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Birthday items for a child's Birthday-in-a-Box package from It's Your Birthday, Inc.
Buying a present for a child’s birthday party is an easy enough task. But over the years the tradition of gift giving has changed. Today there are a multitude of ways to say happy birthday, while adding some meaning and learning to your child's experience.
No gifts please
Not many kids would refuse a present. But when parents put this on the invitation it takes the pressure off many moms and dads who might not have the means to purchase a gift. It also sends the message that the purpose of the party is to celebrate a special day with friends. Some parents read this as code for “a token gift would be nice if you want to bring something.” Flowers from your garden, a handwritten card, or a birthday balloon or other small gift are great items for those who don’t feel comfortable showing up empty-handed.
In lieu of gifts, please bring an item for…
Back-to-school supplies, dog or cat food and products, food pantry supplies and clothes that no longer fit your child are handy items to donate to a variety of organizations in our area. Kids love to select these items, if they aren’t already in your home, and it helps teach them lessons about generosity, recycling, and awareness that many are in need of help. Operation Food Search accepts most food donations. If you have a large party, they will accept leftovers from anything purchased at a store or brought in from a caterer.
When you get home with 30 gifts…
If your child has a traditional birthday party complete with gifts, it isn’t necessary to keep all of the gifts or to even open all of them at once. Some families save a few gifts for celebrations or rewards throughout the year. Others encourage their children to donate a few gifts to toy drives and children less fortunate. It’s Your Birthday, Inc. (www.itsyourbirthdayinc.org) provides birthday parties, birthday supplies or birthday cakes and cupcakes to children who reside in domestic violence and homeless shelters. It’s Your Birthday, Inc. will also offer suggestions for activities kids can participate in to help stock a birthday-in-a-box package.
