COLLECTIVE GIVING The Fiver Party

Celebrating a child's birthday is a joyous occasion, but finding the perfect gift can sometimes be a challenge. However, one emerging trend, that fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, is the 'Fiver Party'.

What's a Fiver Party, you ask? In short, a fiver party is an end to all of our kid presentbuying woes! It's simply a birthday party where each guest pops a five-dollar note in a card to go towards a ripper pressie that the child really wants. It's the end to wandering if a kid is actually into something and the end of worrying about how much is the right amount to spend. So why this concept is gaining popularity and why it is an excellent idea for celebrating a child's birthday?

It’s easy for parents

No more needing to dash to the shops to buy a present, or raiding the sub-standard present cupboard then wondering if the birthday kid already has that set of LEGO or isn't in to Build a Bots.

It promotes inclusivity and togetherness

By pooling together funds from multiple friends, the practice of contributing money towards a group present allows everyone involved to feel a part of something special. This collective effort fosters a sense of togetherness and inclusivity, emphasising that each person's contribution, no matter how small, is valuable and appreciated.

It’s budget friendly

If your child gets invited to lots of parties and you spend say $20 each time on a gift, it adds up, especially when kids start school and the ENTIRE class is invited to the parties.

It’s great for the environment

When selecting your own gift you run the risk of the child not really liking it. And even if they do love it, how long will that last? How many toys end up in landfill after being loved for a period of time and then ignored?

It's financially sensible

In an era where materialism often overshadows the true meaning of a birthday celebration, contributing $5 towards a group present offers a practical solution and removes the expectation of ‘stuff’ from birthdays. By pooling resources, individuals can collectively afford more significant and meaningful gifts that might be beyond the budget of a single person as well as the birthday child's parents. This approach encourages financial sensibility and teaches children the value of shared resources, budgeting, and responsible spending.

Variety and thoughtfulness

A group gift allows the child to receive a more diverse and thoughtful present. Instead of purchasing a single item, the pooled funds allow for the purchase of a larger or more comprehensive gift that could cater to the child's specific interests. This option broadens the range of gift possibilities and increases the likelihood of finding something that truly resonates with the birthday child.

Educational opportunity

By engaging children in the concept of collective giving, this practice offers an excellent opportunity to impart important life lessons. Kids can learn about the value of teamwork, collaboration, and the satisfaction that comes from working together towards a common goal. Additionally, they can develop a sense of gratitude for the contributions of others and understand the significance of appreciating the efforts made on their behalf.

But at the end of the day contributing $5 in a card for a child's birthday means the child gets one big and exciting present that they’ve been dreaming about, not lots of little cheap ones that break and have bits that get lost, and everyone is happy!

How to throw a fiver party

Simply write out your party invitations but state somewhere that this is a 'Fiver Party'. If you don't have enough room to explain what this is on the invitation, you could write 'PTO' and then explain it on the back. You could say something like: Lachie is having a fiver party! He really wants a new cricket bat so instead of bringing him a pressie, please pop a five-dollar note in a card to go towards his bat. He will be thrilled to get it!

Then you could either present your birthday child with the big ticket ('cricket!') item at the party for their mates to see what they all chipped in for, or you could take them shopping with the money so they can enjoy buying it. Also, if you think people will want to give more than five bucks, you could throw a 'tenner party' where mates give ten dollars or even a 'chip in' party where they can decide what they would like to contribute.

Happy party planning!