Over Christmas I was chatting to a family member and she mentioned a Junior school by her where they club together for Birthday Parties.
I think it is something like all the kids in each month share one birthday party the mums of those kids join forces and pitch in to hold the party (venue, food etc.) then all the attendees pay a pound rather than buying a present and the money goes to charity. Everyone gets invited and its not a mammoth task for one mum.
I quite like this idea, it probably only works at junior school but my kids don't need lots of presents and its seem more inclusive. I would love to hear if anyone does this or had experience of this good or bad.