All right. Like you, I am sick of receiving and giving pesky plastic party favors. They get looked over on the way home then get tossed into oblivion. Not my idea of being green. And we all know what happens when the house piles up with too many toys…
Due to my own reluctance to bring extraneous objects into my home and my newly heightened eco-consciousness, I have gathered a list of some of the best party favor ideas. So if you must go to the dollar rack at Target or the toy section at the 99 Cents store, you must. It is not the perfect solution, but if you are interested in providing a treat with a little longevity (which the kids can actually appreciate) and/or reduce the mark on our beloved Madre Tierra, then consider these:
1) Have your little guests decorate a small terracotta pot with paint. Glue pebbles, twigs, leaves. Whatever, basically. Provide them with a little baggy of seeds (morning glory or nasturtium is a sure shot). When the glue and paint is dried, plant and water the seeds right there at the party!
2) Burn each guest a cd of your child’s favorite ten songs. They can decorate a cd case if you’re really feelin’ crazy! Try gluing gemstones, stickers, paper cutouts of their own artwork. I love this gift. When you think about it, it is a very nice gift considering each download is about $1 (unless you’re a ripper- but we’ll talk about that later. good- for- nothins. stealing food from my baby’s mouth. grrrr…)
And, the greenest gift of all:
3) Donate to a charity on your guest’s behalf. Provide them with a nice note or little card that explains what you have done. ie:
Just for showing up to “so and so’s” party, you have become a part of our favorite charity “save the canaries”. We have donated $4 in your honor!
Provide some interesting information about the charity you have chosen. Perhaps a fascinating fact about birds (but nothing depressing like 80,000 canaries are killed each year). Remember, it’s a party, Debbie Downer.
It may be nice to explain what will happen on the invitation. This is similar to wedding invitations that direct you to a registry or make special requests like vegan or organic products only that honor and reflect their lifestyle.
ie: In an attempt to be eco-conscious, in lieu of party favors, we will be donating $4 to a special charity for each guest who arrives . Thank You.
A great website that provides information on various charities is charitynavigator.
But really, don’t feel obligated to give any party favors. The party is the favor. Any parent knows how much even the most simple parties can cost. And, any eco-conscious parent like myself will understand the opt-out choice.
P.S. If you have any other ideas to share please post it in the comments. Peace.
Tags: 99 cents store party favor, 99 cents store toys, alternative party favors, charity, child kid birthday parties, creative party favors, eco-conscious parent, green gifts, green party favors, party activities, party favor, party favor ideas
August 19, 2010 at 12:33 am |
Don’t forget the feather boas!