Birthday Gift Registries; Yay or Nay?

  There has been much discussion about birthday gift registries over the internet lately.  An episode of The View on March 30th 2015 dedicated their Hot Topics segment to birthday gift registries and a post on Reddit.com exploded a series of both positive and negative comments.

 

ABC The View March 30th 2015  

  I received a registry for a birthday party once.  It was approximately four years ago, I was a first time mom to a 2 year old girl and the registry was for an 8 year old girl.  Initially, I didn't know what to make of it and I definitely had mixed feelings. Part of me felt that it was slightly presumptuous of the parents to send me a list of their daughter's wishes but, upon further reflection, it was clear that I had no clue what to get an 8 year old.  The list provided much better guidance than the alternative of taking a shot in the dark and making sure I got a gift receipt for easy returns. 

  As the founder of WishGift.ca, I clearly support and encourage making gift-giving easy on already busy parents.  My main complaint regarding birthday gift registries is where the registry is created.  The gift registry I received four years ago was made at a specialty toy store 30 kms away from my house.  The traveling posed quite the inconvenience for me and was the sole reason why I didn't use the gift registry for this event.

Knowing that there was no way I would be attending the birthday party empty handed, I was grateful to the registry for proving some guidance and a glimpse into the birthday girl's interests.  Although I did not buy off the registry, I used the items registered as a guide to help me choose a gift at a store closer to me and within my budget.

  The main difference between a store registry and WishGift.ca is that guests will never be inconvenienced or have to commit to a gift above their budget.  WishGift allows guests to contribute towards the group-gift right from their computer and they are free to contribute any amount they desire.

Why I WishGift:

For Us:

  By trade, I am a teacher and my husband is a technical writer for an aerospace company.  We make decent salaries and purchased a cottage in a beautiful suburban area two years ago.  Despite our middle class lifestyle, life is expensive!  No matter how much we budget, there are always unplanned expenses for our family and repairs to maintain our house and cars.  Over the years, WishGift.ca has allowed us to provide experiences and items for our kids that we may not have been able to afford comfortably.  

For Guests:

  WishGift.ca was an unintentional project and came to be following my daughter's second birthday.  Prior to Aliah's birthday, several party guests began asking what they could get her for her party.  Although I had requested "no-gifts", our family members and close friends insisted on getting presents.  My mother-in-law suggested mentioning the swingset we wanted to purchase and offer it as an option our guests could chip-in towards.  I casually began mentioning the swingset as an option and to my surprise, many of our guests chose to contribute in lieu of a wrapped gift.  On the day of her party, the swingset was installed and ready to be played with by all the kids.  What took me back most that day was how many family members and friends thanked ME for offering them an item they could contribute towards.  They expressed how much simpler it was for them to contribute towards the gift, while I was left in awe at the amazing play structure that stood in our yard that was now paid for.

  Final Take:

  Whether you are for traditional wrapped gifts, no gifts, charity donation gifts, store gift registries or group-gift contribution registries, there should never be an expectation from your guests!  A gift is (and should remain) something given willingly to someone without payment or assumption.
  For me, having a group-gift that my event guests can contribute towards makes it easier on them (their words not mine) and allows for our kids to receive unique items or amazing experiences.  I like the idea of giving my guests an option to make gift-giving as simple as possible and always make it clear that the registered gift is a suggestion should they be looking for ideas.   When I am invited to a birthday that has a WishGift, I am thrilled at thought of not having to shop, decide and cross my fingers that I bought something that will be enjoyed.   WishGift and group-gift giving is just my way of taking the stress off of giving gifts altogether.

Like the idea of giving-together?  Follow my blog or join me on my social networking sites to share gift ideas and inspire. 

Ski WishGift: 4 year old gift-idea

  While at a child's birthday party, how often have you watched the birthday boy or girl, often unenthusiastically, open a slew of gifts only to see that the very item you purchased has just been unwrapped?  How often have you heard parents say that his/her child has "so many toys" while questioning where to put the new birthday loot?  Have you ever thought that the money spent on the wrapped gifts your child received could have been put towards something amazing?

  I have been group-gifting for four years now and our latest WishGift has been a complete success.  I began group-gifting in 2008 after guests at my daughter's birthday offered to contribute towards a swing set we had purchased in lieu of a traditional wrapped gift.  The result culminated with my guests expressing how much easier they found it to contribute towards a big item while I was left feeling shocked at the beautiful swing set that stood in our backyard (Click here to read about it). 

  Since I have been registering group-gifts as a gift option for a several years now, many of my guests expect me to register something on WishGift.ca for my kids' birthdays.  They find that an online group-gift contribution makes their lives easier since they no longer have to think about what to get, shop for the gift and then worry that we already have the item.  They simply contribute to a gift or activity with no worries.   My guests also know that there is no expectation and that we are very appreciative for whatever gift-method they choose (we even condone "no-gifts' but that never works).  For us, having a group-gift means giving our kids an opportunity (or item) that we would have not been able to afford on our own (am I the only parent who finds most activities or sports for kids super pricey?!?). 

  For our daughter's 6th birthday, we registered equestrian lessons at our local Pony-Club.  The experience that Aliah had during her 10 week session was so incredible and lifelong, we chose to stick with an activity WishGift for our son's 4th birthday. 

  Choosing an activity for Scott was quite easy.  My son has always been agile, active and fearless.  It took 1 Warren Miller video to see his eyes light up as he watched people plow, twist, jump and turn down a mountain.   For his WishGift reveal on the day of his birthday, we bought him a helmet that he unwrapped in front of everyone (we always have the gift or part of the gift ready to be unwrapped) and shared with our guests that he was registered for a 10 week session of ski lessons.

  Check out the smile on his face when he told him he would be learning ski.  I doubt another Superhero toy would have elicited such joy.

  Fast-Forward 3 months and we are now 1 week away from his first lesson.  Yesterday, he went to the hill to take his ski school picture and then to the ski store to rent his equipment (many ski stores now rent new equipment for the season).  He was professionally fitted for his boots and got to choose his skis.  When he came home he proudly showed off his new gear and giggled as he waddled around the house with his new ski boots and skis.  I have no doubt that this $500 WishGift was a great choice that he will remember for years to come.  Can't wait to share all the pics I'll be taking with my family and friends that made this WishGift possible.

Trying out his new gear

 January 6th 2015

Scott had his first lesson and absolutely LOVES it!  The only problem we have is that he has NO fear and thus no desire to stop.

Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate his 4th birthday and for making 

this WishGift happen.  There is no shortage of smiles when he is on the 

slopes!

Like the idea of giving-together?  Follow my blog or join me on my social networking sites to share gift ideas and inspire. 

Toys that make children happy

If you have children you are probably spending lots and lots (and lots) of money on toys or gifts for kids.  You have probably also at some point asked yourself why the $20 to $25 range of toys looks so chinsey.  It seems like the cost of toys and gifts for kids is constantly rising (have you seen the price of a Monster High DOLL?!?) and to get a substantial looking gift, group-gifting is a viable option.  

The National Toy Hall of Fame released the Top 10 Toys that have been enjoyed and loved for generations.  Do you think it is the more simple, non-expensive toys or the high ranged, pricey toys that made the cut?  Check out the link below to see what made the list. 

Bonus photo number 11 is definitely a hit for my 4-year-old.  There is definitely no better toy he could receive!

Enjoy!

Top 10 Toys at the National Toy Hall of Fame

Like the idea of giving-together?  Follow my blog or join me on my social networking sites to share gift ideas and inspire. 

Giveaway

WishGift.ca all began with a swingset; a gift my family and friends chose to contribute towards in lieu of a traditional wrapped gift (see The Beginning for more details).  The reviews were so positive that I took the simple concept of giving-together and launched a website.

The idea is simple:
1- you register an item
2- invite guests to contribute towards it in lieu of a traditional gift
3- use the money collected to purchase the item

Since the launch of WishGift in 2010, the most amazing gifts have been given and received.  Swingsets, motorized ride-on vehicles, dress-up kits, strollers, gaming consoles, dollhouses etc. 

If you like the idea of giving together to give and receive amazing gifts, help spread the word by inviting friends to "like" us on Facebook, "follow" us on Twitter, and "pin" on Pinterest.

I'll be awarding a Visa Gift Card, to a lucky winner drawn at random.  Just follow the Raffelcopter instructions below and increase your chances of winning!

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Like the idea of giving-together?  Follow my blog or join me on my social networking sites to share gift ideas and inspire. 

A Broadway Camp Birthday

"Where has the time gone?" is the classic statement made when a child's birthday rolls around and this week I can't believe that a special little girl is turning six-years-old.  She's not my daughter, nor my niece but is the first baby I ever held, fed or babysat!  She's a beautiful, intelligent, mature and extremely animated child!

So...what do you get for a child who's over dolls, dress-up and most of the toys in her playroom??

Luckily, her mom thought of "us" (those racking their brains for gift-ideas) and registered the MOST perfect gift and experience for this little drama queen.  The specialized 10 day Broadway Camp focuses on dance, theater, vocals and art.  Although the program comes with a hefty price tag, group-gifting makes it an affordable, sure-to-be loved gift and I'm just hoping to get her reaction on video!

What's up with camp prices??

I attended city camp for most of my upbringing.  The $400 a summer price tag was an affordable way to keep me occupied, active and safe and has left me with awesome memories.  Obviously I didn't think camp prices were the same and was anticipating a higher cost but was shocked to hear that the average price of city camp (with extended day) was $1700...for 1 child!!  Would love to hear how parents of 2+ children afford that??

Melissa and Doug Wooden Workbench: Post-Play Product Review

Average Price in Canada: $115.00

My two-year-old son is a real man's man!  He loves his trucks, climbing on furniture and eating!!  He also loves his daddy's tools so choosing to WishGift a play workbench and tools for this 2nd birthday was an easy decision.

There are many pretend play workbenches for kids on the market.  Choices include companies such as Little Tikes, Step2, Black and Decker, Home Depot and many others.  Our decision to go with the Melissa & Doug model was due to its high review ratings and because it's made out of natural wood.

Since there are already so many blog reviews on the product, this blog will focus on the post-play handling of the workbench against my not-so-delicate tot.

Assembly:

My hubby assembled the set and his feedback was:

- Took about 1 hour
- All 20 pieces were clearly labelled
- All pieces fit together easily
- Everything lined up

**Hubby is very handy!  Has a room full of tools, knows how to use them and can build and renovate himself.  Probably would have taken me double the amount of time. **

When Done:
- Structure was super solid (no shaking, wobbling or creaking).
- Will definitely stand-up to a rough housing tot with little chance of breaking or toppling over.


Assembly Instructions:
002369 Workbench Assembly Instructions 20121128

 

2-Month Post-Play Review:

Scott's been enjoying the Workbench for over 2 months and it's still his go-to toy in our playroom!  His favourite tools are the saw and hammer...most likely cause of the sounds they make.  He loves the vice and sawing the guide.  He equally loves hammering the pegs (or anything else that's within his range).

Minor Downfalls: 

-Although a solid wood structure, the Workbench and pieces dent fairly easily.  There are marks on the table top, on all the pegs and guide.  Although we have no intention of keeping it looking new, the set is constructed from pine (a soft lumbar) and looks worn fairly easily (NO splinters though :)





 

Wooden Model Instruction Booklet:

- At two-years-old, my son is too young to take advantage of the awesome building guide included however, the manual has awesome projects designed for older toddlers.

Complimentary Add-ons:

- Although my son keeps busy with the nuts and bolts, hammer, saw, screw driver and wrench, all the tools in the Wooden Project Workbench is natural coloured with red handles...kinda boring.  When he received the  Melissa & Doug Take-Along Tool Kit, he was definitely taken with the bright, attractive colours of the kit.  It's a great addition to the Workbench, is completely compatible and has vibrant colours that is definitely appealing to toddlers.

Final Thoughts:

- Scott loves the Wooden Workbench and often plays with it.
- Hubby loves how simple it was to assemble.
- I love that the bench is solid and can with-handle my son's roughness.

- Could be improved by having more colourful tools
- Dents easily

Price Range and Where to Buy

User Testimonial

R. Hargreaves, 1971

Credit: http://www.antisocialshop.com/skate/2010/03/page/3/

 

When it comes to new users using WishGift to register a gift, I love getting feedback.  Parents often relate to the problem of their children having too many toys and like the idea of a group-gift, while some parents like the idea, but hesitate cause they think their child will be upset by not receiving as many gifts.  Whatever the thought, I enjoy getting the discussion started and welcome feedback or comments.

  

Most recently, a mom registered a swingset for her daughter's first birthday.  Below is an excerpt of her thoughts after using the site.

"Hi,

 I just wanted to thank-you for creating WishGift!  
We really have soooo many toys already and hand me down clothes
 that there was really very little we needed as gifts.  
Having our guests chip in towards a swingset just made so much sense...."

In this mom's case, the gift registered was quite pricey and although the full amount wasn't covered, she received all the funds and went on to say

"We will be making up the difference 
but don't mind cause we will soon have a beautiful swingset 
for the kids to play with for a good 10 years at least! 
 Thanks again WishGift!"  
Steph L.

Thanks for giving us a try and thanks for the user testimonial Steph L.!

If you like the idea of simplifying gift giving and receiving, please connect with us through social media. I'd love to hear from you!

 

 

Perfect gift for my tot!

Tomorrow is my son's 2nd birthday party!  Like most moms, birthdays have me planning, decorating and reflecting on how quickly time passes.  Afterall, it certainly doesn't feel like it's been a whole year since we celebrated Scott's 1st birthday!

Last year's party was such a hit at Quinn Farm that we decided to host his party there once again.  The kids loved the tractor ride, playing and picking pumpkins in the patch, decorating their pumpkins, visiting the animals... and I loved not having to clean up!

 

Of course, as is with any birthday, there are always gifts involved.  This year, more than ever, I feel great knowing that I made my guests' lives a little simpler and registered a gift.  I don't know what it was this past week, but it seemed like everyone was super busy with work, school and just day-to-day life.  I'm pretty sure that many of my guests would not have had the time to shop for Scott's gift and I feel relieved knowing that I made their lives a little less hectic.

Scott made choosing his WishGift a little easier this year.  My husband Danny and I were in a little dispute as to what Scott would love.  After witnessing the same passion with tools as his dad, we both agreed that he'd love a Melissa and Doug Workbench however I thought it'd be great to compliment the workbench with a Handy Manny Talkin' Tools Set while Danny thought Scott would love a Melissa and Doug Solid Wood Stacking Blocks set.  That same night, Scott proudly showed off a tower he constructed from his sister's dollhouse furniture and stacking blocks were registered!



We ordered the two items from a wonderful, family-run toy store called the Cape Breton Baby Company.  I chose their site over other large retailers due to their customer service and competitive pricing with shipping.  We got the parcel within a week of placing the order and just in time for tomorrow's party.  Can't wait for everyone to see the awesome gifts they contributed towards and Scotty's reaction when he sees things he can build and smash down!!