When I think of my birthdays as a kid, I remember cake, ice cream, and presents. Simple and sweet. Now, looking at social media, kids’ birthdays have become a production. Customized birthday invites, coordinated outfits, elaborate themes, and loads of presents. My son’s first birthday was an elaborate production. First birthday, first child, and first grandchild. A lot of expectations and planning went into this grand event. I spent hours researching the most unique places and themes for the perfect birthday. When the day finally arrived, I spent more time worrying about the details and guests enjoying the party than actually celebrating my son’s birthday.
My son’s second birthday is coming up in a few months, and my husband and I decided on no birthday party this year. When I tell people this, they act like I’ve just committed a crime. As a family, we decided to take a vacation to celebrate his birthday. I know that isn’t possible for some families, but it doesn’t have to be an elaborate trip, just a family trip to celebrate his birthday. We want him to look back and have wonderful memories of his birthday, and hopefully, those memories will last a lifetime. We’ll still celebrate his actual birthday in a special way—a small gathering with the people who love him the most (and his favorite foods).
Birthdays should be more than just gifts and party favors; it should be a day to celebrate another year of life with your special little one. If you’re looking to forgo the presents this year, and instead contribute to those less fortunate, here are five simple ways to give back:
5 Ideas for Birthdays with Purpose
1. If your child is an animal lover, ask guests to donate dog or cat food or toys to your party instead of birthday presents. Then, set up a time with your birthday kiddo to visit your local animal shelter to drop off these donations together.
2. Birthday Wishes is a non-profit organization that uses monetary funds to provide gifts, decor, and cake for children who are homeless and whose parents can’t afford to throw their own birthday parties.
3. If you have a child who loves sports, host a sports-themed birthday and tell guests to contribute to Good Sports, a charity that provides underprivileged children with athletic gear and apparel.
4. Donate any duplicate birthday presents to The Birthday Party Project, where gifts are given to children experiencing homelessness.
5. The Confetti Foundation takes kid-drawn birthday cards and delivers them to hospital-bound children. You can set up a station at the birthday party with blank cards, markers, crayons, and stickers, and let your guests decorate! Explain how they are doing something special for someone who might not otherwise get handmade cards for their birthday.
