Ep 34: Why I’ll Absolutely Never Do a No-Gift Kids Birthday

Have you ever heard of a no-gift party and wondered if it was right for you or your family? It seems like no-gift parties are popping up all over the internet these days and the idea can be appealing. I get it. Your home is already overflowing with stuff.

But, what is a no-gift party anyway. Well, it’s just as it sounds. It’s a party to celebrate, but you ask the guests to not bring gifts.

They can be tempting. You know you already have enough stuff and your kids have enough toys they could outfit a former Toys-R-Us. But, is not getting gifts for your child really the answer to your clutter problem?

That’s up to you to decide, but here’s what happened when I had a no-gifts party for my daughter and why I will absolutely never have a no-gifts party again, even as a minimalist mom.

And if you are wondering what to do instead, I’ve got you covered with 4 gift giving options that’s sure to please everyone no matter where you are on your minimalism journey.

This episode of the Wannabe Minimalist Show will help you discover:

What a no-gifts party is actually like
What guests feel about no-gifts parties
How to decide what kinds of gifts to give your kids for their birthdays or other gift-giving holidays
4 alternatives options instead of a no-gift party
What I actually gave my daughter for her 7th birthday

HIGHLIGHTS

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[00:00] – Deanna introduces the show and gets us wondering what her stance is on giving gifts to her child as a minimalist mom.

[00:46] – Welcome back to the show. You can pick up all the show notes for today’s episode at LittleGreenBow.com/34

[01:35] – Today’s show is brought to you by KiMM - a new mobile app that lets you remember and share recommendations with friends. After all, recommendations from friends are so much better than reviews from strangers.

[03:05] – Discover the #1 reason I will never host a no-gifts party for my child even though I call myself a minimalist mom.

[04:26] – What should you do it you agree, but don’t want your home over-run with cheap plastic gadgets and gizmos.

[04:55] – Deanna walks us through 4 options. The first has to do with consumable gifts. Find out what consumable gifts kids like best.

[05:55] – Gift option number 2 is all about experiences. And there are so many options when it comes to giving experiences that fit any budget.

[07:10] – Gift option number 3 is giving toys that be added onto. These are not only great because they can grow with your child, but friends and family can also contribute over time.

[08:42] – The 4th gift option idea is to just embrace the chaos. Yes, there are some boundaries you can put in place, but you may just want to go with the flow depending on what season of life or age your child is.

[09:49] – So what gifts did Deanna give to her daughter for her 7th birthday? You might be surprised.

[12:00] – Did Deanna go crazy? What do her friends say?

[13:22] – What are your thoughts on no-gift parties and birthday gifts for your children? Hop on into the Wannabe Minimalist Group on Facebook to join in the conversation.

[13:45] – Don’t forget to to pick up the show notes for today’s episode at littlegreenbow.com/34. While you’re there, grab The QUICK Way to Declutter and Organize Your Home. This 5 part mini-course will help you declutter, tidy, and organize any room in your home. Get started today! It was created with you in mind.

[14:37] – And check out today’s sponsor - KiMM - a new recommendations app that helps you discover and remember your favorite places all over the world.

[14:58] – Remember Deanna loves hearing from listeners, so please get in touch by email at hello@littlegreenbow.com or by sending a message on Instagram (@WannabeClutterFree) or on Facebook (@WannabeClutterFree)!

[15:46] - Join us next week for another guest episode where we discuss the a clever decluttering challenge that has helped this mama declutter her entire home and get her husband on board. It’s pretty remarkable and you will not want to miss it!