Kid’s “Fiver Parties” Are A New, Very Controversial, Birthday Trend

Parents of young children will tell you that the one thing they probably don’t need more of is toys. Not only do spaces become cluttered with toys kids accumulate during holidays and birthdays, but loved ones can feel their wallets getting lighter with every holiday that passes. So instead of making guests splurge, some parents are opting to throw “fiver parties” for their kids.

Fiver parties are currently on the rise and are piquing the interest of parents who want to accumulate less and teach their child about responsible decision-making.

A fiver party is an alternative kid’s birthday party where parents ask guests to bring $5 in lieu of a gift. Then, the birthday boy or girl can purchase something they really want with their pooled gift money, and guests end up saving their pennies not having to spend big on a toy.

It’s unclear where the idea of the fiver party originated from.

Delish reports that blogger Sarah Schultz threw her son a fiver party in 2017 and wrote about it for her site. But the actual practice of giving money to kids rather than toys isn’t all that new.

Some Canadian parents throw “two toonies parties” for their kids.

Guests are asked to bring two $2 coins — one for the child to keep and one for the child to donate to a charity of his or her choice.

We love that idea.

Parents Are Obsessed With Throwing Their Kids "Fiver Parties" For Their Birthdays—And You Should Be, Too https://t.co/UaeaU5z1BE

— Delish (@Delish) March 19, 2019

Sure, fiver parties cut down on excess plastic and waste, and therefore may be more sustainable.

But do they take the fun out of kids’ birthdays?

Schultz wrote that some of her fellow parents (and her own mother) thought it was a bit mean to deprive her kids of getting gifts on their birthdays.

“[He] honestly didn’t care or didn’t know to ask where all the presents were,” Schultz said of her 4-year-old son, “he had way too much fun having all of his playschool friends over.”

And let’s be honest — babies and toddlers live in the moment. They don’t care about gifts.

didn’t know my niece’s 1st birthday party was gonna get this wild—watch til the end pic.twitter.com/m3Ypf3EkIV

— Anna Kirk Dodds (@ayykdodds) March 18, 2019

If one’s kids are old enough to know about presents, fiver parties may be a good lesson in saving, spending wisely, and sustainability. Encouraging them to donate to charity is also a huge win.

#FeelGoodFriday
Twins Avery & Baylee hosted a Fiver B-Day party this year - forgoing presents, and instead raised money for us! Thank you girls for your generousity! It is truly incredible to see #ChildrenHelpingChildren
Email us to learn about how you can host your own "Fiver"! pic.twitter.com/UJKwCJJLj3

— Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (@CentralABCAC) March 15, 2019

However, some feel that asking guests for money rather than something more personal is a bit tacky. And that’s totally understandable.

Have we seriously fallen that far from proper etiquette and manners? Is this our society now? Where did we go so wrong?

— Denise (@DeniseMiller) March 13, 2019

Downright asking for money can feel a bit icky. “That is weird AF,” this Twitter user said.

And some guests may be insulted about being asked to give money, especially if they’re close family or friends.

Some people love the act of giving gifts.

Insulting IMO

— NykolStraw (@PrettyNykol) January 20, 2019

Perhaps if parents are looking to accumulate less stuff, they should just throw a party and ask that guests not bring any gifts at all. This would teach the child that birthdays don’t have to be about getting things — they’re about having a good time with friends.

What if you don’t have a fiver for every party? What if you want to give a present? What if maybe you should just be grateful and not expect ANYTHING in the first place? Sooooo painful!! 🙄

— Myleene Klass MBE (@KlassMyleene) January 17, 2019

But other parents are on board with the fiver party idea.

It’s less expensive for guests and the child still gets a gift that they’ll actually enjoy.

Love this!!

— Karen 🍀 (@karenellen45) March 17, 2019

Teaching kids about donating to charity at a young is awesome.

“$5 would go to her and $5 would go to a charity of her choice,” this Twitter user said about her goddaughter’s $10 party.

Yes!! I attended my god daughters party and it was a 10 party. $5 would go to her and $5 would go to a charity of her choice. Also it was her 5th birthday party so that’s an awesome thing to teach. @ancollins is her mom and cake up with the idea after attending her friends party.

— Mandi 💙🧡💙🧡💙 (@PinkyMcGlitter) January 17, 2019

And TBH, it’s sometimes hard to buy toys for your friends’ kids or your kids’ friends.

Cut out the guess work and just give them cash.

Plus, the kids will be more appreciative of the cash gift when it pays for something they really need or want. To us, fiver parties seem like a win-win.

Right!
I'm telling my kids this. We hate to get the girls a bunch of toys that will add to the stack they already have.
Both need the outdoor sort of equipment that are a bit pricey. They could get one, and everyone chip in.

— 🐻 PAWPAW RAY and BABIES 🐻 (@pawpaw_ray) March 6, 2019

Saving guests “a little grief” is always nice. They’ll thank you.

I was glad I found @MotherlyMedia and the article about it. Granddaughters are getting to the age where they will want their friends at parties - this should save everyone a little grief😄

— 🐻 PAWPAW RAY and BABIES 🐻 (@pawpaw_ray) March 6, 2019

Or, you know, you could go the opposite route and go all out for your kid’s first birthday. Gifts, ball pits, gold cake, blowup version of your baby, and all.

We’re only joking. Kind of.

What are your thoughts on the fiver trend? Tacky or smart?

Truth be told, we think those on team fiver may be onto something.