tftcarrie's Profile

For my daughters past birthdays (age 5), I have asked the kids to bring a new or gently used book to donate to the local family shelter in lieu of a gift. Everyone was really great about it and my daughter had a really good experience taking in a stack of books to the shelter and really didn't even notice "missing" presents because she still got a few from long distance grandma, grandpa, old friends and mom and dad. ANd for a 5 year old, that it more than plenty.

I agree with the awkwardness of the "no presents" request. I like being able to take my daughter out to pick something for another child (instead of focusing of themselves). I think it is a great teaching time for kids if you make it that and I don't like it being taken away.