A mother took a social media break after facing backlash for requesting guests to bring $5 each for renovations to her backyard at her daughter’s first birthday party. Rachel Gibbs, a Houston-based TikToker, came up with the idea of a “fiver” birthday party in order to raise funds for redoing their backyard, specifically requesting that guests not bring gifts. She emphasized that her daughter did not need anything and that they wanted to personalize the party without spending extravagantly on unnecessary expenses.
Gibbs defended her decision to host a “fiver” birthday party by criticizing the practice of spending thousands of dollars on a lavish first birthday party for a child who would not even remember it. She preferred to spend money on essential things like decorations and ensuring that guests had a good time, rather than on unnecessary extravagances like renting a venue. Despite facing criticism on TikTok for asking for money at a party, she remained firm in her decision and expressed her desire to simply celebrate her daughter’s first birthday with the people who love her.
The reaction to Gibbs’ request for guests to bring $5 to her daughter’s birthday party was mixed. While some criticized her for using a celebration to ask for money, others supported her idea of a “fiver” party, appreciating the simplicity and practicality of the concept. Gibbs defended her decision by explaining that “five dollar parties” have been a tradition for a long time and are low-pressure events, where guests do not have to stress about finding the perfect gift and can simply contribute a small amount in an envelope. In the end, Gibbs considered the party a success as four guests brought $50, which will be used towards renovating their backyard as intended.
Despite the mixed responses she received, Gibbs remained confident in her choice to host a “fiver” birthday party and expressed her enthusiasm for planning and hosting the event. She clarified that the intention behind the request for $5 contributions was a heartfelt desire to improve their backyard and not a means of profiting off of the celebration. Gibbs highlighted that she had been planning the party for a long time and that the $5 request was a way for guests to contribute towards a meaningful cause, rather than bring unnecessary gifts that her daughter did not need.
The story of Rachel Gibbs’ unconventional “fiver” birthday party request gained widespread attention on social media, with many users sharing their opinions on the matter. While some criticized her for asking for money at a birthday party, others appreciated the practicality and simplicity of the concept. Gibbs defended her decision by emphasizing that the intention behind the $5 request was to fund renovations for their backyard, rather than asking for gifts that her daughter did not require. Overall, despite the initial backlash, Gibbs considered the party a success and was glad that they could raise funds for a cause that was important to them.
