When birthday-party time rolls around each year, the quest for the most exciting venue, the perfect present and the ideal parting gifts can be enough to send the most well-meaning parents into therapy.

It doesn't have to be this way. Resist the pressure to keep up with the Joneses and take this annual opportunity to plan something that is just plain fun and will add a little meaning to your child's life. Here are a few suggestions.

Venues
Instead of booking the local migraine-inducing arcade/restaurant, think about hosting your child's birthday bash at a local farm, children's museum or city park. Aside from being fun, this type of party may just help the party-goers learn more about the world around them.

A trip to the farm can teach the importance of agriculture and where our plentiful supply of food actually comes from. At a museum, inquire about special activities that may be offered for young explorers. You could even ask your local parks department about letting your gang plant a tree in a park, providing a lasting reminder of the special day.

Gifts
As your gift, or even part of it, consider something that offers hope—a donation toward an important cause in your child's honour. This may sound a bit dreary, but let's face it, in the midst of all the wrapping paper, musical cards and batteries that were not included, there's likely room for one less-flashy, more-meaningful gift.

Before the party, talk with your child about the importance of a charitable gift—like purchasing a goat for a family in Africa—and provide perspective on the world around us. There are lots of great ideas in World Vision's Gift Catalogue.

Snacks
To put a socially-conscious twist on your child's party, consider adding a few Fair Trade products to the selection of snacks. Among the chips and popcorn, lay out some Fair Trade fruit and chocolates.

Choosing Fair Trade means the producers have used sustainable agricultural techniques to produce their goods and they received a fair price for them. You can find Fair Trade products at a number of shops and grocery stores. For a list of where you can buy Fair Trade products, visit TransFair Canada.

Thank-you Gifts
Instead of throw-away thank-you toys, have your guests take home a unique item that was made in a developing country. For example, you might want to give your guests items like handmade Jacob's Ladders, crocheted hackey sacks and simple white Make Poverty History bracelets.

In stores such as Ten Thousand Villages, you can find all sorts of fun items that have been made by cooperatives and entrepreneurs in developing countries. These items often result in the betterment of a community, making for a much happier birthday all around.