered. Now, go enjoy your celebrations!
What ideas would you add to the list?
