If you’re having a celebratory event that normally involves guests bringing presents (like a birthday party) and you really don’t want any gifts, ask your invitees to bring items for a charity instead. Choose a local charity like a food bank, animal shelter or family services organization and ask what items they desperately need. Then ask everyone to bring those items as a way to facilitate gift-giving and charitable giving at the same time. Do the math: Twenty guests who each bring a large bag of pet food can be a big help for a small animal welfare organization.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION