Mum goes rogue hosting a Fiver party with an unprecedented twist

"Please bring $5 to help us with this... it won't go to the birthday kid, but that's what we're asking." What do you think of this practical request?

Image: Rachel Gibbs/TikTok

The concept of a 'Fiver party' isn't new; rather than bringing a present that's cheap and plastic-y, guests are encouraged to gift the birthday child $5 in cold hard cash to put towards something more substantial.

Fiver parties have been embraced by parents all around the world for the simplicity... but one mum decided to go rogue with it recently, and her idea has caused an international parenting meltdown.

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RELATED: I publicly shamed a child for wanting more cake

"Please do not bring gifts"

Mum Rachel Gibbs told People this week: "I specifically, very clearly, put on the invitations, 'Please, do not bring gifts'. 

"And then I said, 'If you feel inclined to bring something, consider $5, because we’re trying to remodel, redo our yard.' Our backyard is a train wreck,” she continued. "Bring us five bucks to help us redo our backyard. That’s what we’re asking. But she does not need anything."

On TikTok, Gibbs announced there would be others things she's doing differently at her daughter's Hazel's first birthday party, such as not spending "three grand."

She added, "I'm not going to rent out a venue. I’m not going to do all of these things. It’s [her] first birthday party. We really just want the people who love her here."

The mum also declared the party would start at 9:30am and only last for an hour-and-a-half. There would be plenty to do, but no organised party games, and lots of snacks - but no proper meal.

@rachonlife

Replying to @anna dawson i truly didnt realize this was a new concept for so many people 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 #rachonlife #momlife

♬ original sound - rachel | mom stuff + lifestyle

RELATED: I’ve never been invited to a kids’ party like this

"Lazy and cheap"

The mum was slammed as being "lazy" and "cheap" by so many commenters that she announced in a follow up clip that she would be "taking a little bit of a break from TikTok" after people called her "the s**tiest mum on the planet" who "doesn't love Hazel."

"This isn't just a tacky thing I put on an invitation. I am requesting that our friends and family come to my daughter's first birthday party and don't bring any gifts because we truly do not need anything," Gibbs continued on TikTok.

"I have a bachelor's degree in Events Management, so I know how to throw a really good party, even if it's low-key and low-cost! To be honest, I've had a Pinterest board going for this party since before I had my daughter."

Despite her valid reasons, there were more negative comments about her decision.

“Never host a party and ask for money!!” one viewer exclaimed.

“I don’t agree with using a birthday for a home project,” added another.

But then there were supporters who wrote things such as, "I had never heard of a Fiver party but I instantly love it," and "I’d much rather bring $5 than a random thing you may not want or need!!"

What do you think of asking for cash gifts at your child's birthday party for a home renovation? Tell us in the comments on Facebook!

Originally published as Mum goes rogue hosting a Fiver party with an unprecedented twist