We didn't invite any kids to our 5-year-old's birthday. It was the best decision we ever made.

Tech Insider : Business
A shadow in the sand depicts two adults and a child holding hands along the shoreline.
The author's family (not pictured) decided to spend a day at the beach instead of throwing a big birthday party for their 5-year-old.

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Instead of buying gifts for our daughters, we ask parents to bring toys their kids no longer use. We do an exchange at the party.

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Family and friends celebrating a birthday party outdoors at dusk. People are wearing party hats.
Katrina Donham (not pictured) tells parents not to bring new gifts to her daughters' birthday parties.

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An event planner for the rich shares how to throw the perfect birthday party — and the outrageous asks she's gotten

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parents with their son at his birthday party
Duron and Christine Harmon with their son, Cobe.

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