We were recently introduced to a new concept in children’s party gift giving - the Fiver Party.

So what’s it all about?

It’s really quite simple and we can’t believe it’s not a household name just yet! 

Essentially, it’s a birthday party where all the young guests bring a $5 note to go towards a big ticket present (or even a charity) that the parents have bought and which the child really wants.

No stress and no expense. Just a $5 note and the promise of something "big" on the way.

How good is that?

Apart from the fact that so many party presents can add up to multiple expenses, what we love about it is that it removes the expectation of "stuff" from birthdays. It teaches kids that parties are about friends and having fun, not piles of presents. It also teaches them the value of saving for something that they really want.

And it’s environmentally friendly as many toys end up in landfill after being loved for often a short period of time and then ignored.

But it doesn’t mean your child has to miss out.

If your child is aware of the big present coming their way and understands that everyone coming to his or her party will be gifting it to them, instead of bringing an individual present, then you will manage their expectations while also fueling their excitement about the "big gift".

So how do you go about it?

Simply write out your party invitations as you normally would but state somewhere that “this is a fiver party”, perhaps explaining what a “fiver party” is all about on the back of an invitation or in a text message or on a Facebook event.

Then you could either present your child with the big ticket item at the party for his friends to see what they all gave him, or you could save this until after everyone has gone home.

It’s up to you, but one thing is for sure the children that get the concept as well as Mum’s and Dad’s everywhere will love the idea. As for the birthday child, a love of birthdays and what really matters in life will still remain.