Lose the Loot
Present-less parties may be the "first hyper-parenting trend that does not reek of wanton excess."
Instead, guests are asked to donate money or stuff to the charity of the birthday kid's choice.
I likee! Not only does this teach philanthropy and altruism, but it gracefully does away with all the random plastic crap I am forced to hide from my daughter and regift or give to Goodwill. At her last birthday, I might as well have asked all the parents to save time shopping and just send their money straight to Disney.
Some observers diss gift-free parties, saying kids could end up hating charity because it did them out of birthday presents. Others say kids learn valuable lessons saying thanks for stuff they hate, and giving gifts they'd rather keep.
That's just silly. Parents can bestow plenty of loot on their own birthday kid. As for learning to say thank you for something you hate -- that's what relatives are for. And on teaching the joy of giving away something you really really want yourself: First, no matter how you slice it, there's no joy in that for a 4-year-old. Second, parents will always save the best stuff for their own kid. Or pay the price.
I am definitely doing this for my daughter's 5th birthday. Exceptions will be made for guests with exceptionally good taste.
Cake, but No Presents, Please [NY Times]
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