Another birthday theme idea

starrsgirl · #1 May 29th, 2011, 11:43 AM

I have been thinking about this theme a lot over the past few months...wanted to know what you ladies thought AND if anyone has done one like it before or has ideas.

I'm thinking of doing a "green" party for Emmett's first. I got the initial idea just thinking about how I want all of our friends to come to the party but I don't want anyone to feel like they have to bring gifts. But, considering our friends, they will insist on bringing gifts no matter what I say. Emmett doesn't really need anything. I buy all his toys and clothes used now and really feel good about that choice. I think I read this idea somewhere for a baby shower where guests bring only hand me down/ give away/used stuff IF they want to bring a gift at all.

I just get so overwhelmed with the "excess" sometimes which, I think, is part of the reason I was so against having a first birthday for Emmett at all. I just want the people who love us and Emmett to be there and just enjoy the day....no pressure on anyone, no $$ spent on Emmett who, again, has plenty in his life.

Anyway, there are a ton of "green" ideas out there to make the rest of the party fit the theme. No cards, no wrapping paper, no plastic/paper utensils. Stuff like that. So you can really make the whole party eco friendly.

Thoughts? Am I crazy? Done it before yourself?

Or, my other thought was just plan to donate a bunch of the stuff he gets quietly after the party.

Arei_720 · #2 May 29th, 2011, 01:44 PM

I've never done one, but I did a search and found someone else with the same idea:

Asking for used items for birthday presents?

AndiNW · #3 May 29th, 2011, 02:46 PM

My friend did one. I can't remember the website she used. Echoage, ecoage...something like that. Basically your guests go online and make a donation. Half goes to a charity of your choice and the other half goes to Emmett to buy him something, put in a savings account or donate that to charity as well. It went over well and I liked it because I didn't half to go out and buy a gift, a card and wrap it.

Just checked, it was The Birthday Party Solution - ECHOage Birthday Parties They have both US and Canadian charities.

shockandawe · #4 May 29th, 2011, 05:12 PM

I hear you on the "excess", and in our circles, there was no way we were going to get away without having something, and no way anyone would come without something, much less a second hand anything. My circles are also not big on registries or other lists or preferences for gifts...SO...my solution is to comb through the things Maggie already has, and I donate them to charity before her party to make room for the new stuff. I make sure I don't donate the things she is really playing with. But anything that doesn't often get touched get's pulled. There are some sentimental things I'll keep for posterity, but even these get pulled and are being stored away.

As for making the remainder of your day green, I think that's awesome. And you know it's super easy to do the bare minimum too. Maybe if you do the above with Emmett's toys, you'll feel better knowing you've done what you could to make sure that the excess is controlled, in a charitable way (you can keep him engaged in this process as he gets older and can appreciate the lessons of charity), and then you don't risk offending guests by asking them not to bring anything. I think it's a great theme.

madelynsmomma · #5 May 29th, 2011, 05:30 PM

I love the idea. We are drowing in "things" around here too. Another thing I thought of is I've been to several weddings where the invite is on paper you can plant in the ground, with seeds already in it. Do you know what I'm talking about? That way the invites could be green as well. I think its a great idea and you could really come up with some cool things to go along with it.

Jule'sMomInOR · #6 May 29th, 2011, 06:44 PM

I love that idea! Maybe I should steal it. He he. I've always thought of wrapping paper and cards as a waste anyway.

Daffodil · #7 May 29th, 2011, 08:17 PM

I think that's a great idea!! I am planning on having a "small" party for Arielle in our backyard but I keep thinking of people I want to invite. The problem is, I don't want gifts from them! I don't want them to feel like they have to bring gifts, I just want them there to enjoy our day and hang out.

Maybe I should tell them not to bring a gift, just bring a potluck dish...that way I won't have to prepare anything.

.s.o.p.h. · #8 May 30th, 2011, 04:57 AM

I think that is an awesome idea.
I would be happy if people didnt bring Eva gifts to her party. She is too young to know and has too much stuff. I probably wouldnt give stuff to a charity without people knowing. They may really want Emmett to have that gift. Im not sure its thats what you meant anyway.

starrsgirl · #9 May 30th, 2011, 08:59 AM

Ah! Love love love love love all the ideas ladies! You all really got me thinking! I'm holding a screaming 10 month old but will write more later.

ElizabethS · #10 May 30th, 2011, 05:41 PM

I think its a great idea! I too am sick of the toys and clutter and have asked relatives to just buy what we need..formula, wipes, diapers, clothes if they feel the need to bring something.

GinaOfAllTrades · #11 June 8th, 2011, 07:33 AM

Love the idea. I don't have any suggestions that haven't already been said but I really love the idea in the one link about suggesting gently used toys as gifts (when asked of course

).

starrsgirl · #12 June 8th, 2011, 08:22 AM

Just an update....we are moving forward with the Green theme! My Mom will be here this week to help plan.

We'll probably do e-invitations. I LOVE the wording for asking for used gifts (if any) in one of the links above. Basically it said something along the lines of your presence is the best gift but if you want to give, consider sustainability/used items. (it's worded a little nicer than that, haha).

We'll do all homemade decorations (if any).

I'm thinking we'll go with local produce/organic for all the food.

Not sure about a cake yet...I'm sure there is some creative idea out there that can go with the theme.

No cards/wrapping paper/paper plates/plastic ware. We'll use our own plates but do mostly hand food and cloth napkins.

I'm also thinking we could plant a tree for Emmett. Maybe have the other kids there help fill the hole (there will only be a couple of 3 year olds and another 1 year old present).

I was thinking of taking a green onesie (that Emmett already owns) and writing some clever saying on it....something along the lines of how he is only 1 but Thinking Green. I dunno, have to play with that one.

starrsgirl · #13 June 21st, 2011, 12:33 PM

Update: Just sent out our E- invitations for the party!! Here's what I ended up writing with the invite:

Family and friends, please join us for a casual cookout to celebrate Emmett's big day! Weather permitting, we'll be outside...please bring lawn chairs.

We hope to help keep this planet beautiful for many more birthdays to come! In the spirit of going green, we will be serving local, organic fare while at the same time minimizing our waste.

The best gift you can give is your presence! We'll have one birthday card for everyone to sign for Emmett. However, if you feel compelled to provide presents (and please don't feel compelled), in the spirit of eco-friendliness, we LOVE previously loved items.

- We are going to get a bunch of produce at the Farmer's Market. I still need to track down some local meat but that shouldn't be too tough considering I live in Nebraska, haha.