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kids

8 year old boy showing his birthday gift of a Nintendo Switch with happy smile on his face

A special boy’s 8th birthday gift

by Rosie Hurwitz November 8, 2021

Children’s birthdays can become fraught with worries about gifts. What to buy? How much to spend? What if they already have it? What if they don’t like it? We chat to a family who solved all these problems by using Patchwork to set up a birthday fund so that a special 8 year old could buy the one thing he was dreaming of. A new Nintendo Switch of course! We chat to mum Caroline who explains why it worked so well for them.

Tell us a bit about the birthday boy.

Caroline: Jonty has just turned 8 and loves football and Minecraft and annoying his little sister Verity who is 5. We are a family of four living in North Hampshire. The family also includes an incredibly stupid Golden Retriever called Alan and a menace of a cat called Treacle.

Why did you want to set up a birthday Patchwork page for Jonty?

Jonty has been desperate for a Nintendo Switch for over a year and has been saving up his pocket money but was nowhere near! So we suggested he use Patchwork to help him get there. We were also conscious that he has so many things already – we literally can’t fit another piece of lego in this house. So we set up a Patchwork gift page for a Nintendo Switch and some games to get him started.

How easy was it to set up the Patchwork page?

So easy, we broke up the cost of all the bits and games he wanted into smaller chunks so it worked for friends and family on different budgets as well.

What did you like most about using Patchwork for a birthday gift?

We didn’t have to try and squeeze any more lego in the house! Plus it was really good for Jonty to start to understand how much things cost and the concept of working towards something and how the people who loved him wanted to contribute to it.

What was the response from friends and family to gifting online?

They were amazing. It was especially welcomed from family in the US and his godfather in Australia – who can’t wait to come over and play Mario Kart with him. The grandparents were a bit discombobulated at first and we had to talk my Mother in Law through it but she got there in the end.

When did Jonty first see his Patchwork gift and what was his reaction?

He spent the week before his birthday wondering whether he had been given enough money, and when we would be able to go and buy it. Not knowing that the total had already exceeded what he needed and we had already bought it plus 2 new games and a carry case for it. So when he opened his present on his birthday he nearly popped!

Thanks so much Jonty and Caroline for sharing your very happy birthday story with us. We’re so happy to see that Patchwork helped make your dream come true Jonty. We hope you have lots of fun being 8!

If you’d like to set up a Patchwork gift page for a birthday or Christmas gift that’s really wanted we’d love to help. Check out some of our brilliant birthday gift ideas and cool Christmas ideas and have a play around!

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Father holding young daughter above his head, both laughing

Patchwork Kids

Top 5 Kids’ Birthday Gifts 2021

by Rosie Hurwitz March 16, 2021

written by Rosie Hurwitz

We’ve been having a peek at what kids birthday gifts are being planned for this year on Patchwork and it looks like good things are coming your way kids! Every child has that one big gift they’d love to have. But, sometimes these more expensive children’s presents or experiences are a bit of a stretch for parents or carers alone.

With Patchwork however, dreams really CAN come true with a little help from wider family and friends! Set up a Patchwork page and invite people to chip in towards one really wanted kids birthday gift. So much better than ending up with lots of smaller presents that aren’t wanted and will end up in a cupboard gathering dust. So let’s take a look at the best kid’s birthday gift ideas in 2021.

Traditional style camera

1. A proper camera

Not a phone camera, but a proper camera. For lots of children and teens, living in lockdown for the best part of a year has meant they’ve had more time to look around them. Whether it’s the changing seasons in the park, or day to day family life, capturing experiences on camera and keeping a kind of ‘photo diary’ has become popular. It’s sparked a broader interest in photography. Hopefully as the year goes on and restrictions lift there will be more and more ‘material’ available to photograph. Parties, holidays and adventures await and so now is a great time to invest in a good camera as a kids birthday gift so they can record all the fun times ahead. Something waterproof and shockproof sounds perfect!

This is a great group gift to set up a Patchwork for and invite everyone to contribute towards. After receiving their gift, the birthday girl or birthday boy can show everyone how their hobby is coming along with regular photography updates. You can add patches to your Patchwork gift page from as little as £1 up to £500 so everyone can chip in what they can afford. Plus they can leave a gift message for the birthday boy or girl too.

2. A trampoline

With too much time cooped up at home in front of screens and after a very long winter, we are all feeling like the kids need to get outside more. Uncertainty remains over when sports and activities can return to normal. So it seems like a good plan to cover all eventualities and get the biggest trampoline for whatever outside space you have! A trampoline is a great kids birthday gift to get everyone to chip in to. And (according to our sources) is the most used piece of equipment they have ever bought! Apparently if you get one large enough, the big kids of the house REALLY enjoy themselves with this gift once the small people have gone to bed.

3. A bedroom makeover

This is a really great one and something we’ve seen more and more of in recent months for obvious reasons! Giving their bedroom a refresh is a great way for kids to express their style and personality in their own space. It’s also the perfect group gift. You can ask for cash contributions towards things like a desk, new bedlinen, or a roll of wallpaper. Even better, you can also invite people to contribute their time and skills too. Maybe you have a relative who might be able to build a shelf unit? Or ask a friend to sew a cushion cover, knit a blanket or design some artwork for the walls? Perhaps you’ve got someone who can help with the planning and design or come over for an hour or two to help decorate.

This group gift idea is Patchwork at its best. It brings everyone together. Using their resources and skills in the ways that suit them best and brings a dream bedroom project to life!

4. A set of wheels

Again, with the changes that childrens’ lives have undergone in the last year this one is no surprise. They may not be old enough to get behind the wheel yet. But giving them their own bike, scooter or even a set of roller skates or a push along toy gets them outside. It gives them independence and confidence and of course – most importantly – gets them off their screens!

Some sets of wheels can have pretty big price tags, so it makes sense to invite friends and family to chip in via a Patchwork gift page and let everyone contribute a little bit. In this way an expensive children’s gift becomes affordable. For example you can add patches to your page so that someone can purchase the bike bell for £5, someone else can buy the saddle for £40 and another a wheel for £20. Friends and family will be thrilled to know they are buying something really wanted. And, even better, buying the dream gift doesn’t involve a trip to the shops!

5. A big lego set

Lego is the classic child’s birthday gift and a toy that never wears out or goes out of fashion. There’s simple duplo for the little ones, to 7,000+ piece masterpieces for budding architects and creator experts. Lego has something for everyone of every age. Our very own Manu was one of the first Patchwork kids to ask for a big lego set. Manu put a Palpatine’s Arrest set on his Patchwork birthday wish list. Star Wars lego has been popular on Patchwork from the beginning. But with Lego covering every interest from Harry Potter to Bonsai trees there’s something for everyone.

You can use our readymade template to get started or set up your own Patchwork gift page from scratch. Then family and friends can choose to contribute towards the best kids gift that’s really wanted and appreciated, which is good for all involved and for the planet too!

Ready to set up your birthday Patchwork page?

It’s super quick and simple to set up your Patchwork child’s birthday gift page. You can start a page from scratch or use one of our easy to customise templates. Simply edit the images and text with your child’s gift or birthday experience ideas, add your personal details and link a payment method. That’s it – you’re done and it’s ready to share. When people arrive at your birthday Patchwork they can see the things your child is dreaming of. Then choose which elements of the present they’d like to contribute towards.

Payments are made directly to you into your Paypal or your bank account via Stripe. So you and your child can choose when, where and how to spend the birthday gift money you receive. You can also send thanks and a photo of your child enjoying their birthday present to everyone who chipped in via your Patchwork dashboard!

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Party Planning Patchwork Kids

Our Advice For a Feel-Good Eco-Christmas

by Ismay Ozga December 6, 2018

written by Ismay Ozga

Here are our top tips on how to celebrate a feel-good eco-Christmas and enjoy the festive season whilst reducing your plastic and carbon footprint at the same time.

Relax, imperfect is perfect

Splodgy, glittery paper ones made by little ones, thoughtfully chosen gifts from friends, inherited antiques, some cheap and tacky and some quite special – the best bit about Christmas is getting the boxes of decorations out and re-using and re-discovering the random, familiar collection of pieces year after year. They might not be matchy-matchy but they all have a memory attached and give the tree a comforting, homely look. An eco-Christmas is about telling your own family story. So, enjoy growing your collection, but don’t feel you have to buy new ones each year or follow this year’s on-trend colour scheme. And don’t throw out the glittery pine cones yet.

Eco Christmas, green Christmas, Christmas decorations

Deck the halls … green

Collecting new and 100% natural decorations however is totally different. And really fun. Head out to find holly branches, long ivy tendrils and festive foliage from your local park to hang around window frames, drape over wall mirrors, wind around stair banisters or use as table decorations – even more lovely when wrapped with fairy lights. Then use scraps of ribbon or lace to tie rosemary and other herbs or twigs around old jars and put a candle inside for an easy decoration that doesn’t cost a penny. Pinterest has loads of homemade decoration inspo for your eco-Christmas.

Eco Christmas, Christmas disco, kids Christmas

Action packed Advent

The classic paper picture calendar is a lovely way to countdown the days till Christmas. As kids we used to use the same one for a few years in a row! But if you want a new one each year make sure it’s made from recycled paper. To avoid adding to plastic consumption invest in a re-useable calendar that you can bring out year after year. Choose from wooden houses or nativity sets, or fabric hanging calendars. Or make your own by using small bags tied or pegged up and fill them with sweets and treats. If you don’t want to encourage guzzling chocolate every morning, talk to your family about doing a month of advent activities like Christmas baking, a front room Christmas disco, or just a walk or drive around your local streets admiring the Christmas lights on the houses. The “reverse advent” is also lovely: each day instead of receiving a gift, make a box and place an item inside that will be needed and wanted by a local food bank or homeless shelter. An eco-Christmas allows kids to learn that to give to others as well as receive is a gift in itself.

Waste free wrapping

When wrapping presents try to avoid foil embossed paper that can’t be recycled and make sure you use plain or patterned paper. Even better use recycled craft wrap, or use old newspaper, magazines or last years calendars. Plain brown paper or newspaper can be dressed with foliage, lace or ribbon, (to keep and use again) or get creative with paints and stamps to add some colour.
If you keep old Christmas cards, cut them up and use them to make this years gift tags. It’s the sort of activity that will keep kids busy for an hour while you make dinner. Making up eco-Christmas hampers as gifts? Avoid covering in cellophane, and the same if you buy flowers from a florist, just ask them not to use plastic wrap – they usually have a paper option too.

Eat, drink and be merry

If you’re planning a big family Christmas it makes sense to ask people to pitch in to help with the festive food and drink and means people don’t feel compelled to buy grown up gifts. Someone can bring wine, another cheese and someone can peel the potatoes! Organise yours here for an easy, fun and stress free day.

Cut out the plastic

Zero waste, or even plastic-free food shopping is a real challenge, plastic IS everywhere, and some will find its way in to your trolley. We recently tried to go for just one week buying zero plastic. Even with amazing support from our four kids it was really difficult. Eye opening and educational. But tough! What it taught me was that it’s no good making zero plastic a start point for your eco-Christmas. Better you set your zero plastic ambition as a goal! Start small by swapping products in plastic for their cardboard or glass counterparts and aim to reduce as much as you can. Swap your plastic ketchup and mayo for glass bottles. Choose unwrapped fruit and veg if it’s an option. Take your own bags or containers and buy loose bakery items and meat from the counter. If you do buy plastic packaged items, buy in bulk if you can. And don’t forget the milkman! A proper old-fashioned bottle of milk delivered to your doorstep in re-useable glass bottles makes mornings happy. Find out more at milkandmore.

Eco shopping, shopping bag, no plastic, shop local

Celebrate your local shops

Where possible, buy locally produced goods in the run up to your eco-Christmas (seasonal veg, English wine and beer) and support your local independent shops and markets who will really value your custom. They are more likely to be open and adaptable to making changes to packaging if their customers ask too. Find your local market here.

Christmas gnomes, Christmas decorations, elves

Try something new

There’s been a huge rise in veganism in the last few years along with concerns about the impact on our environment. In 2018 every eco-Christmas table needs a non-meat alternative! Christmas isn’t a time to go without, so if you love your turkey or goose then go for it, but try some of the non-meat options if you get a chance – they’ve come a long way! See the latest on offer from your supermarket here or if you feel like trying some recipes yourself check out some delicious ideas from Viva and these from the Jamie Oliver.

Christmas present, Christmas gift, Christmas experience, buy less,

Give Group Love

Get together with friends and family to buy one big gift that’s really wanted.. It doesn’t have to be a material object. A massage, dancing lessons, or a special dinner date can all be gifted easily. Or club together for that really wanted new bike or watch that will make them happy. An eco-Christmas can and should be fun and joyful and gift giving is about showing love and thought and giving something that will be treasured and loved.

Green Christmas, coloured pens, stationery

Good green stocking fillers for under £5

It’s easy to find reasonably priced stocking fillers for an eco-Christmas. How about a bamboo toothbrush, some packaging free beauty products like these gorgeous ones from Lush or the latest novel from around £5.00 (even better if it’s second hand!). Support your local charity shops and bookshops or try Waterstones.

Pop some slave free chocolate in from Tony’s Chocolonely – they use uncoated, recycled FSC-certified paper for their wrapping or try this from Seed & Bean – the wrapping is non-plastic and fully compostable.

Then raid the charity shops for pre-loved toys and games and don’t forget the socks and satsumas!

To set up your own eco Christmas wish list check out our beautiful and easy to customise template here.

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back to the future themed patchwork party

Patchwork Kids Patchwork Story

A Kids’ Party with a Back to the Future Theme

by Ismay Ozga February 15, 2017

written by Ismay Ozga

Patchwork founder Olivia’s son turned ten this month. To celebrate she wanted to throw him a really special party with all his family and friends. Although Manu knew about the party, what he didn’t know was that it was going to be a Back to the Future themed party – an obsession that he’s inherited from his 1980s parents.

So when did Manu’s love of Back to the Future start?

Early. Manu chose his first red ‘life preserver’ at age four, started guitar lessons on a mini red electric at the age of five, owned a skateboard by six, went to the Secret Cinema screening of Back to the Future at eight and still watches the film at least once a month, reciting every line by heart. So, a Back to the Future themed party seemed like the perfect way to celebrate Manu’s past and future.

How did you go about organising the party?

Once I’d fixed the date and booked the local Scouts hall the real challenge was searching the country to track down an original Back to the Future DeLorean to drive Manu to the venue in style.

From that point on it was simple.

The Scout hall, a 1950s prefab, was the perfect Hill Valley School hall and although I knew it was going to take a lot of work to recreate the Enchantment Under the Sea dance, with P

atchwork it was easy to share the plan and ask everyone to help.

What response did you get from your party patchwork?

Within days of sending out the patchwork invite I had 50 people coming, a local ‘Marvin Berry’ band booked, badges being made, a projector screen and speakers promised, 100 balloons ordered, eight cakes being baked, a banner, two signs and a Flux Capacitor being made.

How did you keep it all a secret?

It was easy to keep the Back to the Future theme a secret from Manu until the day of the party. Getting dressed in his skinny jeans, checked shirt, denim jacket and red gilet was normal for Manu. But he did start to get a bit suspicious when his dad produced an 1980s Walkman and a brand new pair of white Nikes with a red tick.

With everyone waiting at the venue it was up to Manu’s dad to get him there. As they left home Manu said ‘I feel like Marty’, and at that exact moment the DeLorean pulled up and opened its doors, blaring out the Back to the Future theme tune!

How did Manu feel riding a time machine through Brockley?

This was the only Universal Studios DeLorean time machine in the UK and the one used for the 25 anniversary promotional tour, complete with Flux Capacitor. So Manu was speechless. As were the people who saw it driving (at 5 miles an hour over the speed bumps) through the streets of Brockley.

How did you transform the party venue into the Enchantment Under the Sea dance?

I spent Friday night with girlfriends painting the giant banner and two wooden signs. And we arrived at the venue on Sunday morning with a handful of helpers to decorate the hall, blow up balloons, set the tables, fill party bags and get the band set up. So when Manu arrived the scene was set and everyone was outside the hall dressed in 1985 or 1955 outfits to welcome him.

What did Manu think when he arrived at the Back to the Future themed party?

Manu McFly tried his best to play it cool as he stepped out of his time machine to whoops and cheers from the crowd, but he couldn’t hide his surprise and delight. His joy reached new heights when he stepped inside the hall and the band started playing ‘Power of Love’.

He said “The best bit of the party was riding in the DeLorean, seeing all my friends, eating all the cakes and the Flux Capacitor that Eric made me. The funniest thing was seeing Grandad dressed as Doc and the most embarrassing bit was when the band played Earth Angel and mum tried to make me dance.”

We know that you’re the biggest Back to the Future fan really. So what was your favourite bit?

I am. I loved feeling everyone’s excitement as we saw the DeLorean drive up and seeing Manu’s face as he got out of the Time Machine! It was so fun stepping into 1955 as we entered the hall, seeing all our efforts come together and hearing the AMAZING band. We’d made mini clock tower fairy cakes but seeing the incredible sea-themed creations, the Jail Bird Joey cake and the huge red guitar cake that everyone else had made was amazing. And of course Patchwork made it all so easy. I could keep track of all the things people were helping to fund, make and do and contact everyone about the things they’d pledged to do and send updates to everyone along the way.

After an evening of dancing I could also show Manu the patchwork so he could see how everyone helped to make it happen and read everyone’s messages so he could send his own thank yous.

It was a massive success, made super easy with Patchwork. Now I’m just looking for another excuse to plan a big party!

YAY. Best party ever. If this has inspired you to plan a party with patchwork, check out our party patchworks for inspiration, or create your own from scratch.

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Party Planning

5 Favourite Party Instagrammers

by Ismay Ozga October 7, 2016

written by Ismay Ozga

Hopefully you already follow us over on Instagram, where we share all sorts of colourful party inspiration. But if you’re looking for even more fun to follow, we’ve got some ideas for you. Here are five of our very favourite party people. These glorious ‘grammers are the life and soul of our feed.

Oh Happy Day is a never-ending source of inspiration for brilliant party DIYs. Always fun, always colourful, and (nearly) always easy to do.

Geronimo balloons create bright, beautiful installations all over LA and beyond. Let them inspire you to create something special for your next party.

BASH is an independent, design-focused party company drawing inspiration from art, interior design, fashion, and party style across the globe. We like their squiggly patterns.

Born out of a shared love of communal celebration and craft-making, the duo behind Confetti System create the most incredible backdrops for parties. Feast your eyes on all the tassels.

Poppies For Grace describe themselves as craft gangsters, joy makers and day dreamers. We agree. Their Instagram is jam-packed full of fun ideas.

Happy scrolling! And check out our party patchworks here if these ideas have got you itching to organise a party of your own.

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Party Planning Patchwork Kids

Patchwork Make: Balloon Numbers DIY

by Ismay Ozga July 13, 2016

written by Ismay Ozga

We love balloons. Balloons maketh a party, or something like that. So we love this balloon numbers DIY for a kid’s party – how much fun would this be to do?

Click through to Oh Happy Day to see how it’s done, then get making. Or better yet, include it in your party patchwork and ask friends to help you. Friends can pledge to help make and do everything you need to throw a great party for your little one, whether it’s making the cake, or blowing up a load of balloons.

Get inspiration from our party patchworks, or create your own from scratch.

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Parent & Baby Party Planning Patchwork Kids

The Mamahood plans your kid’s party

by Ismay Ozga July 8, 2016

written by Ismay Ozga

Fabulous woman and fellow SE Londoner, Diana Bardega, set up The Mamahood a year ago, with the aim of bringing mamas together in their local neighbourhoods. The Mamahood provides mother’s with a chance to get creative, collaborative and inspired with crafting workshops across the UK. She’s written us this great blog about planning kid’s parties to help take the stress out of those little birthdays.

Urgh. If you are anything like me, when the time comes to organise my children’s birthday parties I feel dread. It can be such an expensive, mass produced, stressful affair. From naff decorations, to expensive entertainers, crap food, to heaps of plastic tat that will only end up in a landfill.
But fear not, there is another way. You see, all around us are some incredible, creative, independent businesses who are there to help when we hit party planning season. And better than that, some of them are run by fellow multi-tasking mothers who understand better than anyone the stress of organising a party.

The Mamahood is all about enabling mothers to connect and support each other. I believe passionately that we should be buying and supporting and working together more because when you become a mother you join a community. Regardless of class, religion, creed, choices and status we all understand the pressures of being a mum. So when you shop, shop independent and where you can, support your fellow mamas. Because we all know how hard it can be to manage the juggle.
Plus I’ve done the hard work for you. Here is a round up of my top 5 mama-run businesses to check out if you are planning a kids party.

Invites

I have always found it tricky to find stylish invites on the high street. If you’re a stationery addict (I am) you will love the gorgeous Marby and Elm. Set up by a very talented mama Eleanor, she designs and letter presses in beautiful neons and brights. They are so beautiful you will almost not want to send them.
And if you’re after something extra special I can’t recommend more highly the wonderful illustrator and mama Lakshmi. She can sketch a gorgeous illustration of your child that you can use for invites and then keep for posterity. Double win.

Tableware

Look no further than The Jelly Rabbit. Run by lovely mama Sarah, she will take all the stress out of party planning for you. She sells gorgeous tableware, decorations, Pass the Parcel kits, balloons, dress up – you name it. I love her party kits. Literally everything you need by theme and all delivered – no stress!

Party Bags

Sick of plastic rubbish that goes straight in the bin? Then definitely check out Cotton Twist, set up by two mamas Anne-Clare and Alexis. They create the most wonderful craft kits that make the perfect take home alternative to a goody bag. Choose from a huge range of themes that suit both boys and girls. And if you need any party extras like themed food boxes then they’ve got you covered there too.

Cake

For ridiculously beautiful cakes look no further than Blossom and Crumb. Run by mega-talented mama Megan, her cakes speak for themselves.

Venue

Obviously this is hugely dependent on where you are based, but if you do find yourself in SE London, I can not recommend more highly The Punk Me Up Ceramics cafe. Run by the loveliest mama Toni – her kids party packages (held in the back of her beautiful shop) are wonderful. From the make your own goody bags, polaroids of the kids with their faces painted, painting your own themed ceramics and the mini milk bottles and bento boxes for the kids, every detail is covered stylishly and with minimum stress for you. A huge thumbs up.
To stay on top of workshop news and exclusive offers to shop at mama-run businesses, follow us over at @the_mamahood. Whether you want to meet other local like minded mothers, or just have some time for yourself and learn a new skill, you can find out what’s going on in your local area by signing up over at The Mamahood.

Planning your kid’s party? Take some of the stress out of it with our party planning Patchworks. Ask your friends and family to fund, make and do to organise a stress-free and fabulous party. They can contribute their time, skill or money to make the party happen. Your best friend can buy the bubbles, your mum can bake the cake and your brother can blow up all the balloons. Simple.

Customise one of our party planning patchworks here or create your own from scratch.

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girl riding birthday bike funded by friends

Patchwork Kids Patchwork Story

Vera’s Birthday Bike

by Ismay Ozga May 6, 2016

written by Ismay Ozga

Vera knew exactly what she wanted for her 12th birthday – a shiny new bike. And she knew exactly how to ask for it. She made a patchwork and sent it out to her family, who all chipped in towards the new wheels she was dreaming of. We asked her all about it.

Hi Vera, what did you decide to make a patchwork for and why?

I wanted to make a patchwork for a bike. I always had different bikes when I was little but I kept getting too big for them so always had to hand them down to my cousins and friends. Now that I’m 12 I want a proper bike that I won’t grow out of too quickly. One that I can ride to school and everywhere!

children's bike patchwork birthday gift idea

Who chipped in towards your birthday present?

Now I’m 12 I’ve got my own phone and my own email. So once I’d made my patchwork on my phone I sent out an email to all my family asking them to help buy me a bit of my bike. It was exciting in the two weeks before my birthday because when they bought bits of my patchwork I could see all their messages popping up and check how much money they had given me on my phone.

How was your birthday?

Great. I was so happy and excited. On the day of my party I went to Waterloo with my Mum, Dad and little brother to pick up the bike. First of all I thought I wanted a red one but when I saw the shiny blue one in the shop I loved it more. We had to wait for the man in the shop to build it and so we went to the cafe. Then I rode it all the way along the river and took it on the train and then rode it home.

How did you feel when you got your present from everyone?

When everyone arrived at the party my bike was there waiting in the garden. It wasn’t a surprise for me because I knew I wanted it so much. But it was definitely a nice surprise for all my family to see me riding my bike. Luckily it was a sunny day so we had cake in the garden and I rode around and around. My aunt and cousins live abroad at the moment so they couldn’t come to the party but they can see photos of me on my bike, which we are turning into postcards to say thank you to everyone. I haven’t ridden my bike to school yet as I need a lock but I like riding it around Brockley and showing all my friends.

Thank you Vera! We’re so glad we could help you get your special bike.

If you’re inspired to chip in for a bike, you can customise our birthday bike patchwork here. You can also browse our readymade patchworks for more gift inspiration, or create a patchwork from scratch.

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Patchwork Kids

The Brockie: Funding the School Magazine

by Rosie Hurwitz March 27, 2015

written by Rosie Hurwitz

Two years ago, following a call from her children’s primary for more parent-led activities, Bibi started Gordonbrock School’s magazine club. At the first meeting, the children came up with the title, The Brockie, and the following weeks were spent putting together the first issue.

The kids were hugely enthusiastic right from the start and they’ve never had a shortage of ideas and contributions. The Brockie is bursting with artwork, competitions, stories, jokes and cartoons.

But there was a snag: how to fund the school magazine. Bibi discovered it wasn’t cheap to produce five hundred copies of a colour magazine. The school’s parent association helped with the first two, but with the third relying entirely on donations, Bibi looked around for a creative way to ask for the money.

Happily, this is where we came in. “Patchwork saved the day. Thanks to this great gift-giving site, we had a focal point for everyone who wished to help fund the school magazine. Donors could give as much or as little as they wanted, knowing that it was going directly to The Brockie, and in a very short while we raised every penny we needed.”

Bibi says our site worked perfectly for what she needed and can’t recommend Patchwork highly enough, especially when it comes to gathering together funds for community projects and good causes.

She’s hugely grateful to everyone who contributed and helped the kids see their work in print.

Brilliant, thank you Bibi. We’re so pleased we could help.

If this has inspired you to make your own patchwork, just customise one of our readymades or create one from scratch.

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Patchwork Kids Patchwork Story

Chipping in for a gift: Otis got his bike

by Rosie Hurwitz November 10, 2014

written by Rosie Hurwitz

Otis knew exactly what he wanted for his birthday this year – a proper pedal bike like his friend’s. The bike in question happened to be a little bit pricey, but luckily his mum knew exactly what to do.

Hannah got Otis to draw a picture of the bike he really wanted and sent it over to us to turn it into a patchwork. Then she invited friends and family to chip in to pay for it – piece by piece.

Before she published the patchwork, Hannah was a little bit nervous about how friends and family would respond to being asked for money. But she was happy to find the reaction was really positive:

“I was quite taken aback by how many of the parents told us what a fantastic idea they thought it was. They said what a relief it was, and how good it felt to contribute to something Otis really wanted.”

little boy riding a red bike birthday patchwork present from his friends

It was also a relief for Hannah:
“We live in a small London terrace, so I really didn’t want friends bringing more random gifts that Otis didn’t necessarily want just cluttering up the place. I’ve been to so many kids birthdays and hate buying things that I’m not sure the kid (or the parent) will like. It feels like such a waste. I also didn’t want parents to feel that they had to spend a certain amount, so I loved that people could contribute £2 for a bell upwards.”

The reaction from his little friends was just as positive. “The kids were all really excited when we unwrapped it and built it at his party. And when he rides to school, they all know which bit they bought.”

Everyone has really enjoyed watching Otis learn to ride and Otis loves his new bike.

“Otis really appreciates and understands that he got one big brilliant present from all the people he’s closest to. He didn’t ask for anything else or seem disappointed not to get lots of little things. He really loves & values his bike, and thanked everyone for helping him get it.”

Thanks for sharing this lovely story with us, Hannah. And Otis, we think you look pretty cool on your new bike.

If you’re inspired to organise a big gift for a loved one, you can customise one of our readymades here, or create your gift list from scratch.

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