Your child is ready for ‘fiver parties,’ how they make your life easier AND teach a valuable lesson
WHEN your child has a birthday coming up, the stress of party planning can easily overshadow the excitement.
A new rule can cross one thing off the list of worries pre- and post-party, plus your kid will learn a valuable lesson while still having their moment in the sun.
Called a "fiver party," the trend is at Cubby explained.
At a traditional birthday party, your child would receive a stack of gifts from classmates, friends, and family, then be expected to open them – and respond graciously in the moment – while their restless playmates looked on.
But at a fiver party, "kids are asked to bring just $5 in lieu of a gift," the experts explained.
"The parents of the birthday child then use that $5 toward a big, exciting gift the child really wants," the outlet added.
Though it might seem boring at first, the fiver party actually helps your child and their guests make the most of their time.
Once your kid's heart is set on a "central" gift, most of their other gifts will seem lackluster, anyway, so contributions towards something special are more meaningful.
"The birthday parents aren’t left with a bunch of toys that will become clutter, the birthday child is happy with a highly-coveted gift, and the attendees save money and time by foregoing gift-buying," the experts wrote.
Then, you can present the big-ticket item at the party, if it was purchased in advance, or have a quick card-opening during cake time.
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But what if your child doesn't have a special gift in mind?
When that's the case, you can help your child save their money – in a special piggy bank or even a starter bank account – so when they do see something special, they're able to buy it.
"If parents go this route with a fiver party, it presents a great opportunity to talk about money and budgeting," the experts said.
Fiver parties will also teach your child good etiquette. After all, nothing sours a party like the guest of honor pouting when they didn't receive "enough."
"Help them understand that they should never expect a gift from somebody else," the experts recommended.
"A fiver birthday party can help your kids appreciate the importance of simply spending time with friends and enjoying their company without expectation."
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To ensure the party is a success, spell out the nature of the party on your invitation – you can even say what special present the money is going towards.
As long as you spell out expectations for your child and their guests in advance, a fiver party can make the big day run much more smoothly, and guarantee your child gets what they really want.