I could write a long, long list on why I get so annoyed by the website Babble. But I won't.
I will, however, write why this particular article annoys me:
http://babble.com/content/articles/features/personalessays/lutz/presents-please-why-i-dont-believe-in-no-gift-parties/index3.aspx
Why must all these articles ALWAYS assume that everyone in the world shares their level of income? That we are all awash in Webkinz and Crocs and Heeleys, oh my.
Daughter D. is having a "no gift" party tomorrow. Not because she is at the front of any hip trend. Not because she will be donating anything to charity. She won't.
She's having a "no gift" party because one of her best friends *can't* bring a gift. A. started as our "little sister" through BBBS (one of the most phenomenal organizations in the entire world.) We've only been matched for 7 months and already she has become one of our very favorite people. Sadly, there is no extra money for presents in her world.
We talked and D decided that the best thing to do would be to have a small party and ask her other friends not to bring gifts. The other friends agreed wholeheartedly.
I have to think that showing kids that they can be good friends without *purchasing something* really shouldn't be blamed for turning charity into something "routine" or making birthdays less special.
For me, Daughter D's thoughtfulness and maturity are just about the most special thing in the world. And I can't think of a nicer gift than that.
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4 comments:
I'd never seen that Babble website... and from the link you posted, Babble won't be making my Bookmarks.
You have two absolutely wonderful kiddos! I'm so glad I finally got the chance to meet them!
(But next time we meet let's make it somewhere a bit warmer than the frozen tundra! I brought back one heck of a cold as a souvenir. )
Oh, that's so lovely! Hope she has a wonderful birthday.
I don't read there often, but when I do, Babble annoys me to no end. Everything there just screams "self-absorbed yuppie" to me. (Granted, I don't read there often, so I might be missing something, but that is my impression.)
I really, really think you should post a comment to that article there, and link to your post here. You've written a very powerful, thought-provoking post.
I've never visited Babble before; I don't think I'll be going back. I get enough of that kind of crap from my sister, although nowhere near that level.
I'd be proud of my kid for choosing a present-free birthday party as well ... although, he did almost that by choosing to invite less than half as many people as he would be permitted to. (3 vs. 8)
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