An Alternative to the No Gift Birthday Party

Parents increasingly are throwing birthday parties that specify NO GIFTS. My mom taught us not to show up to parties empty handed so not buying a gift goes against our nature.

But instead of going completely gift-free, we recently attended a birthday party that involved a book exchange. Every attendee brought a wrapped book to the party. At the end, each attendee left with a different wrapped book. The birthday child received one gift as did every other kid. Not only are books universally well-received, there is no need for goody bags for attendees.

Image: It's (K)not Wood

Comments (10)

I really like this idea! I may use it in the future...

posted by MusicMama on November 25th 2009 at 11:10am
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Great idea!

posted by LinnyBee on November 25th 2009 at 11:13am
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We did a book exchange too, which went over really well at my son's 5th birthday party. There was no way he was going to agree to the "no gifts" idea, and another friend had a book exchange at her party a few months earlier. Everyone was happy!

posted by pdxbeth on November 25th 2009 at 11:15am
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For my sons first birthday we asked for everyone to share their favorite childhood book in lieu of toys.

As he gets older and has other children attending we will definitely use this idea for the future, not only does it mean that he will not come to expect a mountain of gifts but adults and children alike can work together in the spirit of sharing...and best of all give and recieve a gift they can enjoy together!

Christina
Indie Barefoot Books

posted by indiefolklore on November 25th 2009 at 11:24am
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What a great idea!

posted by littlewhirl on November 25th 2009 at 12:21pm
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I agree that is a great idea. It's like a Yankee swap. Books always make great gifts.

posted by lovemodern on November 25th 2009 at 12:47pm
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What a lovely idea. Books are always a fantastic and enriching gift!

posted by katstow on November 25th 2009 at 4:32pm
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perfect. january babies already have tons from christmas, love this idea.

posted by jackied302 on November 26th 2009 at 10:12am
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Always? I'm guessing that only the Christian January babies would.

posted by eeka on November 28th 2009 at 2:37pm
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This is a GREAT idea. Looking forward to using it at my daughter's third birthday this spring!

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