Have a toonie (for us Canadians) party (or fiver if you have an affluent social circle): Every kid bring 2x $2 or 2x $5 - one goes to the birthday kid and the

Have a toonie (for us Canadians) party (or fiver if you have an affluent social circle): Every kid bring 2x $2 or 2x $5 - one goes to the birthday kid and the other to a stated cause, like a charity that is close to the child's likes or interests. In our experience it's a very socially acceptable way to ask for money, which I think most of the parents of attendees would appreciate more anyway. Family tends to already give money for birthdays, or if not you still significantly cut down on the # of presents no one really wants. You also have more time at the party for games and cake - we usually don't get a chance to unwrap presents at the party as it is.