Charity Donation in Lieu of Gifts for Preemie Twins Turning One Year Old

I think what you're requesting is completely honorable, and I think it's completely appropriate to make that request.

If I were doing it, I'd see if there is a public meeting room at the hospital where they were treated and have the event there so as many of the doctors, nurses, etc. would be able to attend and commemorate all the nurturing they gave your twins to help them thrive and achieve this milestone.

In the invitation, I'd simply state something like, "please do not feel obligated to bring gifts. However, if you'd like to bring something, we ask you to make a donation to __________ charity in lieu of gifts"

As far as themes - I'm blank on that one because 1 year-old birthdays are so tough, definitely more for the adults than the babies.

Good luck - I hope your fundraiser is successful.

You could always do a carnival, that way you can set up balloon darts, guess your weight/height, etc booths and people would know their money they spend would go directly to the NICU.

A dollar a game or even a couple of dollars per game, and see if you can get a local place to donate prizes, have door prizes like restaurant gift certificates, haircuts, manicures, etc.

Most places will donate a small gift certificate if they know you are donating your proceeds to a good cause!

And don't forget the Pie throwing booth... supper cheap and people love it... all you need is a willing person and some alluminum pie pans and whipped cream...

Have fun!!!

I'd decorate with "hospital" stuff - ace bandages instead streamers, guaze instead of napkins or doilies (yeah, I know I can't spell), red punch, tongue depressors for stir sticks or even to be used as forks....I'd wear scrubs and tell people they can come dressed as their favorite TV doctor or nurse if they want. Hey, what a great Halloween theme for my 16 year old!!!!!!!

I wouldn't worry too much about a theme. Just have good food, great cake and good company. You may want to enlarge some photos of your beauties with people who will attend and have them around the space. I would also invite people to donate items as well as money.

When my nieces (also twin preemies) were born, we rotated who brought food to the nurses on duty and they were so appreciative! My parents, other sister, grandparents, in-laws, etc... between us all, they had snacks and food for weeks, but we couldn't have made it through that time without them!

I would have the doctors and nurses do a "wish list" and figure out a way to make it happen as a thank you from your family and friends. It's amazing how much better a cup of coffee tastes when you have a great machine with a regular supply of coffee!

Maybe have people donate money to sponsor a monthly breakfast in the break room or gift certificates for local delivery places along with menus and a genuine thank you note. Depending on what the staff needs... new coffee pot, mini fridge, I would try to focus on purchasing something for the staff directly. Many times when you donate to the hospital, it will go into a general fund.

Also think of things you would have appreciated while you were there as parents or things that they already have, but may need updating- rocking chairs, better magazine subscriptions, more privacy curtains, recliners, etc.

I don't have an answer for your question, but I think its a wonderful thing that you are doing. The nurses and docs in the NICU take such great care of our little precious ones and I don't think they get enough recognition. Kuddos to you and I'm happy to hear that your girls made it through.

I appericiate what your trying to do here. But it seems like they are two seperate events. I would have a birthday to celebrate there first year and everything they acomplished in the year. I personaly would hold a seperate event for the adults.

Frost me blog has lots of theme ideas. I like an all yellow or all one color theme. http://frostmeblog.blogspot.com/

http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ its a kids site but they have great themes for there partys.

Can you check with the hospital NICU unit where they were after they were born? The staff at the hospital in our area, have lots of ideas. There are even lots of pics in the hallways of parties for NICU kids an their themes. They know a lot of entertainment as the NICU's throw fundraisers and as they will be getting the funds I'm sure they can help. Good luck and I think it's awesome what you are doing and congratulations on your 2 little darlings.

For Themes:
I googled "symbols of gratitude" and the pictures were of flowers, tree of life and hearts.

I love all of this ideas and each one of them would be very easy to make a theme, specially hearts, that not only can represent gratitude but mainly love. That is what you feel for your babies, that is what the people of the hospital gave them too....and ultimately is what you want to give back.

The theme for my daughter's party is butterflies. Looking for ideas for the party I came to know that they represent beginings, tranformation and mainly life and like the idea ;)

Good luck and have a great party!

What a wonderful idea you have! You need to contact the hospital; I have no doubt they'll be able to share some good ideas/themes that have worked in the past. You can go on from there with your own ideas. Be sure to give the guests a no-gift-at-all option, too; there may be some friends and neighbors who would love to celebrate your daughters' birthday but, with this economy, don't feel they can make donations at this time.