Today's New York Times covers the growth of "gift-free" parties, where, instead of presents, guests are encouraged to bring a donation for the charity of the little host's choosing.
The benefits are obvious -- teaching kids altruism, reducing the amount of additional toys that are destined for the back of the closet. And, of course, being able to help an charitable organization.
The cons, according to the article, include the etiquette issue. "You can't spend other people's money, even for a good cause," according to Miss Manners. And then, there's the associations to consider: “Do you really want the birthday child to grow up hating philanthropy because it’s done him out of his birthday presents?”
What do you think?
