Are ‘Fiver Parties’ the Future of Kids’ Birthdays?

What is a Fiver Party?

A “Fiver Party” is just what it sounds like. Guests are asked to skip the usual $20–$30 gift. Instead, they bring just $5, often in a card. This way the birthday child can save the money for a bigger, more meaningful present.

It’s a growing trend across parenting circles in Australia. But like anything that bucks tradition, it’s dividing opinions.

Here's what parents are saying on r/Parenting:

Why Some Parents Love It

Less clutter, more value

One of the biggest reasons parents are embracing Fiver Parties is the shift away from a pile of plastic toys that barely last the week. Instead of 20 small gifts, kids can pool the money to get one or two things they really want - like a scooter, a LEGO set or tickets to the zoo. It’s a smarter way to gift and a win for parents trying to keep the house from turning into a toy shop.

Greener and simpler

Fiver Parties also appeal to eco-conscious families looking to cut down on waste. Less plastic, less packaging and none of those “oops I forgot to buy a gift” dashes to Kmart five minutes before the party. Plus, your guests will thank you for making it easy.

Teaching money smarts

It’s also a sneaky-good way to teach your kids about saving and making smart money choices. Instead of tearing through a mountain of toys, they get to save for something big. And watching them feel proud of their purchase is kind of magic.

The power of a group gift

Another unexpected upside? The impact of one big, meaningful gift. Parents could still coordinate something special that’s wrapped and ready on the day - a surprise that feels exciting, not transactional. Whether it’s a bike or a beloved book series, the end result is often something more memorable and treasured.

Not Everyone’s Convinced 

The joy of unwrapping

Let’s be honest - half the fun of a kids’ party is ripping of the wrapping paper and the “I’ve always wanted this!” (even if they haven’t). Fiver Parties can feel a bit... unwrappy. If you love the drama and joy of presents being opened in real time, this might not hit the same.

Concerns about etiquette

There’s a bit of social fuzziness around the rules. Some guests feel awkward - do I just put $5 in the card? Should I grab something small as well? No one wants to be that parent who misreads the vibe. Etiquette is still catching up with the trend. FYI - you DON'T need to bring another gift...that's the whole point!

And isn’t asking for money a bit… weird?
Some parents feel awkward about the optics. They like the idea of reducing waste. However, they worry it might feel impersonal or uncomfortable. This is true for both the organiser and invitees.

Real Talk from Ali and Julie (They Have 7 Kids Between Them)

At GroupTogether, we know a thing or two about gifting. Between us, we’ve got seven kids - including two sets of twins - so we’ve seen it all. The mountains of gifts, the duplicate toys, the plastic regret, the post-party sugar crash…and the storage crisis that follows.

We love the idea behind fiver parties: make it simpler, lighter on the environment and easier for everyone. But even better? Take it one step further.

It's super easy to organise your Fiver Party with GroupTogether. Here's why it's better:

• The card is included: Everyone can add a photo and message to the Group Card online, so the birthday kid has a beautiful keepsake with pictures from all of their friends. Sooo cute.
• Choose a set amount: You can choose a set amount (e.g. $5) for the contribution so it's super clear what's being asked. No fuzziness.
• Optional contributions: You can also choose to make contributions optional so it's SUPER inclusive for everyone.
• Easy to share: You'll get a personalised URL to share with everyone - send it digitally or add to printed invites. They just click to sign the card and chip in (it's all-in-one).
• Easy to chip in / sign: Parents can chip in online! As busy mums we know the bliss when something can be done in 2 minutes from your phone on the couch.
• Options to spend: You can choose to withdraw the funds or choose from 100+ eGift Cards.

Tips for Hosting a Fiver Party

🎂 Set the tone in the invite

Use kind, clear wording like: “No pressure, but if you’d like to contribute, please chip in $5 so [child's name] can put it toward something special.”

📬 Add a Group Card 

Make it feel more personal and let everyone add messages and photos to a group card online. You can even print it out to create a special keepsake of the day. Browse our range of kids' birthday cards.

🎁 Use GroupTogether

GroupTogether lets everyone sign and chip in online with one all-in-one link - no ATM run required. (Handy when you’ve got three kids and a netball game that morning.)

🧠 Teach kids about value

Use the opportunity to chat with your child about saving, choosing something meaningful and thinking before buying.

💚 Keep it inclusive

Make it clear there’s no expectation - some guests might be doing it tough, and $5 isn’t nothing for every family. And no doubt grandma and grandpa will want to spoil them anyway!

So… Brilliant or Rude?

Honestly? It depends. On the crowd, the wording and how it’s framed. But one thing’s for sure - more parents are craving less stuff and more sense when it comes to birthdays.

Fiver Parties are just one piece of the puzzle. And with the right tools (ahem, GroupTogether), they can be a clever, thoughtful and modern way to celebrate without the plastic overload.