creative ways to word "instead of bringing a birthday gift, let's contribute to earthquake relief"

[Anonymous]

In the past, we've tried "no gifts" but everyone brings gifts. So I thought we could do something different -- and raise funds for earthquake relief in lieu of gifts. How do I word this? Is it offensive to ask people to give the cash they would've spent on a gift (and probably some would be just re-gifting so they weren't going to spend $ in the first place)? People don't have to contribute. Just know there are others who need more than we need another Lego set and it would be nice to facilitate giving. We are open to matching contributions, too.

thanks

[Anonymous]

I think you've got the wording, OP, just put it all together.

We are lucky to be blessed with many toys for DS/DD, so in lieu of gifts this year, please consider donating to the earthquake relief fund. We are happy to match your donations up to $___ amount.

Or something like that.

Good for you.

[Anonymous]

The matching donation is a little creepy because it requires to the parent to let you know if, and how much, they donated.

If I choose to donate elsewhere, I don't want to feel judged because of a kid's birthday.

[Anonymous]

Good for you, OP! Such a great idea, especially since it's for a specific cause (the earthquake).

Agree that the PP has a good wording suggestion.

[Anonymous]

It's for a good cause, but birthdays are supposed to be celebrations and so I don't know if combining celebrating with a natural disaster is that good of an idea.

[Anonymous]

Because you ignored our previous instructions on how to acknowledge birthdays, we are going to try one more time to get you to celebrate this birthday by spending your money the way we want.

[Anonymous]

I would strongly prefer "no gifts." But then, I would actually listen to you and not bring a gift. If you have already tried that and it doesn't work with your crowd, then this is a reasonable fallback position. I would skip the stuff about how "blessed" you are, as that just increases the preachiness factor. Maybe you could combine the two by saying "No gifts please, or if you would like to give Larla a gift please consider donating to an earthquake relief fund."

[Anonymous]

Just say "no gifts, please." Your heart's in the right place, but don't try to tell people how and when to give to charity.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the PP, that you might want to skip the 'we're blessed' part.

I think offering to make the donation to earthquake relief is better than just saying 'no gifts' because it provides an alternative for people who feel weird about not giving a gift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's for a good cause, but birthdays are supposed to be celebrations and so I don't know if combining celebrating with a natural disaster is that good of an idea.

Oh, gimme a break. That's just ridiculous. People have galas/benefits/parties/celebrations ALL THE TIME, where proceeds go to charity.

[Anonymous]

Dear party goer,

We are to good for your cheap plastic gifts. Please donate to the charity of our choice. And, do not expect a thank you note.

[Anonymous]

OP here --

Thanks to all. I see it has mixed reception, which is something that is too bad, but I understand. Will continue trying to figure out how to phrase it if we go that route. thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's for a good cause, but birthdays are supposed to be celebrations and so I don't know if combining celebrating with a natural disaster is that good of an idea.

Oh, gimme a break. That's just ridiculous. People have galas/benefits/parties/celebrations ALL THE TIME, where proceeds go to charity.

You really can't see the difference between that and a kid birthday party?

For one, you only go to those parties IF you've donated. I assume OP isn't limiting the party to kids whose parents pay!

[Anonymous]

What about making it a Mt. Everest (in Nepal) party? And asking to donate to Nepal?

[Anonymous]

It depends on the age of the chid. It would have to be ages 8 or older.