If you dread the gift influx at your child’s party, here are some suggestions for alternatives to the traditional present table (and how to pre-empt it).
Plenty of parents secretly (or not so secretly) dread the pile of gifts that’s bound to arrive at their child’s birthday party (and Christmas!).
If…
🫣 You don’t have space in your house to store even more stuff
😅 You dread the plastic tat invasion
💰 You don’t want friends to spend a lot
🥴 You don’t want the pressure of buying them all a gift when it’s their bday
You are NOT alone!
It may feel awkward, but you absolutely CAN give some guidelines on the invitation about gifts.
Here are some ideas to keep those gifts under control
(These are sourced from Mum’s and Dad’s in the same boat as you)
🪙 £1, £2 or £5 in a card
Your little one can choose something they want (and you can supervise 😅). Think about the group you’re inviting and be sensitive about what will be affordable.
🛍️ Toy Swap
Everyone brings a wrapped toy, and everyone gets to take one home. All the unwrapping fun, none of the excess.
📚 Book swap
Bring two books from home. One goes into a swap box and each child gets one to take home, the others are given to your little one as their gift. Is it possible to have too many books? I think not!
❌ No plastic
Say it how it is, and ask that people opt for a more sustainable gift or avoid plastic (please).
🛍️ Preloved party
Ask your guests to give something second-hand, from their home or a charity shop.
🏡 Homemade
A drawing, something edible, a crown…but make it easy on the old mental load.
😱 No gifts
This may be a controversial one! Generally, if your child is three or under, this is easier. But a no-gift party could be a more sensitive issue to handle as they get older if they see their friends getting gifts at their parties.
Have you tried any of these?
