A Birthday with a Purpose: How to Throw a Donation-Based Kids' Party
- Ashley
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
At Party By AE, we believe parties should be full of joy, magic, and meaning — and this year, our birthday girl Annelie, showed us just how powerful a celebration with heart can be.
Meet Annelie: The Birthday Girl with a Big Heart
When planning her 10th birthday party, Annelie made a beautiful choice: instead of receiving gifts, she wanted to give back. Her wish? To support WigglesTails Animal Sanctuary, a local rescue organization in Portugal that cares for animals of all shapes and sizes.
Together with her friends and family, Annelie turned her birthday into a Giving Celebration — a party that not only marked a milestone but made a difference.
What We Collected 🐾
Leading up to the party, guests were invited to bring a donation instead of a gift. The results were incredible:
Cash donations to support daily care for animals
Food and supplies
And most importantly — awareness, love, and support for a great cause!
After the party, we delivered everything directly to WigglesTails and spent the day meeting the animals Annelie had fallen in love with. Pigs, goats, dogs, cats, and even a few mischievous sheep came to say hello. It was the perfect way to see the impact of her birthday wish in action.
How to Plan a Purposeful Party for Your Child
Inspired by Annelie’s story? Here’s how you can create a meaningful birthday celebration for your own child:
1. Choose a Cause That Resonates
Talk to your child about causes they care about — animals, the environment, local shelters, kids in need. Their passion will guide the rest of the party planning.
2. Spread the Word Early
Let guests know in advance that donations will be collected instead of gifts. You can include details in the invitation and offer ideas for how they can contribute.
3. Make It Tangible
Create a visual collection station at the party — like a decorated donation box or “Giving Table” — where guests can place their contributions.
4. Tie It into the Theme
If your child loves animals, consider an animal-themed party with donation elements woven in. Add fun facts about the cause or pictures from the organization to keep things connected.
5. Deliver the Donations Together
If possible, arrange a visit to the organization after the party. Seeing the impact firsthand helps kids understand how meaningful their efforts are.
6. Celebrate the Giving
Make sure to take a moment during the party to thank everyone for their generosity — and celebrate the collective kindness of the group.
Let’s Plan Your “Birthday with a Purpose”
We love helping families create party magic — especially when it makes the world a better place. Whether your little one wants to support animals, plant trees, or help other children, we can help you plan a thoughtful, joy-filled celebration that gives back.
DM us on Instagram or contact us here to start planning a party that makes hearts — and tails — wag!
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