Tags
birthday gift, birthdays, family, kids, motherhood, parenting
We’ve recently been involved in a little bit of a revolution in the age-old ”what to give as a birthday gift” dilemma.
Fairy Cake
Judging by the gifts that have arrived in our house over the years, the average spend on a birthday gift by my children’s school pals (parents) seems to be in the region of €15 to €20. In addition to the spend, on more than one occasion I have been embarrassed at the number of gifts my girls have received at their parties. It just seems like too much stuff for one child to receive. But at the same time it is not very fair on the child to ask people not to give a gift.
But earlier this year we received an unusual birthday invitation which stated “No gift is required but if you wish to, then the birthday girl would be delighted to receive no more than €5”.
I had to read it twice before it sank in to my fuzzy brain. No more than €5? Now the amount sounded good to me, but wouldn’t it seem a little mean and tight-fisted, handing over just €5? Even though €5 is more than enough for a child to receive.
On the day though, we did as we were told and gave the birthday girl a €5 note in her birthday card. She was thrilled and delighted with the cold hard cash. Over the next month, we received 2 other birthday party invitations also asking for “no more than €5″. So I wasn’t the only parent who liked this idea.
Then, as DD2’s birthday was looming, I asked if she would be happy with the €5 gift request for her birthday. She agreed, so we included the “no more than €5” on the invitations. After her party, DD2 was amazed to have received a total of €105! Now this is far less than the value of gifts she would have received in previous years, but because it was “loads” of cash she felt very important and grown up.
We went to the toy-shop where she took forever (of course) to choose two toys for herself. DD2 values those two gifts all the more because she chose them herself. She is also very careful with the money she has not yet spent.
So we are now fully fledged converts to the €5 birthday gift idea. We will definitely use it for DD1’s next birthday. As a brand new teen she will be delighted to have money to spend and it will solve a headache for the gift givers too.
I’m just sorry we didn’t come across this idea years ago, think of all the money us parents would have saved!!
While I think that is a super idea, I also think it’s a shame not to rip open presents with friends unless of course you open family ones with the kids around. And there’s always pass the parcel. Over here I was shocked that they spend between 25-30 dollars and my son has lots of friends. He has way too many big toys which is commented on but not our fault. I might start the $5 trend here
Being the first one must be hard.
I’ve just realised you’re talking euro which is a bit more
Yes, I think being the first must be hard because people are not sure how to react. Give it a go, you never know until you try!
That is so funny! I have a friend who cracks me up! For her 50th she gave a list of gift ideas. They included. Tummy tuck, Face lift …. hysterical…
So which did you buy her?
Hahaha! A spa certificate! She was thrilled!
That’s great. Kids are liking it and saving parents money. I’m sure she will enjoy spending it and will learn to save as well.
Thats what I am hoping.
good solution
Yep. I think so too.
OMG This is such a brilliant idea! How much random stuff do they end up with, it would be much better that they choose 1 or 2 good quality toys and totally take the pressure of us mums too
BONUS! I love that cake too hun – major girl envy going on here 
xxx
What a great idea, Ellie: mine are now nine and twelve, but I wish I there had been this culture when parties en masse were the thing.
That is a beautiful cake!
What a fantastic idea. Kids can receive so many gifts that they almost become meaningless. I remember when I was younger being allowed a set amount of money to choose a gift for myself and, like your experience, cue hours in a single toy shop searching for that special something. I remember those times far better than the tons of gifts I received when having a party.
Exactly the same here! We’re having LB’s party this weekend and at his new school, the mums pool 40dhs each and hand over the cash rather than presents. I think it’s a great idea! Almost pays for the party, lol! I’m just a little worried that he’s going to ask everyone where his present is, tho…you know how they love to unwrap presents when they’re three!
It’s a great idea and much better for the child to have the cash rather than an expensive present. The cake is fab by the way.