I know it’s been written about to death at this point- the cost of living is rising, especially in NYC, and our kids are becoming obsessed with all things CONSUMERISM and all I can think is this; are there any silver linings left?! And the answer is Yes… you can check out my post 15 Recession Friendly Birthday Party Ideas with an Eco-Friendly Message and use this opportunity to teach your kids that less is best!
You can incorporate this philosophy into every aspect of your family’s life including ditching those over-the-top birthday parties for ones that won’t break the bank and may just impart some valuable lessons in the process. I know it sounds too good to be true- but it’s not- and it’s up to us parents to make it happen… I for one am planning on hosting one of these for my son’s next birthday party!:
On ideas for a children’s birthday party what about instilling the idea of celebrating another year by focusing on “giving” instead of “getting.” One way to do this is to find group volunteer activities. Here are a few ideas (of course, activities are dependent on time of year, location etc., these are just ideas to get parents thinking):
Ages 1-4
#1 Visit an organic farm or orchard. See the animals. Pick fruit or vegetables if allowed. Donate what is picked to a food pantry.
My kids and I volunteer!
#2 Animal rescue organization. See the animals, learn a little about them. Talk about what owning an animal entails.
#3 Make cards for children who are ill, for the elderly or anyone you might know who could use a bit of cheering up. Adult can deliver after the party.
Ages 5-7
#4 See if a tree can be planted in a park to honor the birthday child. Celebrate in the park.
#5 Animal food bank. Have each child bring a can of food, then deliver to the food bank and/or have children help with sorting.
#6 Farmer’s market. Have kids hand out fabric shopping bags.
Ages 8-12
#7 Help clean up a beach or roadway. Make it a competition to see who can pick up the most trash in say a half hour.
#8 See if the parks department needs help potting seedlings.
#9 Put on a party for children in foster care.
#10 Make teddy bears or blankets for sick children.
Teens
#11 Help clear debris from rivers.
#12 Help sort clothing at a clothing bank.
#13 Clean up the home of an elderly person.
#14 Help maintain a trail.
#15 Paint over graffiti
So.. got any ideas to add?
These are all wonderful ways to celebrate birthday parties! Fortunately, in our area, the economy is better than it’s been in years, but I still love the idea of an eco-friendly birthday party.
I love these ideas and will share them with my son whose Birthday is in December and he will be turning 11. Although not only for his Birthday I might do the Tree for my husband as a Gift from my son and I. As well as one in memory of my daughter.
These are all such wonderful ideas!! My son is 7, and he loves going with me to the farmer’s markets on weekends. I can always rely on him to remind me to bring my reusable bag 🙂 So having him hand out reusable bags to others is a great idea!
Those are all interesting suggestions. I admit I like the traditional celebration personally, but agree children shouldn’t be taught to value money, which we’ve drilled into them for years.
What wonderful ideas! I would have loved these parties when I was a kid. Bravo for creativity!
I love these ideas for the different age groups. We like to do experiences instead of parties too. Less waste that way.
These are really wonderful ideas. The concept of giving back is so important. It’s wonderful to implement these idea during birthdays as well.
These are some great ideas! I have to admit I haven’t had to plan a party, so I wouldn’t have thought of some of these eco friendly ideas but they are great!
These are great ideas! I mostly prefer family photos because other people’s children tend to drive me nuts. My son is fine with family parties thank goodness. We let him pick where he wants to eat and then celebrate at home. My daughter is the one who wants actual parties. We did one at Main Event, a trampoline place, and sometimes just at home. I always try to make it seem like that’s the best option 😉
I love all of these ideas. I really like the eco friendly ideas behind them, but I’m really liking the whole way to teaching kids about giving and not just receiving.
What an interesting idea for unique birthday party ideas. It’s so important to encourage kids to think about the planet and give back to those in need!
What better way to teach the kids about the value of community service than through their birthday and with their friends. I think these are brilliant ideas and I appreciate the fact that you separated them into age groups!
Great ideas! We do small, low-key parties for our kids, family only. I think the most important this is that we’re together as a family on our birthdays!
There’s nothing better than teaching kids how to help out and spread kindness. I think these are great ideas and it’s also a great way to celebrate a birthday and give back!
What great ideas!! With four children it can be so expensive to have their birthday parties and especially when they want to invite the entire class of 30! I will definitely bear these ideas in mind!
These are such interesting ideas! It’s great to get kids involved in helping others (and the planet). My son really isn’t into huge parties, so we usually just do something lowkey with his closest friends.
When our daughter turned twelve, we planted a magnolia tree and we just had water balloon fight and that was it.
I think all of these birthday party ideas are great! You don’t need a big, fancy party to celebrate turning another year older. Smaller, close friends and family parties have always been my fave!
These are such great ideas. It\’s always nice to have a party that is eco-friendly and saves money. I\’m bookmarking this for my girls\’ upcoming birthdays. Thanks so much!
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