Kid's Birthday Party Question

Starlite · **Kid's Birthday Party Question**

We had a discussion a few weeks ago about kids' birthday parties with and without gifts. My dd and I have talked it over and she wants to do a birthday party without having her friends bring gifts (we'll buy her some gifts, of course). In lieu of gifts, she would like her friends to bring one pet item (I'm thinking cat or dog food) to be donated to a local shelter.

What do you think about a party like this? Would you feel weird or offended if a kid's birthday invite said "In lieu of gifts, please bring a pet item..."? Also, I want to word it somehow where people don't feel obligated to bring a pet item if they don't want to.

Opinions?

Oregano · 02-09-2007, 03:41 PM

I can't imagine someone being offended to instead of bringing a gift to bring an item to donate to a worthy cause...I wouldn't worry about it! Do what you want to do! I'm sure you could say something like "no presents please but if you'd like, bring an pet item to donate to XYZ Animal Shelter" - Have fun!

blessed_with_6 · 02-09-2007, 03:41 PM

I would not only be NOT offended.....I would be THRILLED! I think that is a wonderful, wonderful thing to do. How old is your daughter?? That is awesome of her to already be considering that. Maybe you can do the invitations in a pet theme....and just write on it, "In lieu of gifts for "?", she would really like you to bring a small gift for a pet instead. Then, after her party, we will be bringing the basket of goodies down to the local shelter to share with all the animals who are still waiting on homes!" Also, a suggestion, maybe you can invite the other parents and kids to go down with you and your daughter to the shelter..maybe along with bringing gifts, a pet or two will find a home with one of your dd's friends!!!

momof2boys · 02-09-2007, 03:59 PM

I think its a great idea. Maybe say:
in lieu of bringing a gift please bring an item fit for a pet that Susie would like to donate to our local animal shelter.

I think taking it there with the kids would not be good, only because lets face it more than likely there parents are not going to let them get a pet. It could end up being a crying fest. I have only ever gone to our local shelter once and yes we took our dog home but it was so heartbreaking to leave all the other ones behind. I left there with many tears.

brandk916 · 02-09-2007, 04:30 PM

I would not be offended at all! I think that is very sweet of her! You have a very thoughtful daughter.

desertmom · 02-09-2007, 05:29 PM

That's a great idea, especially if you let them know it's going to a shelter on the invitation. So is your daughter always this generous? Sounds like you have a gem!

Sun11598 · 02-09-2007, 05:38 PM

I think it's an awesome idea! And frankly makes the gift buying much easier!

SwampWitch · 02-09-2007, 05:47 PM

How about:

If you'd like to help celebrate HerName's birthday with a gift, we ask that you bring a cat or dog item to be donated to the local shelter. Any monetary gifts will also be donated.

Cheers, from
SwampWitch

mommy&wifeisme · 02-09-2007, 06:53 PM

Don't shoot me now! But I am going to be perfectly honest and say if I saw that on an invitation I would think first that it was wierd, and second that her parents must buy her too much throughout the year and have to resort to this. Again don't shoot me just being honest.

Jodie · 02-09-2007, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mommy&wifeisme

Don't shoot me now! But I am going to be perfectly honest and say if I saw that on an invitation I would think first that it was wierd, and second that her parents must buy her too much throughout the year and have to resort to this. Again don't shoot me just being honest.

No shooting from me....however i wouldn't get that impression. I might think that she has enough just because most kids do and they don't need any more little dodads cluttering up their house....

I think it's a great idea. Perhaps all the kids could go when you take the stuff to be donated. It would be a great experience for them.