How to have a birthday party for a 7 yr. old boy NEED SUGGESTIONS FOR TOY ALTERNATIVES

[CJOVANALST]

Does he like to do arts and crafts? I don't know ANY 7 year old that had too many art supplies as they go through them quickly. Maybe you could tell people that your son doesn't need any toys, but art supplies are in high demand. He could get clay, drawing pads, paints, paintbrushes, play-doh, how-to books, markers, crayons, pencils, etc. The list is endless and so are the price-points. Any extras can be stored for later use.

What about educational computer games or a subscription to a kids magazine? Have you asked your son what he would like for his birthday? Get his ideas and go from there. I am not sure, but I doubt the parents of your son's friends will call to ask what he wants. They will probably just go pick out a toy based on what their child says your son likes. Maybe keep the non-toy gifts coming from family and close friends and let the toys come from his friends.

[couponfanatic]

We have a one in one out rule. For Borthdays, Xmas or anything else.
Size not number of items.
To put away the new toys, you must get rid of toys equalling the size of the new toys.
Want to keep that GIGANTIC stuffed animal you got at the fair? An amount of toys equal to the space that thing takes up have to go.
Doesn't do anything for the current total content of toys, but does keep it from expanding.
And when given that choice most children can find several somethings they don't want/need anymore.
They will balk the first time. Just tell 'em then You'll make the decision as to what goes.

[klipin4deals]

My dd attended a friend's 8th birthday party in which all the gifts were donations to the local animal shelter. The invitation had a list from the shelter of items they really needed-- everything from old newspapers and towels to paper towels, dog food, and dog toys. The kids loved it! The adults all thought it was a wonderful idea.

[cintinative]

Does he like crafts? What if people each brought some craft item like paint or pom poms or pipe cleaners or stamps or something like that? (They get to choose so they can control their spending). My kids are a lot younger but it seems like this is something you could go through quickly. I am not truly sure what 7 year old boy likes as far as crafts. My boys are 4 and 2.5.

[cintinative]

Originally Posted by CJOVANALST Does he like to do arts and crafts? I don't know ANY 7 year old that had too many art supplies as they go through them quickly. Maybe you could tell people that your son doesn't need any toys, but art supplies are in high demand. He could get clay, drawing pads, paints, paintbrushes, play-doh, how-to books, markers, crayons, pencils, etc. The list is endless and so are the price-points. Any extras can be stored for later use.

So sorry!! I totally didn't see this post! I think we are on the same wavelength!!

[Cynthiabutterfly]

At my house it's November bday, Christmas, February bday. Add in granny's 5 gifts each, plus 6 aunts and uncles (plus their spouses) you have a disaster waiting to happen.

I have filled several boxes of toys to donate, and thrown away lots that were broken or missing pieces- but still have more than they can play with and/or have a place for.

So I bought 2 large toy bins, and what doesn't fit in there goes in a box in the garage to either swap out in a few months, or donate. This year we got rid of the crib and have a bunkbed, so there is room for shelving, we just need to find what we want (and have money for it).

Toys that are shabby but can't be parted with are designated to outside toys.

I still always ask for craft stuff (bubbles, colors and books, playdoh) clothes and shoes (aunts love to bring sweaters!).

For my nephew that seems to have everything, I either get him a gc (he's 10 now) or a crafting kit of some type.