THE NO-GIFT BIRTHDAY PARTY

3 Cook up some fun at a place where kids can cook. Businesses like this often offer birthday parties where kids can make their own pizzas or decorate their own little cakes.

4 Have a party at a cool place like a nature center and ask for donations. Jaime Perreca, mom of four, says, “More parents are saying ‘no gifts, please’ or are doing a donation thing. We went to a party last month at a nature center and were asked to donate money. Most families put in $10-20. The nature center was SO happy to have our donation.”

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Instead of giving your child a birthday gift or even a party, consider giving an experience. Ideas include a trip to an indoor or outdoor amusement park, the zoo or an escape room.

5 Go to a shop where the kids can paint their own pottery creation, which is super fun. Then have cake and ice cream bars.

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For very young children, consider giving just one fun gift from you and ask everyone else to gift money for a savings account. I know my babies were too young to care about gifts, but they sure are proud of the money they already have saved for their future.

6 Ask guests to bring an item from home or even a new book or toy for charity. Your child will get a kick out of taking donations to a local center that helps those in need.