Mom blasted for asking guests at kid’s birthday to bring $5 — for yard renovations
She took five from TikTok.
A mother of two took a social media break after coming under fire for her unusual request for her daughter’s first birthday — guests should pony up $5 apiece for renovations to her backyard.
This peculiar stunt, called a “fiver” birthday party, recently went viral online thanks to Houston TikToker Rachel Gibbs.
“I specifically, very clearly, put on the invitations, ‘Please, do not bring gifts,'” Gibbs explained to People this week.
“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 also slammed the concept of lavishly doling out “three grand on a first birthday party” for a toddler who won’t remember it at all.
She promised nice decorations and a fun time, but not at those costs.
“I’m not going to rent out a venue. I’m not going to do all of these things,” continued Gibbs, who has a bachelor’s degree in events management. “It’s [her] first birthday party. We really just want the people who love her here.”
Her declarations drew mixed responses.
“Never host a party and ask for money!!” one TikToker exclaimed.
“I don’t agree with using a birthday for a home project,” added another.
However, some users were on board with Gibbs’ wishful thinking.
“I had never heard of a 5 dollar party but I instantly love it,” praised one supporter.
“I’d much rather bring $5 than a random thing you may not want or need!!” a fellow user penned.
All the while, Gibbs held her ground — even claiming that she had a Pinterest board going for this party since before she had her daughter.
“Five dollar parties are really fun and they’ve been around for a long time and they’re really low pressure, low key,” she said. “Don’t even buy a card. Just put five bucks in an envelope.”
She told People that, “In the end, four people brought cash for a total of $50 … so I’d say it was a success!”
