planning a birthday?

Check out EchoAge: No matter what your party, theme or venue, you can ECHOage ANY birthday celebration. In seconds, guests RSVP online and contribute to both a birthday gift and charity of the child's choice. No more driving, shopping or wrapping. Simply choose an invitation and a charity and your child's birthday will have lasting impact on society and the environment. (Thanks Charmaine)
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Birthday Without Pressure: If you think children’s birthday parties are getting out of control, you’ve come to the right place. We want to raise awareness of this problem and offer alternatives for parents and kids who want birthdays without pressure.
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RedTricycle: Ideas for Gift-Free Birthdays
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...and some great books to read with your kids:
"Gift of Nothing"
"The Berenstein Bears Get the Gimmies"