Birthday Ideas

When my daughter was turning four, we planned a party for her at an area play structure. Each kid invited to the party brought a $15 gift for a "gift exchange." We numbered the gifts as they came in and wrote the number down on a master atendance list. Each kid drew a number. My husband had hid the gifts, in the play structure, during the ice cream and cake portion of the party. After that the kids went racing through the play structure to find the gift associated with the number that they drew. BIG rule, they were not allowed to tell anyone where other gifts were and they could ONLY open their gift after an adult checked it out. You could set up your 2 yr old to pick a number that you assign to a gift apropriate for her. The best part,no "pile" of gifts for the birthday kid and everyone went home with a pretty cool gift instead of the lousy trinket gift bags.

Lastly, I have done the donation thing now that my daughter is older, 10. She "gets it" now and so do her fellow Girl Scouts, who are the majority of the friends invited to her party. Wait a little longer for donations and you won't have to try very hard to "teach" your children to give to others.

1 mom found this helpful

Hello T.,

I have a party theme consulting business here in Brighton. What your planning sounds wonderful to me. I am unfamiliar with the Kalamazoo area to recommend local play places but thought I would ask if you are familiar with Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. They have over 6000 Butterflies in one of their gardens right now that simply amazes children of all ages. its a great experience because they land on the children and make good photo ops..lol I'm not exactly sure how far of a drive that would be for you but I thought I'd mention it.
As far as the classmates bringing bags of Dog/cat food, I think thats a great idea. Many of my clients have done similar types of donation gifts. Good Luck with your Animal Theme! If you find yourself short on ideas for games, decorations, or crafts check out my Blog...Theme's By D....Let me know what you think. Thanks.

I think you don't need any advice. You're right on track! Have alot of fun! C.

My only concern is that it might feel awkward to some of the kids/parents if they have different "gifts" I think you should tell them all the same thing, and then if they don't listen, it's their problem...

I love the donation to the animal shelter idea. You could let your children collect the animal gifts at the party and then make a trip to deliver them in person. They'd get to see the animals they're helping. I bet they'd love it!

You could always hit the Full Blast in Battle Creek, if your party is soon. If it is later (read: warmer!), Mooville in Nashville on 79 has a great petting zoo (free) and ice cream parlor (with their own fresh made icecream). I know there are lots of horse (not sure about pony) places you could go, but usually those are for 7 year to 10 year olds and up. I got the impression your kids are pretty young.

Have fun!

Honestly, I think it's a bad idea. Kid's want to get gifts on their birthday, need or not. And to ask certain kids to bring donations and then others that are invited get to bring a gift would probably make the kids who brought donations bags uncomfortable. Kids get excited while watching the birthday boy or girl open their gift. And with your daughter only turning two, I don't think she'll notice if her brother gets more gifts then her. My son just turned 5 and my daughter will be turning two in June and they share all of their toys (most of the time :) ) anyway. Don't make it hard on the kids coming, let them bring a gift. Also, since your son will be getitng so many new toys, this could give you and your son the opportunity to go through the toys he already has and donate a bunch to charity to help make room for the new ones :)
Good Luck!
J. in Macomb

I say let the kids bring gifts. If your kids get too many toys, have them donate their old toys to a local charity or church. Also, a fun idea would be to have the party at a gymnastics place. I live in Grand Rapids and those always seem to be a big hit. Kids love jumping on the tramp and all the other activites. Good Luck!

Hi T.,

I don't think it would be right to tell the kids they can not bring a gift. They would definately feel uncomfortable when others did. Plus children at that age love giving.

R.

Hi,

I'm with you- I ask that my son's friends not to bring gifts. I usually put the request in the actual invitation so that the parents have a visual reminder of what we requested. I can't really get his family to stop bringing gifts so I give them a very specific list of acceptable gift ideas and try to limit the toys. Often I'll ask the family to either go together on one big thing - a toy kitchen, an inflatable pool- or ask them to contribute to classes. I've also asked for arts and crafts supplies.

I don't think it's a good idea to ask for donations from some kids and let others bring gifts for your kids. It might make the kids and parents uncomfortable when your kids get gifts from other people and they brought cat food. I know I'd be uncomfortable in that situation. You daughter will have gifts from the mutual friends to open and I seriously doubt at 2 years old that she'll notice that he got more gifts. I'd hand out the invitations and let the people you give them to decide what to give.

Hello I am an event planner in the Lansing area if you need help planning your children birthday, or just need my assistance in finding vendors, please give me a call at ###-###-####, Precious Planning, www.preciousplanning.org

HI T. saw your quandry and decided to let you know of our experience. I have 4 boys- the youngest of whom have birthdays only 3 days apart, three years but the dates are the 19th and the 21st. They have many of the same friends and have had some combined parties(always with separate cakes and candles:)) when they were younger. The no gift idea is huge~ we did that on several occasions and had gifts brought but on the invitation told folks that the gifts were being donated to the Pontiac Rescue mission, now it is the Grace centers of Hope. People still brought gifts and I let my children open them 9just like at a party), but then at the end of the party we loaded everything up and took it to the resuce mission were we met the families that were currently staying there, played with the children and then left the gifts. It was very rewarding for evey one involved and made a huge impact on my kids and the their friends and families! Just a thought.

I have two children within 2 weeks as well. Althhough it's hectic, you need to have separate birthday parties, especially as they get older. I appreciate not doing gifts but be prepared for people that won't read the invite and get the traditional gift. This can be akward when some have a bag of dog food and some have gifts. Remember your young children will still be attracted to the child bringing them a gift because that's what will benefit them. Since they are only 2 and 4 the donation may be too hard for them to understand. At 6 and 8 they will get it much more.

I have 5 children, there is 3 days between 2 of my sons birthday and trust me you will live to regret it. The hurt
feelings it causes the child or both is forever. You give
honor to each child by celebrating just that childs birthday
You are already concerned about daughter not getting gifts
that concern should tell you TROUBLE if you celebrate both.
Have a party invite both their friends just don't call it
a birthday....NO GIFTS & NO HURT FEELINGS, JUST A FUN TIME
FOR ALL...........