This is a Kendal-born campaign to make gifting at children’s parties more affordable and sustainable is gaining momentum.
My daughter was born during the third lockdown.
As well as being overwhelmed with love – I was clutched by fear. We had a lot of time to think, and my mind kept turning to what the world would be like when my girl grows up.
Instead of letting my worry about the impacts of climate change wear me down, I decided to take action – however small. In doing so, I became energised and inspired to do more.
It all began with a toy swap
In December 2022, I hosted the first Kendal Toy Swap. Local parents decluttered toys, got their kids Christmas gifts for free – and enjoyed a festive drink. It was a huge success, and has become an annual night in Kendal parents calendars.
This got me thinking. If parents are happy to give their own children pre-loved gifts – can we normalise giving other people’s kids second-hand gifts too?
Speaking to friends with primary school aged children, I’d heard many grumbles about children’s parties.
The number of parties, spending money on presents for people they don’t know, and the ‘stuff’ that comes home from party bags and gifts.
It turns out that parents dread gifting at kids’ parties
I ran a survey and discovered:
- 80% of parents don’t like the amount of clutter entering their homes from party gifts
- 77% worry about excessive plastic
- 43% say buying gifts strains their finances
Most parents have concerns about the gifts their children get – yet 81% always buy gifts for other children and 74% always buy brand new.
Oh, and the majority of parents dislike party bags – no surprises there!
If we’re all so unhappy about the clutter, the waste and the expense of gifts and party bags – can we agree to do things differently?
Parents can normalise more affordable, planet-friendly gifting
Out of this realisation came The Kids Party Pact. We have the power to change social norms around gifting at children’s parties.
We can make it okay – and totally normal – to give pre-loved or homemade gifts, experiences, money or no gift at all. We can end the tradition of tat-filled party bags.
70 Kendal families have signed the pact so far, pledging to:
- Give gift guidance on invitations (e.g. pre-loved encouraged, or ‘no gifts’)
- Give second-hand, homemade or sustainable party favours (or none at all)
- Give pre-loved, homemade or sustainable presents when possible (or no gift)
This Cumbria-born movement is spreading, with parents across the UK – and globally – signing the pact.
Party venues are also getting on board, with Kendal-based Outside-In and Ragtag Arts being the first to sign up.
I’m excited about the impact The Kids Party Pact movement will have, if we all band together to change the culture.
I don’t want my children to grow up thinking they need new, shiny ‘stuff’ to be happy. I want them to value joyful experiences, time with loved ones and thoughtful gifts that don’t cost the earth. Do you?
