Are you looking for a new birthday party theme for your little one? Why not consider having an eco-friendly birthday party? Birthday parties often generate an enormous amount of garbage; everything from wrapping paper, gift boxes, disposable cups, plates, napkins, and flatware are used only once before ending up in a landfill, and not to mention the gifts – oodles of toys that are not especially needed.
To avoid this yearly bonanza of garbage and stress, there are lots of resources online available to parents looking for inspiration. Some websites offer some awesome ideas and tips, while some companies online will take care of everything from invitations to party favors and thank you notes. Of course, before you start any planning, it is important to establish, with your child’s participation, what birthdays mean to your family. Having an eco-friendly party should not mean that you should sacrifice anything that’s important to you. With a little research and creativity, you might even be able to create some new family traditions that are meaningful and fun. If you encourage your child’s participation in the planning process, it’s an opportunity for him to learn some valuable things.
Here are some ideas for an eco-friendly party:
- Starting with invitations and thank you notes, why not try sending them electronically? This will save the resources that would go into producing and an actual card, as well as eliminate waste. There are lots of options on the internet that allow you to design your own e-cards, then send them out via-email for free. Pingg lets you customize your card, and choose your method of delivery at no cost; the only downside to it being free is that little ads may come with these e-cards. If you want to choose an ad-free card, you do have the option of paying a $5 fee. ECHOAge lets your child choose a cause, and your guests will, instead of purchasing gifts, pool their donations towards this cause. The site will take care of the electronic invitations and thank you notes, and will track how much money you have raised.
- To reduce garbage, you can also try using reusable or biodegradable plates, cups, and flatware – but pay attention to the directions that come with these biodegradable products because some still won’t break down in landfills, and would need to be composted. You can also let your guests know that, because the theme is to be eco-friendly, to wrap the gifts in recycled materials like newspaper or cloth. You can even hold a contest for the most creatively wrapped present!
- Goodie bags can sometimes be filled with all sorts of knick-knacks that just very quickly become junk. How about stuffing it with something useful, like fun socks or color pencils from the dollar store? These practical favors would be appreciated by both the kids and parents. If you are crafty, you can also explore your local crafts or fabric store to make your own goodie bags, favors, and reusable cloth banners for decoration, with your child’s help. If you want to look for more favor bag ideas, or purchase favors, websites like Green Planet Parties can be quite resourceful.
- Gifts are definitely a highlight of any birthday party, but receiving a clutter of toys that might not even get played with is a headache for parents. One party idea is to make it a charity-themed party; your child can choose a cause he would like to contribute to, and instead of bringing gifts, guests can donate to this cause. However, parents should really communicate with their child and go with whatever the best approach is for the family. You don’t want to end up with a tearful child and feeling guilty and cruel. If you do decide to have a charity-themed party, you can have the family present the birthday boy with a gift – and chances are, since you’re family, you would know what he would want and it will be a worthwhile purchase, and have the guests donate to the charity.
- A great idea I read online: a woman hosted a puppy-themed party for her child to benefit a local animal shelter. Instead of bringing birthday gifts, guests brought donations, dog food, leashes, water bowls, and toys for animals. She even contacted the animal shelter, and they were happy to bring along puppies for the kids to play with. I loved this idea because these non-monetary donations might be even more satisfying and meaningful, especially if you have younger children.
- Since I would rather not get more little toys for my boys (nor give them) – plus kids are never too young to learn about how to manage money – I indicate on the invitation…No gifts please, gift cards only, we’re trying to teach our son about the value of money and a small gift card will aid in that lesson. OR No gifts please, gift cards only, our son is saving for a new pair of roller-blades (or whatever it may be at the time). This has worked out great! I now only give gift cards too.
Looking at birthday parties in a new light can bring a lot of fun for you and your kids, and make your party a more meaningful and memorable event. Kids can learn about how their actions and choices can be good or bad for our planet, and, if they choose to have a charity theme, what it feels like to give to others in need. Do you have any birthday party ideas? Please share them with us!
