Want to Throw "Green" Birthday Party for One Year Old

You could also have guests make donations at Tree People or at Changingthepresent.org. There are many wonderful charities available on-line, and so easy for guests to donate in your child's name. If they really must bring something, it could be a new unwrapped toy for the children's hospital, or books for a book exchange. Also, ditch the goody bags. Nothing is less green than a plastic bag filled with plastic do-dads that nobody wants or needs. We stopped giving out goody bags long ago, and the kids haven't even noticed! Happy birthday to your little one!

Hi J.,
I love the idea of a green party! I think you are getting great ideas for a theme and activities.
I just wanted to mention ideas for the rest of the party that will help keep GREEN the theme!
Instead of individual bottles of water/juice, make up a large jug of lemonade or water. Save money, save plastic, save the planet!
Instead of crepe paper (which isn't recyclable)make fabric pennants out of scrap fabric. Reusable and makes use of old clothes.
Party favors can be bags of seeds, or little potted plants, party goers can decorate their pots. An activity could be to provide a pile of soil, some spades, seeds and pots and let the partygoers plant seeds.
Use biodegradable plates/cups/cutlery. I bought some at Smart and Final for my DD's birthday.
Instead of napkins, use pretty bandanas. The kids can take them home afterwards as part of their treat bags. Or they can use them to tie up pinata candy with ala hobo style!

I know you are going to get some great tips here. Sounds like you are off to good start!

E.

If you have the space in your yard, how about asking everyone to bring a plant or seeds? I actually like the ideas that you have already mentioned - $1.00 to plant a tree, adopting an animal (can be done at WWF), or donations only - then have the birthday girl pick from a jar (or whatever) a charity.. Everyone could put their favorite charity on a piece of paper for her to pick from?

I look forward to reading more responses!
M.

A friend of mine is throwing her 1 yr old his 1st birthday that is "green" its really neat the things she has found to be able to do this. She is also not recieving gifts but having people plant a tree. The invitations were VERY GREEEN! here is the website... http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/
the invitations you plant into the dirt and it grows flowers. Its really neat!
Hope that helps a little...
A.

I love your plant a tree idea! maybe you could do a money tree to keep with that theme...guests could attach their dollars to the tree when they get there. Then a jungle theme would work...monkeys in the tree, etc. Your 3 1/2 year old would love that, too. And it's totally fine to say "bring a dollar". People never really know what to get anyway and that makes it easy on your guests. Good luck & have fun!