Less Stuff, More Meaning: How Group Gifting Makes Kids’ Parties Better

We’ve all been to a kid's birthday party and found ourselves smiling at the uncensored laughter, joyous games and excitement of unwrapping gifts. But as a mum who has hosted a few of these events, I am also aware that the tradition of each guest bringing an individual present, can result in a mountain of toys that may soon be forgotten or duplicated.

A growing trend is reshaping this norm: group gifting. This approach not only means better gifts for the little ones, but also fosters community spirit and sustainability. Platforms like GenKind are at the forefront, offering seamless solutions that allow group gifting while giving back to meaningful causes.

Understanding Group Gifting

Group gifting involves multiple individuals contributing towards a single, often more substantial, gift. It initially gained popularity in workplaces as colleagues bought presents for peers who might be leaving or celebrating a birthday/baby/promotion. Next, school classes used platforms such as Group Giving to easily pool funds for a present for their teacher. And now, we are seeing it enter the mainstream.

Australia has witnessed a notable shift towards group gifting in recent years.

A study by the Financial Planning Association of Australia revealed that nearly three-quarters (73%) of Australians participate in group gift-giving, with younger generations leading the trend.  This surge is attributed to the desire for more meaningful gifting experiences and the convenience offered by digital platforms.

The gift card industry, closely linked to group gifting, is also experiencing significant growth. Research indicates that Australia’s gift card market is expected to increase by 11.3% annually, from US$5,446.5 million in 2021 to US$8,504 million by 2026.  This trend underscores a broader shift towards flexible and collaborative gifting options.

(These stats should be especially comforting for parents, who are often convinced that the most important thing for kids is social convention and fitting in! Nobody wants to be the first to try something new 😉)

Group Gifting is especially appealing for several reasons:

1. Better Gifts: Pooling funds means that the recipient will get a a higher-quality or more meaningful gift that might be beyond the budget of an individual.

2. Reduced Clutter: It minimises the accumulation of numerous smaller gifts, leading to less clutter and waste.

3. Simplified Process: Guests can contribute without the stress of selecting the perfect gift, ensuring the recipient receives something they truly want or need.

4. Fostering Community: Collaborating on a gift strengthens bonds among participants, promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Group Gifting for Children’s Birthday Parties

Tradition has always dictated that when attending a kids’ party, you bring a physical gift. Don’t get me wrong, this is a lovely tradition, especially when the kids choose a thoughtful gift for their buddy. But it is not without it’s faults.

In Australia, it’s estimated that nearly 27 million toys are discarded annually, with approximately 87% ending up in landfills.  

Do we need to add to this every weekend we attend a birthday party? Do the kids really need more stuff?

By swapping traditional kids’ party gift giving for a group gift there are several benefits:

1. Meaningful and Desired Gifts: Group gifting means that the birthday boy or gift gets presents that they truly want or need, making them much happier overall.

2. Economic Efficiency: Parents and guests can contribute within their means, making it a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on the quality of the gift.

3. Environmental Considerations: By reducing the number of physical gifts, group gifting minimises packaging waste, as well plastic waste from the toys themselves.

4. Educational Value: Children learn the value of collaboration and the joy of receiving a thoughtfully chosen gift, fostering appreciation and gratitude.

GenKind: Simplifying Group Gifting with a Purpose

GenKind is revolutionising the group gifting landscape for kids’ parties by offering a platform that not only streamlines the process but also integrates philanthropic elements.

Here’s how GenKind enhances the group gifting experience:

1. User-Friendly Platform: GenKind provides an intuitive interface where parents can set up a group gift collection effortlessly, from their phone. Invitations to a personalised donations page are sent to guests, who can contribute securely online, simplifying the coordination process.

2. Charitable Integration: A unique feature of GenKind is that kids get to support a charitable cause they feel passionate about with their birthday. This integration instills the value of giving back in children, turning their celebration into an opportunity to make a positive impact.

3. Donations, Experiences or Gifts: With GenKind, kids can choose to make a donation to a cause, or purchase an experience or gift which supports a cause. They can choose to ask friends to help them adopt an animal, become a zookeeper for a day, go whale watching, or receive science books. These options provide enriching experiences that create lasting memories.

4. Transparency and Trust: GenKind ensures all transactions are transparent, and contributors can see how their funds are utilised, building trust and confidence in the process.

5. The GenKind Club: Anybody who uses the GenKind platform (to give or receive donations) joins the GenKind Club for FREE. This club is a community of youngsters who want to learn more about our planet, nature, wildlife, and ways they can be kind to our earth, and each other. There is a monthly digital magazine, badge, certificate and ongoing offers.

GenKind is not here to take away the joy of gift-giving but to make it better. It’s super fun and engaging for everybody involved. It empowers children to think beyond themselves and do something positive and impactful for the world. It promotes sustainability in an accessible and non-worthy way, making it easier for families to take small steps towards more responsible consumption. And the experiential gifts offered by GenKind, such as books or interactive experiences, provide valuable learning opportunities and memories for children.

Final Thoughts

Kid’s birthday parties are joyous. And they are joyous in spite of the gifts. It’s the games, and the fun, and the laughter. The moments of friendship, silliness, and cake that kids really love and remember. The pile of plastic on the present table shouldn’t take away from this magic. With a group gift from GenKind this magic is expanded. Kids can come together and learn about something bigger than them. And together they can make a difference. The birthday boy or girl doesn’t miss out - they still get an amazing gift - whether that be in the form of a donation, memory-making experience, or impactful gift.

It’s got to be worth a try?

References

• Financial Planning Association of Australia. (2019). The Big Splurge: Aussies spend $20 billion on gifts. Retrieved from 

• Retailbiz. (2021). Generosity booms: Consumers increase spending on gifts despite cost-of-living crisis. Retrieved from 

• Giftcrowd. (2021). 5 Benefits of Group Gifting That Make It Perfect for Anyone at Anytime of the Year. Retrieved from 

• Presently. (2021). What Is Group Gifting And When To Use It. Retrieved from 

• GroupTogether. (2021). Kid’s Birthday Presents - Mums Tell How To Spend Less But Give Better. Retrieved from