Monday, May 6, 2013

A new trend in gift giving

So I've been a nanny for over 20 years and in those 20 year I have attended A LOT of children's parties!  And what wonderful parties there has been.

The amazing spring time tea party where invitations were a spring flower planted in a teacup with saucer, laid in a pretty box with a tag attached with all the party details.  The box was hand delivered, the cake was absolutely amazing made by a renown NYC cake maker, made to resemble the garden of the house the child lived in.  The girls wore their best party dresses and had afternoon tea in the formal dinning room.

Then there was the Medieval Times outing with I don't know how many 10 year old boys to round up and keep in line.

Petting zoo parties
Ice skating parties
Pony riding parties
Build-a-bear parties
Candy shop parties

You name it I've been to it or heard of it.

Anyway with all these parties come all the presents!  And when you invite every child in the class it's such an excessive amount!
More and more I am seeing party invitations with 'No Presents Please' attached to the end of the invite.  
I'm also seeing a lot more 'In lieu of gifts *name of child* requests that you make a donation to her favourite charity'.

Ms. 'I' (the little girl I take care of) turned 7 yrs old last month and opted to ask that instead of gifts from her school mates they make a donation (if they would like to) to the charity of her choice!

I have to say I think this is very big of any child to do this and a wonderful life lesson.  Pay it forward and help others less fortunate than yourself!

Interested in having your child donate?  Here are just a few charities that help children who are less fortunate.

- March of Dimes www.marchofdimes.com
   Improves the health of babies

- Make-a-Wish Foundation www.wish.org
  Grants wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions

- Locks of Love www.locksoflove.org
  Provides hair pieces to children with long term hair loss medical conditions

- Canines for Disabled Kids www.caninesforkids.org
  Provides assistance dogs for disabled children

- My Stuff Bags Foundation www.mystuffbags.org
  Provides bags to children who are pulled out of dangerous homes.  The bags are filled
  with items they need  to settle into their new environment.


These are just a few of the amazing charities, there are so many more.  Here is a link to help you decide http://www.more4kids.info/652/top-childrens-charities/


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