Want to know something crazy?
As much as I love throwing parties (like this BBQ taste test party), I loathe children’s birthday parties. I pretty much hate everything about them.
I hate that we get kids hopped up on sugar. I hate that there is so much chaos. And I really hate all the presents. Go ahead and call me the birthday Grinch.
[bctt tweet=”Call me the birthday Grinch. I hate birthday parties for kids. “]
Don’t worry, Robert will still get a celebration with his friends tomorrow on his birthday. We are having a Star Wars themed play date complete with light sabers and cupcakes.
I probably won’t blog about it, but follow me on Instagram if you want to see some shots of the birthday boy. I only have one rule for this play date: no presents!
The kids are getting plenty of presents from the grandparents. And I actually picked up a few new PlaySkool Star Wars figurines (aff. link) for him on Amazon to give him in the morning. It’s not like the boys are deprived of toys.
Instead of presents we did the following:
- took the boys to Sea World and Disney World
- enrolled in a Music Together class
- contributed to their 529 College Savings Plans
Family members also contributed to their 529 Plans this year which rocked! These boys are very lucky.
We didn’t even wrap up anything for this little guy when he turned one on Saturday.
He was perfectly happy with a cupcake and college savings instead.
And he did get a chance to open presents from family members.
We’ve been going to our Music Together class every Friday and I think that plus Disney and Sea World is more than enough of a present. These boys love all the fun experiences we do together, which is way more valuable than toys.
Don’t they look super happy at our Music Together class?
The next time you are looking for an unconventional birthday present, consider making contributions to a 529 plan or buying a gift certificate to a class. I know our Music Together leader, Ms. Kathryn with Family Tunes would be more than accommodating with a gift card. Check her website out and attend a free demo class if you are in the Naples area.
What’s the best unconventional birthday present you have ever given or received?
I think experiences can make for awesome, happy memories that your kids will remember longer than they remember toys. For Christmas we sent my bother and his family a gift card to their local children’s museum so they could have a fun family day together. No clutter + happy memories :)
What a great gift idea. I bet they loved that. I’m with you on the clutter. I’m so over it!
I love that you do experiences instead. Wit 3 boys, we’ve started trading off years we have big parties. These days they are content with having one friend do something special and spend the night. I’m all about trips and college savings too!
We do the same thing, actually last year for our son’s 7th birthday – went to SeaWorld instead of giving a big present and having a party
Hello,Hannah
This is very cute bot,love to see that boy ,
Your ideas for birthday boy are really interesting and looking too much practical so like to follow it on future.
Thank you dear for sharing this article.