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Alternative Gifts for a "No Presents" Party |
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by jenlemen  (October 2006) (rank 15th) |
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we've been invited to a birthday party for 4 yr old twins and the invitation says no presents! I've never been invited to one of those. I know my girls will ask why we are not giving them a gift. I think 4 yrs old is just a little too young to understand. What do you all think?
Whatever your personal thoughts on the "no presents" policy, it's completely possible to encourage the spirit of giving in your children while honoring the parents' request to refrain from bringing gifts. Here are five suggestions that will be sure to delight everyone without offending your hosts:
- Make a card. Get out the crayons, glitter and markers, and help your children make a special card in honor of the birthday girl. Ask your kids to tell you three things they like about their friend, and record their responses verbatim at the bottom of the card. Explain to your child that telling someone the things you love about them on their birthday is another way of making their day extra special.
- Tell a story. At my oldest daughter's fourth birthday, one child brought a story her mom had helped her write as a way to say "Happy Birthday". It was a very simple heartfelt tale that stayed on our bookshelves for many years. Little children might need prompting as you record their thoughts, but making up a story from scratch helps all the children involved know that giving from the heart is a gift beyond measure.
- Picture this. If you have a recent photo of your children playing together, let your children bring it along on the big day. Help your children recall the fun times you've had together recently and encourage your children to warmly greet the birthday person on arrival. Let your kids offer the picture along with the hope that you'll have many more fun times playing together this year.
- Present a coupon. Let your kids decorate a 3x5 blank index card with stickers, glitter and colored pencils. When the masterpiece is finished, ask your kids to choose one favorite activity they'd like to do with the birthday child. Options might include going to the playground together, having a playdate or going out for ice cream. Your children will be eager to bring the gift of time to the party as their way of saying "we're glad you were born!"
- Treats on us. Ask the host if she would be willing to let you and your children bring a simple food item to share at the party. If she agrees, let your kids help you make a simple snack to commemorate the big day. While you are baking together, talk to your children about the birthday boy and share your own wishes for the child's coming year. Invite your kids to arrange the goodies on a platter in an artful way, and let your children bring in the snack when you arrive at the party.
These suggestions honor the spirit of the request (please, no more stuff!) while teaching your children how to show love and kindness to someone on their birthday. As a family, we've enjoyed bringing and receiving gifts like these and hope you will, too.
copyright 2006
