By Renee Martinez, Founder of Raising Boys World
I think the type of birthday party you give can have an impact on the birthday child. The over-the-top events are sure to result in an insane amount of useless gifts and expense. And the birthday kid usually gets lost in the crowd. What is that communicating to the child?
I realized that I was having these birthday parties for my sons and would end up with fifteen $20 gifts from the guests that were either things we already had, or items I’d prefer not to have. I didn’t want to stop having kid parties, but I wanted to stop receiving those types of gifts. So, on the last kid party invitation I sent out, I wrote, “Gift cards only please. We are trying to teach the boys about how to manage their money, so gift cards would be a useful teaching tool. Thank you.” The result was fantastic. He wound up with all gift cards to a variety of different restaurant and stores. Some he’s saved, others he spent. Plus, then he bought what he wanted and frankly it was easier on the parent buying the gift.
Now, our family celebrates birthdays with a small party (close family and a few friends), some pizza and of course; cake. We always recognize the birthday person regardless of age. It’s important to have one day per year that you feel a little more special. We don’t plan lavish events and shower the birthday person with gifts. Simple, small and special.
What do you give as a gift at a kid’s birthday party? What kind of party do you have?
About the Author: Renee Martinez is the mother of 4 boys, the founder of RaisingBoysWorld.com, www.socialmediabizsummit.com, and the president of RubyMarCom (www.rubymarcom.com), a boutique marketing communications company. Her business blog (www.lisac95.sg-host.com), provides resources on everything marketing and social media related for her active audience. Renee is an adjunct professor at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY where she teaches social media marketing in the business school. Find Renee on Twitter at @reneemmartinez.
Photo of boy eating cake (and headshot of Renee Martinez) by TBC Photo
