It’s not really about throwing a green birthday party but rather throwing a party that is in keeping with the times. A simple shift in thinking can keep you feeling good about the mindful choices you are making and the examples you are setting. You and your guests will feel proud about making the world a better place, one fabulous birthday bash at a time. Alison Smith, Co-Founder of ECHOage.com
Just say NO to stamps! And Hola to e-invitations
Taking the plunge to do all of your birthdays planning online not only gives you the speed of delivery, but it also gives you the comfort of knowing that your guests have received your invitation. Sending Thank You notes becomes a joy, not a chore when you personalize them with photos from the party with a press of the “send” button. No emissions, no paper cuts, and no searching for mailing addresses required.
There’s no place like home.
Dorothy said it best when she tapped her heels three times… Bringing your birthday party into your home allows you to reduce the need to use paper goods and disposable decorations. Setting your table with your own dishes, cutlery, and glasses not only makes the party feel special, but it also helps keep the green bin from over-flowing. Collect flowers or rocks from the garden to make place card settings extra special. Or you could set up the whole party in the garden with the help of some tables and chairs from firms like Gardenfurniture.co.uk. (ED’s Note: The cover photo is of Panther’s second birthday party in Central Park. From April to October, an outdoor party on the East Coast is totally doable! It was crudites, cake, and a few party hats that we passed on to friends about to have their own kids’ birthday party once we were done. Who needs decor when the park is full of trees, flowers, and colorful people? And the kids couldn’t have been happier. Consider bringing your own ride-on toys from home, balls, baseball bats, etc to make it easier on the other parents.)
Work smarter not harder.
Giving group gifts is efficient, resourceful and best of all is likely to result in a gift that will last and be treasured for years to come. Let’s be real. If you asked your wee one who gave the lego set for their 5th birthday, chances are you would still be waiting for that answer. If you asked them who gave them their first baseball glove (ipod, skooter or camera) you will likely get a very clear and resounding – all of my friends! Group gifts are also a sure fire way to get the friend-of-the-year award (while saving on gas and aggravation). Imagine telling your guests that they can give online, in seconds, and still give little Johnny the gift he has been dreaming about while never leaving their home.
The only thing better than giving one gift, is giving TWO.
Amp up the meaning of any birthday party by including a charitable component (no gift wrap required). Not only will you be teaching your kids that giving can be done at any age, you will be giving your child the gift that can ONLY come from helping others in need. Make it easy for them, make it fun and most of all, magnify the beauty in their actions. Green, for sure. Smart, you bet. Birthday parties of today, can and should keep up with our times. And that’s why we dig new site ECHOage because they manage your kids online birthday info while allowing guests to donate to the charity of your kids choice (only critique, they need to add more animal rights charities to their list of partners) and manage your invites. Free and brilliant.