Birthday Blues - money can’t buy me love.
by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC
I’ve given away my weakness for Winter holidays, but when it comes to birthdays, I can be a real Scrooge. If anyone should get special treatment on my birthday, it’s my mom - she did all the work. Well, o.k., my twin sister deserves a shout out. But beyond that, birthday presents and celebrations are for kids and family and even then, I’m hoping we can learn to tone it down a bit and not let the buy-stuff-virus take over.
I think we can all admit that mainstream toys are greatly overrated and kids have far too many of them. But, when you can’t resist, toys for little ones are finding a good for the world niche - supporting Fair Trade practices and made from sustainable or recycled materials which are non-toxic for earth and tots. It’s all out there. Check out your local stores first and then try Ecomall.com or Surprise.com to scan a huge selection from all over the globe.
As for the grown-ups, I have to tell my friends that I probably won’t remember their birthdays, the good news being that I don’t expect them to acknowledge or remember mine. I even try to keep the date secret so all pressure is off. Even cards and flowers are old news. I enjoy celebrating and spreading good cheer as much as anyone - I’d just like to see it done with a creative force rather than a consumer one.
There are many worthy gift-giving occasions, so go for edibles or consumables like chocolate, soap, candles or some homemade pickles. Shop at your farmer’s markets or co-op and you’ll find tasty treats (in minimal or zero packaging) that may otherwise not make it to your friend’s table. Whatever it is, make it Local/Fair Trade and/or Organic and you’ve given an even bigger gift that creates awareness and reaches far and wide. Check out our friends at Trade As One for unique, handcrafted Fair Trade gifts.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
forgive me my wonderful daughter-in-law, but, this blog i see another side. i adore birthdays; not my own oinly , but the people that i love. i have been a big fan of birthdays forever, the first thing i do when i get my new calendar, is scribble all the dates of birthdays, my family, my co-workers, my nj friends, my nj co-workers, neighbors, and now i expanded it to all who have been kind to me and that i truly like. the synague lists monthly birthdays. and i put this on the fridge; and i check the people that i want to call. everytime i make these suprise b-day calls, the recipient is so happy. that i remembered. everyone needs a special day…to say “i love you” a special day to say “i appreciate you” a special day to say, “you are important to me” in an ideal world i would remember everyday. but, this is my way to acknowledge my love and friendship to people in the world. Viva La birthdays, I am a proud birthday lover. and love to receive and give presents, that’s one of the “funnest” things in my life to share birtdhays with people i adore……
October 4th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
hey trace, my sweet wonderfu daughter-in-law, i am for birthdays, yes, i am. when i get my new calendar, i can’t wait to scribble in all the dates of my family, co-workers, nj, co-workers, neighbors, teachers, you name it, i will call them…i love the idea of everyone having their special day. and i love that i remember the people who i care and love. the synague, writes everyone’s birthday in their newsletter, i put the list on the fridge, and then check on the names that i like and who did kindness for me. they are so happy when they receive their birthday calls….i also love to get presents and give presents, it make me so happy that i can give to people i love and enjoy…viva a live!! birthdays. i love them, and proud of it.