With regards to the birthday gifts, we have friends that have their children choose a charity to support via donations. An example would be the local humane so

With regards to the birthday gifts, we have friends that have their children choose a charity to support via donations. An example would be the local humane society, and each birthday party attendee is asked to bring something that could be donated, such as leashes, bowls, or food. Then the birthday boy/girl gets to take all of the donations to the humane society. It's a win/win. No additional clutter, and birthday boy/girl gets life experience with donation and community involvement.