Charity Birthday Party?

I'm writing this blog as a reward for balancing my checkbook (something I loath and I'm not very good at) because I was right on the money this month with no errors. I have to tell you my husband was relieved because he usually has to come to the rescue of a teary eyed, frustrated, determined women that has consumed some wine (maybe part of the problem) to get her through the balancing act. Needless to say we were both happy and so at last my reward, blog time!!!!

My little princess is having her first birthday in a month and this is a topic I've been chomping at the bit to write about. She doesn't need anything. Her brother had every baby/toddler toy out there because he was the first and every older cousin passed their toys down to him. My house seems to be swimming in plastic toys that are probably coated with lead paint. So besides a few dolls and girly things here and there -- which I could really care less about -- she has enough. Plus, anything she might need she'll receive from old St. Nick.

What do I do for her birthday blogging friends??? My son has had 3 huge themed birthday bashes and I feel like she is going to get the short end of the stick. She has a winter birthday and the family who lives hours away won't travel in the snow as compared to my May baby and his parties. Her special day is right after Christmas and she needs nothing. It's kind of bumming me out.

So here's what I've been contemplating....a Charity Birthday party. I really want both of my kids to grow up giving back to society and being contributing, active members of their communities. I have a teen sister and bless her heart she's selfish and always has been (my parents and her big sisters...me included are to blame partly) with no regard to money or community service. I just don't want my children to be like this. I want them to know of others hardships, appreciate what they have, donate their time, money and possessions, educate themselves on worldly issues and be involved with keeping our Earth healthy and themselves in good shape. A lot to chew on but I can do it. That's what parenting is about. So what better time to start?

Here's a few ideas I've heard so far...

• Have a giving party where the child gets a gift but chooses something for everyone to bring to give to a charity (toilet paper, tooth brushes, etc.).

• Have a build a bear party and give the bears to a children's hospital.

• Have everyone invited to the party bring a used toy and donate to a shelter.

• Have a fund raising birthday bash to raise money for a good cause.

Some helpful websites I found...

Charity Guide
Build a Bear Birthdays for Charity

So give me YOUR thoughts and ideas. Remember she's going to be ONE! I still want to preserve the idea of it being her birthday but would like to do something for her and then my son in May that can become a tradition.