Birthday presents … Smurthday Presents
As I am trying to wrangle the toys today, I got to thinking. My oldest is 3 years old and we haven’t bought her a birthday present yet. She has a really big extended family so she hasn’t missed out yet. But I was thinking that instead of getting her a present, we should just keep giving her nice parties. We would spend the same amount of money and she would still have gifts to open, but I would have one less toy to clean up. This way, if you are really frugal, you can give your kids a really nice party for cheap and then not have to spend $ on a big gift. That way you can save money and be the hero for giving a really cool birthday party.
Why do we, as parents, feel it is necessary to give a gift every year when we hate picking it up the next month? Am I crazy or do you think I am on to something?
Tags: birthday parties, presentsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: family, financial matters, gifts
6 opinions for Birthday presents … Smurthday Presents
mom_of_14
Aug 28, 2008 at 6:50 pm
you’re definitely on to something!!!! every year after christmas when i try to find space for all the new toys i swear that things are going to be cut waaaaaaaay back the following year. same thing with the birthdays…i honestly don’t think the little skittles would even notice if there wasn’t a gift from mom…they’re just having fun at the party (and are usually so overwhelmed by the amount of gifts that they end playing with the balloons).
Steph @ Problem Solvin' Mom
Aug 29, 2008 at 8:44 am
I totally agree with you - we bought my daughter one (outdoor) toy for her birthday thinking much the same thing. In addition to a frugal party, we made a donation to her college fund. This will come in handy later, and we don’t have to clean it up each day! We plan to do the same thing at Christmas…
mom_of_14
Aug 29, 2008 at 9:26 am
i agree…i’ve not only added to their savings on birthdays and christmas, but also deposit any monetory gifts they receive. they just don’t need another toy and they have an abundance of clothes as i frugally shop year round. after putting 7 daughters through college by paying cash instead of taking out loans, i know how important it is to have a padded account when the time comes (which always seems to sneak up on you at the speed of lightening…one day you’re shopping for diaper deals the next you’re on ebay looking for college course books!!! if only they could stay little!!!!)
mom_of_14
Aug 29, 2008 at 9:29 am
not to mention the costs of weddings….12 girls and 2 boys….should have had more boys!!!! lol.
Melanie
Aug 29, 2008 at 9:45 am
Totally agree. I just had an argument with my girlfriend about this yesterday. I’d rather spend my money on a day celebrating with friends than a toy they won’t remember tomorrow.
kellys
Aug 30, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Mom of 14, If you ever want to start yoru own money saving blog, just let us know. You obviously are an expert at it! I am totally in awe of putting 7 daughters through college with cash.
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