Children's birthdays can be stressful. On one hand you want to create a memory that will last a lifetime for your child, as well as throw a party that's fun for you and your friends. On the other, birthday parties always seem to be too expensive, and create way too much garbage. If you have mixed feelings about such fetes, you aren't the only one. Two moms have come up with a creative way to fight waste and do good, while still having a great time.

ECHOage, founded by Alison Smith and Debbie Zinman (pictured, right), is a new paradigm in kids' birthday parties. The idea is simple. Instead of throwing a regular birthday party where everyone brings a wrapped and packaged gift, "..guests simply rsvp and make secure online contributions that are pooled together. Half goes to purchase ONE memorable gift for the child and half is donated to ONE meaningful cause of the child's choice.  ECHOage arranges everything, so no need for guests to drive, shop, wrap or even pick up the phone to make a donation."

The founders explain a bit more about what inspired them to begin this project - and what it means - below.

1. What inspired you to come up with this idea? 

ECHOage was inspired by our children.  We each have a boy and girl and through planning and attending many birthday parties, we had the pleasure of seeing how focused kids were on each other, rather than the mounting gifts that arrived at the parties.  It was a moment of truth as we left a party with bags full of wrapped and packaged gifts (that we knew were destined to either be stored away, re-gifted or returned) that we realized these children could and should be the leaders in a new era of giving.  Creating a meaningful celebration, we realized, could be fun, simple and life-changing.

 2. Do you think kids are disappointed at not getting a huge pile of presents? How do you talk to kids about why they're 'missing out'? (Any advice on how to explain to kids that great parts of charitable giving?)

When kids become part of the process, we have found that they are very excited to plan for the special gift(s).  When a child has chance to choose something that is significant, relevant and special, they appreciate, treasure and value the gift(s).  We have heard of such inspiring and varied gifts that kids are choosing with the contributions from all of their friends.  Gifts are as unique as the children choosing them: horse back riding lessons, ipods, guitars, seeing a play, and many more.  When parents take the time to explain the positive impact that their ECHOage party is having on the world, it becomes a real opportunity to share values, encourage giving, all while have the same wonderful celebration.

3. What are the advantages of these kinds of parties, beyond doing 'good'? 

There are many advantages to having an ECHOage party.  

CONVENIENCE

Convenience for the guests who no longer have to drive to the store in search of a gift yet they can feel good about contributing toward something that the birthday child really wants is a significant advantage when having an ECHOage party.  Convenience for the parent of the birthday child who can easily track all RSVP information, party details such as cell phone numbers and allergy information is greatly appreciated. 

CHARITY

The charitable component of ECHOage is having tremendous impact on society.  Children all over North America are feeding hungry kids, sending kids with cancer to camp, planting trees in concrete schoolyards, providing clean drinking water and so much more.  When a child learns to give at a young age, they are more likely to give as adults.  Making giving fun through celebration is an exciting way to introduce children to the concept of GIVING.

ENVIRONMENT

There are many environmental advantages when having an ECHOage party.  Reducing packaging and paper from landfill, emissions from driving to the store and of course, no more mailing paper invitations and sending them through the postal service.

Charities include, but aren't limited to:

USA: EarthCorps, International Child Art Foundation, NourishAmerica, Free The Children, Coca-1, Autism Speaks, HealthyChild HealthyWorld, Reading is Fundamental, Love our Children USA

CANADA: Everygreen, Girls Inc., Second Harvest, Autism Speaks Canada, EcoKids, World Wildlife Foundation, Indigo Love of Reading Foundation, Camp Oochigeas, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Kids Believe in Sick Kids

Learn more about ECHOage with this great explanatory video.

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