How to Host a Giving Party

A giving party is a wonderful way to share your celebration with a cause or organization that you care about. For a typical donation party, hosts will ask their guests to bring “no gift please” and instead contribute a monetary donation or material good to a charity of their choice in its place. From birthdays and weddings to holiday and seasonal occasions as well, this is an increasingly popular idea for those who want to give back. If you love this idea and want to learn more for your next event, take a look at the helpful guidelines on no gifts etiquette below.
 

Your first step will be to decide which organization you would like to support with your giving party. It may be helpful to get in contact with your chosen charity and ask them what forms of donations will be most beneficial to them. Some may prefer monetary contributions, while others may be looking for specific items or volunteer services. While birthdays or graduations are great opportunities to throw a giving party, you can even incorporate this idea into your annual celebrations. For example, collect footballs at your Superbowl Party and donate them to a local children’s shelter or foster home. Find out how you and your guests can make the biggest impact!

Next, you will want to communicate your plans for a donation party through your invitation. Be sure to clearly state your wishes and let all of your guests know what they can do instead. Some suggestions for no gifts please wording include:

• Please let your charitable donation to [organization] be your only gifts to us.
• Your presence is your present. In lieu of a gift, a contribution to [organization] would be greatly appreciated.
• Please just bring yourself. If you do wish to bring along a gift, we will be donating them to [organization].
• No gifts please. Instead please share your generosity with [organization].
• If you were thinking about purchasing a present, please consider donating those funds to [organization] instead.
• [Host] would like to honor this occasion by having monetary gifts donated to [organization].

It may be helpful to provide your guests with some basic background information on your charity of choice so that they are aware of how their contribution will make a difference.

The generosity shared by your guests is sure to make your day. Enjoy both your special occasion and the ability to help out others in need by hosting a donation party!