Charity donations in lieu of presents

[spongebrainbigpants]

We're having a naming ceremony for my DS in May.

He was a very long awaited baby, the only grandson on both sides, and we have a fair few wealthy and childless friends - consequently he's a very indulged baby!

So for his naming ceremony I was thinking of setting up a justgiving page and asking people to make a donation to a children's charity to mark the occasion instead of buying him more clothes/toys. The ceremony is only a month before his first birthday too!

I obviously don't expect everyone to donate (in the same way I wouldn't expect anyone to buy a present!) but just wondered how you would feel if this was requested instead of presents?

I don't want to offend our friends/family .

I think it's a lovely idea.

I went to a naming ceremony where this was done, under similar circumstances to yours. We were very happy to give a donation, certainly better than giving the usual typical christening pressie. It's a good idea, not at all offensive.

The only negative point about a justgiving site is that you can see what everyone else has given. So if your first few donators are v generous, it puts a bit of pressure on everybody else. Might be better to do it in a way that people can give anon cash/cheques etc

My DS1's godmother buys presents and donates them to toy drives every Christmas in my son's name since she knows my son gets tons of stuff already. It's the one gift that makes me cry every year, to think of some poor other kid who's not got the luxuries that my sons have. I think this is a great idea!

We asked for no gifts for DS2's baptism last week and everyone was happy to oblige too - it was for us to celebrate him, not for him to score loot...

We did something similar for our wedding - we had an Oxfam wedding list. We'd lived together for years and didn't need towels, toasters etc. It was very well received - only people a bit iffy about it were PILs (which was a generational thing rather than being mean). I think it's a lovely idea - go for it.

I'd be very happy to give a donation.

(Make sure you post link )

Thanks guys, that's all really helpful.

stinky, take your point about the lack of anonymity - it's just so convenient!

Neenz, thanks I'll do that!

Sponge- I think it's a great idea, and I certainly wouldn't have a problem with it....when we hosted a big NCT party last summer we asked people to give donations rather than bring things and they all did both. Like you I am so very lucky to have babypearls, I would give my net worth to charity if anyone asked (21p goes a very long way I'm told!)

On the other hand, some people don't like giving to a charity that has been 'chosen' for them. Only saying this so you can be prepared for any negativity from some guests. This is from experience btw!

Thanks P&P .

Thanks for the warning stroppyknickers - I hadn't thought of that tbh!