GenKind is here to take the stress out of kids party gifting

GenKind stands for Generation Kind.

We are on a mission to raise a kinder, more planet-aware generation of kids who seek out ways to care for our planet and each other.  Who are fearless, brave, and generous, and who believe that you can make a difference, no matter how small you are.

What is the problem we are trying to solve?

Kids’ birthday parties are wonderful, but they are also responsible for a lot of waste.  Whether it be the disposable decorations and cutlery, or cheap party-bags filled with throwaway plastic toys.

On top of that there are the gifts.

As a parent myself, I know that the pile of birthday gifts left by well-meaning guests makes me feel uncomfortable.  Not only is there the inevitable waste from wrapping and packaging, but I know that most of the gifts may never be played with.  Frazzled parents buy generic, plastic toys for children they don’t know very well. Restricted by budgets, and the shops they can get to during their busy week, for most parents buying a gift for a birthday party is driven by social pressure and convention.  You must turn up with something!

But the reality is that most of these gifts will remain unopened, they’ll be duplicates and things they already have, and some will just be regifted by a frazzled parent for the next party!

And aside from the waste, what about the lessons we are teaching our children? That celebrating means getting stuff? That friendship is about buying things? That how much you are liked or loved is reflected in how many gifts are left on the table?  We have all witnessed the gift-opening flurry, the quick hits of serotonin, and lack of gratitude as another gift is flung into tiny impatient hands.

We live in a world of mass consumerism, where it is easy to covet what you don’t have, and find self-worth and validation in possessions. Birthdays should be opportunities for fun and celebration, but they don’t need to feed these ugly conventions.

How is GenKind going to solve it?

What if some of those gifts were replaced with something that would positively impact our planet? That would teach our children about generosity and kindness? And would empower them to feel like they could change the world with their friends? What if you could give something that sparked a deeper connection with our planet, it’s wildlife, nature, and people that lasted long past a birthday?

GenKind is a service which helps party hosts and guests swap conventional gifts for donations to planet-saving causes, chosen by the birthday girl or boy.  And the best bit is that it doesn’t matter if you are attending a party, or hosting one - you can get involved.

If you are attending a Party

Instead of rushing to K-Mart and picking up a generic toy which may only be played with for a few hours, why not buy a GenKind Gift instead.

You pick a donation amount, but leave it up to the recipient to choose a cause they care about.  When they are ready, they will be able to explore GenKind’s curated list of amazing causes, and choose which one they love the most. Once they have made their donation, they will receive a special certificate to recognise their kindness.

In addition to the donation, you will also purchase an annual membership to the GenKind Club for the birthday girl or boy (with a free one for you!).  You will both receive a monthly magazine filled with stories, inspiration, and facts, plus lots of discounts for our sustainable store, and first dibs on our events and competitions.  This all costs only $10 and ensures ongoing engagement, learning and fun for a whole year.

All of this will be packaged into a special birthday webpage for your friend - where you will get to write your own personalised message for them. It will be like they are famous!

If you did want to buy them something extra, which you know is sustainably made and won’t be wasteful, you can choose something from our Store, which we will post to you. We have t-shirts, stickers, postcards and trucker hats - all with inspirational messages of kindness and planet-positivity - to share with everybody who sees them.

Buying a GenKind Voucher means:

• No more last-minute present stress for parents - you can purchase without leaving the sofa!

• No waste from packaging, unwanted gifts, or single-use plastic toys

• An engaging and interactive experience for your host, which will leave them feeling proud and empowered.

• Standing up to out-dated social conventions, and replacing them with something meaningful and impactful

If you are hosting a party

If you have a budding eco-warrior who is passionate about marine conservation or saving the turtles, our GenKind Party service is a perfect way to help them make an impact with their friends.  Instead of receiving gifts, the birthday boy or girl will ask party guests to make a donation to a cause of their choice instead.

It works very simply and is intended to take all the admin away from the parents! Tell us your chosen charity and birthday party date and we will create a personalised donation page for you. All you need to do is share it with your guests - either on your invitation or by text or email.   It will explain to your guests all about your cause and what they need to do to donate. GenKind take care of all of the payments and ensure 100% of your donations reach your chosen cause.  You can track all of your donations as they come in, with messages from your friends and family.  Guests can donate as much or as little as they like - and there is no minimum (or maximum) total amount - every little bit helps.  So no stress for anybody.

GenKind will also share ideas for how you might incorporate your cause into the theme of your party - with games, food, and activities.

After your party you will receive a certificate, birthday card with all your messages in one place, and a year’s membership to the GenKind Club which includes a monthly magazine filled with stories, inspiration, and facts, plus lots of discounts for our sustainable store, and first dibs on our events and competitions.

The GenKind Host package costs the host $10.

By using kids’ birthday parties as a force for good GenKind is hoping to build a community of brave and kind kids who engage with some of the challenges our planet faces and feel empowered to take action.  We want to share and showcase the amazing actions, ideas, and achievements of our community and create a fun, fearless, and change-making club that it is cool to be a part of. Join our club!