Episode 4, Season 3: No Crap Parties - Gifting Culture and Plastic Consumption with Charlotte Mason-Curl
Kids’ parties are meant to be fun… so why do so many of us feel guilty, awkward, out of pocket and drowning in plastic afterwards?
In this episode, I’m joined by Charlotte Mason-Curl, founder of No Crap Parties and the Kids Party Pact - a movement helping parents ditch the waste, pressure and consumerism that has quietly crept into children’s parties and gifting culture.
Charlotte shares how she realised most parents hate plastic-filled party bags and gift pressure, and how she’s now using her marketing skills for the greater good - helping families make parties more affordable, more sustainable and far less stressful.
Together, we explore:
🎈 What’s gone wrong with kids’ gifting culture
From post-Christmas overwhelm to financial strain, clutter, social anxiety and the subtle ways consumerism shapes our children’s values.
🎁 How to do kids’ parties differently
Charlotte walks us through the Kids Party Pact, including:
- Clear gift guidance
- Alternatives to party bags
- Normalising second-hand and conscious gifting
Plus lots of practical, doable ideas that won’t make you “that parent”.
🧠 How to get others on board
Behavioural-science-backed tips for navigating resistance without offending (especially grandparents 🙈), plus smart ways to set boundaries and share wish lists that actually work.
This conversation is empowering, realistic and deeply relieving if you’ve ever thought “surely it doesn’t have to be like this?”
If you’re raising children and want to reduce waste, pressure and over-spending - without sucking the joy out of celebrations - this episode is a must-listen.
Connect with Charlotte & No Crap Parties
🎉 Instagram: @no.crap.parties
💼 LinkedIn: Charlotte Mason-Curl
✍️ Sign the Kids Party Pact: kidspartypact.org
📰 Check out resources and subscribe to the newsletter
🛍️ The 50 party bag alternatives
📘 Keep an eye out for Charlotte’s upcoming children’s book (publishing later this year!)
Other Links That Charlotte Mentioned:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/market/lizzie_bakes_co
https://www.craftandcrumb.com/collections/party-bags
Laura’s Links:
📲 Find Everything Here
📲 Instagram: @themindfulgeneration
📲 Connect on LinkedIn
Brand Partnership
This episode was bought to you by KARRI - the fun voice messenger designed to help your child explore the world (screen-free) whilst safely staying in touch with you and their friends. Loved by kids, trusted by parents. You can receive 15% off the messenger one device here.
If this episode resonated, please follow the podcast, rate and share it with another parent who’s had enough of the party pressure 💛
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