Kevin Graff

Parents Just Saying 'No' to Birthday Gifts

July 29, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
If a lot of people follow the example of Bill Doherty, a researcher in childhood consumer culture at the University of Minnesota and co-founder of BirthdaysWithoutPressure.org, retailers could see a big drop-off in the amount of goods purchased as birthday gifts. Are there ways retailers can actively work with parents looking to create more responsible birthday celebrations?      [more...]

Oh, I do hope this becomes the norm and fast! As the father of a 5 and 6 year old, it seems we have to be at a birthday party almost every week. $20 presents don't seem to cut it anymore either! Then, when it comes time to host a birthday party for your kids, the loot bag of old (filled with basically trinkets and trash) is frowned on. Now all the party goers leave with an expensive new toy of their own.

The creative retailer may be able to find a way to tag onto this movement, combine it with the charitable cause, and still produce a healthy profit.