Who doesn’t like birthday parties, presents and cake? But how many parties can do good as well?

Have you thought about the amount of gifts children get on their birthdays? Presents piled high in the corner of a party room, parents dragging home giant bags of gifts only to watch their child unwrap present after present, always asking for the next one. The party aftermath is inevitably lots of plastic, duplicates and wrapping paper scattered all over the place.

Too many presents, it feels wasteful and wrong, but what are the alternatives? After trying the no gifts party, the charity box and the group gift collection, we set out to create a one-stop invitation platform that can do it all in one go. Using technology to make gifting easy and meaningful for everyone.

How it works

The parent and child send a Kindergifts party invitation with gift and charity details. When the guests RSVP, they have the option to chip in online towards a collective birthday gift. In the end, the parent buys the present with the gift amount received and a portion of the proceeds is donated to the charity chosen by the birthday child. It saves time, reduces waste, does good and feels good.

Birthday parties with a purpose

So, what is there not to like? The child gets a dream present, something that they really want like a scooter or a bike. Anything goes.

Little Oscar beaming with joy on his new bike, a group present from all his friends. He also supported the DBA, a charity that helps children like him with a rare blood condition.

It’s super easy for the guests to chip in towards a collective gift instead of buying individual presents. No more second guessing or stock piling of unicorns and dinosaurs, apparently the most popular gifts for girls and boys these days.

Much better for the host as well. No more waste and clutter at home, and a happier child who can better appreciate the time with family and friends.

But the best part comes after the party when the child receives a charity certificate at school, recognising their kindness and generosity. That’s way more memorable and meaningful than getting the n^th birthday present.

Social etiquette vs social responsibility

It all makes sense but the “Brit” in me feels uncomfortable suggesting a gift or money when inviting friends to a party. What about good manners and social etiquette?

Well, here is the other side of the coin. By keeping silent, how comfortable do we feel about letting our children receive so many things they don’t need that will eventually go to waste when there are so many other kids who need things they never get?

There is a fine balance in doing things the right way. Would you really think any less of your friends for choosing this kinder way to celebrate?