Simplicity in Birthday Parties

The FSPPA conversation last night included a wish for a way to capture all the good ideas we collectively have... One topic was simplicity birthday parties -- some of the ideas were: -- No goody bags and try to make this a community norm through more conversation -- One item instead of goody bags -- a garden party with the gift of plants -- a donation party What other ideas do we have that help keep birthdays authentic for kids, special feeling, and more simple for all of us?