My kids have too many damn toys. I make them give their stuff to charity on a regular basis but the supply is constantly replenished. And, with my son just having a b-day last weekend, our toy closet is busting at the seams. I've tried the "no present" party, but people still bring things...because that's what everyone has been trained to do - the guests giveth and the b-day child taketh with gusto! We did it when we were growing up...but not to the degree witnessed at parties today.
Two Moms in Canada (take off, eh?) felt the same way about b-day parties and also felt that children today needed to learn more about giving. So, they created a website that enables parents and kids to host birthday parties that give back. It's a great concept. Here's the rundown:
1. Kids invite their friends online (chosing from some very cute invite designs)
2. Guests RSVP and 'donate' between $10 to $30 each. Done online as well.
3. ECHOage pools the money and divides it in half. Half goes to buy ONE meaningful gift for the birthday child. The other half goes to a charity of the child's choice.
4. ECHOage provides thank you notes and awards
This is so cool on so many levels - kids learn to give back to a charity of their choice, they get fewer gifts, we Moms don't have to shop or leave our homes to purchase a gift for the b-day boy or girl.
Now, I'm not sure how this would fly with a 6-yr-old, but I think this is great for the little turds (1 to 2 yrs old) who just aren't aware of the birthday booty yet and for slightly older kids who get the concept of helping others (or at least can be bribed with a Wii game for having this kind of party).
Find out more at www.echoage.com
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