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

[coupongirl69]

My youngest is turning 7 on the 17th and he has way more toys and things that he needs. I mean seriously he doesn't need any thing. 2 years ago we had everyone bring a book for a present instead of a toy.
Last year we just let them bring whatever. I hate saying it that way cuz we don't tell people what they can and can't bring we just made the book suggestion because he absolutely doesn't need any toys.

But he's going to want to open presents and he wants a party with his friends all there. I just don't know what to do. I hate for people to go out and spend money on a toy when he has almost everything already and really really doesn't need anymore.

I asked him if we could donate his gifts to the children's home or hospital and he matter of factly said heck no.

Do you guys have any suggestions?

[Jessi]

Ask you guests that are planning on atending your DS birthday party to give gift cards to clothing stores or book stores. Have them put it in a clothing box and wrap it up so that way he has presents to open up on his birthday. Just my 2 cents!

[AnanainKS]

Jess had a good idea. Also another idea might be that you ask each guest to bring some type of pet food, for animals that are in a shelter. It could be food, or treats, cat litter. Im sure the local animal shelter would love it, your son could take the stuff to the shelter with you.

[coupongirl69]

That's a good idea it's just he doesn't need anything. Clothes, toys, books, shoes anything.
Wish I could have a way they could give the gift of karate lessons, football fees, baseball fees, or something to that affect.
And before you say it he already has all of the sports equipment already too.

[kval07]

If he refuses to donate any of his toys, make an agreement with him. For every toy he receives as a birthday gift, he has to donate a toy he has now. Make room for the new and out with the old. Let him open his gifts, but don't let him play with them until he chooses old toys to give away.

[Jessi]

How about gift cards to his favorite resturants?

[manders13]

i like the pet food idea

[coupongirl69]

We did this for Christmas. This is something I have done with my kids every year. The older 2 don't get toys anymore, but we just cleaned out all of that for Christmas.

As for the last suggestion. Food GC's that's a good idea. He love's McDonald's. But that seems more like a gift for me than him, since it's my money that pays for him to eat there, ya know.

Originally Posted by kval07 If he refuses to donate any of his toys, make an agreement with him. For every toy he receives as a birthday gift, he has to donate a toy he has now. Make room for the new and out with the old. Let him open his gifts, but don't let him play with them until he chooses old toys to give away.

[manders13]

then why not give back? I still like the pet food idea (like everyone doesn't know why! LOL) or get the food gc's and donate them?

OR-



I like this idea too so maybe do 50/50 (poor pets are starving :()


Go ahead and let the children bring new toys, and take them to childrens hospital or a womans shelter

[fussypants]

My ds is 9. He has been to 2 Birthday parties that has asked for donations instead of gifts. One to a local animal shelter and one was to a local shelter that provides daily meals to the homeless. Each invitation just had a little note in with it saying they appreciate the thought of a gift for the child, but they would love donations to add to theirs to give the places in honor of their child's birthday.

I LOVE the idea! I'm already planning an end of the school year/birthday party for my ds. I am planning on including a note saying we appreciate the thought but would love to have donations to give back to the school. Our school only goes through the 4th grade then they move on to the 5-6 school. So, I thought it would be neat to give a little something back to our school for being so wonderful!! :) I'm just going to give it to the PTO president to distribute in whatever school area needs it! :)