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Gift-free birthday parties are becoming popular for children, with some parents wanting to avoid consumerism and promote charity. Invitations may ask for donations to a chosen charity. Parents should discuss the idea with their children and focus on celebrating friendship with food and games.
A gift-free birthday party is one where guests were specifically instructed to refrain from bringing gifts. There are different styles of such parties and there are a number of reasons to decide to throw one. People who’ve been invited to a party with no presents might think it’s a little strange, but it’s important to respect the wishes of the people hosting the party. Those who are considering throwing a party should consider a few things before taking the plunge.
This concept generally applies specifically to children’s parties, as adults can celebrate their birthdays in different ways and many adults don’t expect gifts at their birthday parties. Many parents started going to gift-free birthday parties because they were concerned that gifts placed a strong emphasis on consumerism, and some of them wanted their children to embrace the values of charity and brotherhood. Others felt that the cost of birthday presents could become prohibitively expensive for parents of children with lots of friends, and throwing a birthday party without presents allows those parents to attend without feeling pressured or guilty.
An invitation to this type of party usually includes a small line that says “no gifts please.” In other cases, the invitation may state that the party hosts are collecting donations for a charity. Participants can donate if they wish, or donate to another charity if they don’t support the cause the hosts are collecting for. Some parents believe that teaching children about charity at a young age is important and that holidays without presents can ultimately be more rewarding and enjoyable.
Some children seem comfortable with the idea of a party without presents; in fact, some may even suggest it, especially if they attended a party with no gifts for a friend. Others may be extremely against it, since the concept seems to go against the very tradition of a birthday party. Parents who are considering throwing a birthday party without presents should discuss this carefully with their children before committing, and would do well to ask their children for input on what should be done with the donations or funds raised.
The goal of the party is to bring together a group of children to celebrate their friendship. Cake and food may still be served, and entertainment such as parlor games are typically offered. Presents, however, are kept absent, with any gifts from parents or close friends being given in private, and gift bags for attendees usually not a part of party planning.
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