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. 

Baby Shower WishGift

Have you ever received an invitation to an event, excited to be going but stressing about what to give as a gift?

A few months ago I received an invitation to a baby shower.  I was really happy to have been included in the event but initially panicked at the thought of having to buy a gift.  I knew that my friend didn't have a registry, wasn't finding out the gender and had already had a baby shower!  

Luckily, the host of the second baby shower realized that finding a gift may be difficult and registered the one big ticket item this mom-to-be was really hoping for...a BOB jogging stroller.

As is with any WishGift registered, I get overly excited when I know someone's about to get a gift they'll truly love and use for years to come so I was thrilled when the stroller reached it's goal of $550!  However this WishGift not only reached the target goal but actually went over and the mom-to-be received an additional $275 :) :)

End result, none of us had to rack our brains looking for a gift, this first-time mama received an amazing jogging stroller AND an extra $275!  Simple gift-giving at it's best!!

The beautiful mama enjoying her new BOB jogging stroller

WishGift concept meets the Dodge Dart

Personally, I LOVE the idea of contributing towards an item that is truly desired. Life is expensive and busy so when I can give the perfect gift by simply contributing an amount of my choice, I'm grateful and appreciative.

If you were asked to contribute towards a high-ticket item, would you:
	Be happy to do so
	Be insulted
pollcode.com free polls

Charitable WishGifts

This is the season of giving and celebrating.  Many people embrace it with the exchange of gifts to uplift and put smiles on people's faces.  During this joyful time, we must also remember that there are many worthy causes and contributing to a favoured cause is a great alternative to receiving traditional gifts.  

I continually hear about ways people are helping in and around their community this season.  Whether it be a food or toy drive, collecting and donating old clothes and toys, or organizing the assembly of gift baskets for the needy, there are many ways everyone can come together during the holidays.  

One of the simplest and easiest ways to help out is by choosing a charity or fund to contribute towards. 

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Starlight Children's Foundation :

 

 

Information about the fund: 

"Starlight programs are designed to create laughter, fun memories and a welcome distraction at a time when seriously ill children and their families need it most. Your support will fund in hospital fun (toy filled rooms and gaming centers) and out-of-hospital escapes (family fun events and adventures)."

Ways to contribute:

http://www.starlightcanada.org/ways-to-give/

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Food Banks Canada :

Information about the fund:

"Food Banks Canada is the national charitable organization representing and supporting the food bank community across Canada." Their membership and their respective agencies serve approximately 85% of people accessing essential food 

programs nationwide.

  

Ways to help:

http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/Get-Involved

Ways to contribute: 

1 - Individuals: www.foodbankscanada.ca/Get-Involved/Individuals
2 - Corporations: www.foodbankscanada.ca/Get-Involved/Corporations
3- Text HUNGER to 30333, and your $5 donation will be added to your next mobile phone bill.

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Canadian Cancer Society :

 Information about the fund:

A national, community-based organization of volunteers, whose "mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer."  

Ways to help:

http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide

Ways to contribute:

http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/donation

 

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Sandy Hook Elementary School :

The events that took place on December 14th 2012 in a small town in Connecticut has definitely left it's mark.  The shock and disbelief has hit a global scale and stories of it's littlest victims and educational heroes continues to make waves.   For those looking to reach out and help, there have been several funds created to help the Sandy Hook Elementary victims' families.

The Emilie Parker Fund:

Information about the fund:

"The funds will go to support Robbie and Alissa, in taking time off work to be with family, any medical expenses, in flying to Utah to arrange and plan a funeral. Thank you to everyone for this outpouring of love. Your kind words and prayers are so needed and appreciated."
https://www.facebook.com/EmilieParkerFund

 

 

Ways to contribute:

1 - Use the email " brookeprothero@yahoo.com " when setting up a WishGift and all donations will be directly deposited in their account.

2 - Check donations may be mailed to:

Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470

You can find more information and donate using cards at:
https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/

Friends of the Engel Family Fund: 

"Thank you to everyone that has liked this page and donated to the fund. In the immediate term, this fund will help the family cover Olivia's final expenses, as well as allow the family to take the time to grieve and love each other. 100% of all donations will go straight to the family to help them in their darkest hour."

Information about the fund:

https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfTheEngelFamilyFund

Ways to contribute: 

https://www.paypal.com/OliviaEngelFund

The Sandy Hook School Support Fund:

The Sandy Hook School Support Fund, set up by the United Way of Western Connecticut, will provide support services to families and the community. All donations to this fund will go directly to those affected: 

 

Information about the fund and ways to contribute:

https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/ 

Know of a great organization 

dedicated to helping others? 

 Share it with us in the comments below.

  

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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. 

What to WishGift?!?

  The hardest part about having a WishGift, is knowing what to register.  Once that decision is made, contributing and purchasing the WishGifted item is simple and effortless.

  For the past year, we've had amazing gifts registered!  We've had items registered for 1-year-olds to 40-year-olds and everything from toys, to lessons, to gift certificates have been given as gifts.  Guests don't spend more and everyone comes together to give something amazing!

  With the holiday season quickly approaching, thought it'd be fun to share some of my favourite WishGifted items!


*Product links have been added for your convenience.  Wishgift.ca allows any gift to be registered from any store and is independent from all stores linked in this blog.

Outdoor WishGifts:

 

Little Tikes Endless Adventures Playground

Bayberry Outdoor Playhouse

Kidwise Castle Bounce House

Electronic WishGifts:

LeapFrog LeapPad 2

X-Box Kinect

Nintendo Wii

Little Boy WishGifts:

 

Melissa & Doug 60 piece Block Set

Hockey Night in Canada Mini Steel Set (with extras)

Melissa & Doug Workbench

Little Girl WishGifts:

 

Disney Princess 12 piece Dress-Up kit

KidCraft Majestic Mansion

American Girl Dolls: McKenna Doll & Book

 Ride-On WishGifts:

Classic Pickup Truck

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Harley-Davidson

Disney Princess Bicycle

 

Activity WishGifts:

 

  

Like the idea of giving-together towards a group-gift?  Follow my blog and join me on my Social Networking sites to share gifts ideas and inspire.

 

 

 

Sport WishGifts

Photo Credit: Lounge Park/Getty Images; from Redbook

For some, Saturday is the chance to sleep-in.  It's the preferred day of the week with no alarms, no lunches to be made and no rushing.  It's just a day to unwind and relax.  If your Saturday morning resembles this, clearly you don't have children.  A typical Saturday morning with children involves an early wake-up, a speedy breakfast and a mad dash to either hockey practice, swimming lessons, gymnastics practice, dance lessons...  (and if you're not doing this on Saturday, chances are this your typical Sunday).

It's no secret that exposing children to activities and a healthy lifestyle is crucial in developing long-term healthy habits.  It's good for their development and self-esteem AND they have the energy to spare.  Despite the endless list of positives, Canadian parents invest an average of $1,658 per year on their kids’ sports activities (Peters, D- http://www.ratesupermarket.ca/blog/kids-sports-the-true-cost-to-canadian-families/).  This includes the cost of the activity, the equipment, gas and food.

One of my favourite things about using WishGift for a child's birthday present is being able to register beyond toys and sport lessons is a perfect alternative!  To date, WishGift has been used to group-gift gymnastics lessons, karate lessons, skiing lessons and skating lessons with Dynowear equipment.  We know that guests are often looking for gift-ideas so registering lessons and/or equipment for your child's favourite sport makes the perfect group-gift.

So the next time you're wondering why you don't have money to spare, consider creating a WishGift for your child's perfect gift.
 

3rd birthday WishGift included:

skating lessons, skates, helmet 

and protective pants and gloves from 

Dynowear