Eco-Friendly Birthdays in Geneva: Celebrating Without (as much) Waste

Let’s be real: kids’ birthdays can be a minefield of plastic, sugar and gift guilt. Most of the parents I know are pretty practical when it comes to birthday parties, but somehow it just gets Out. Of. Hand. You tell yourself it’s going to be low key, and then somehow it’s three in the morning and you’re sculpting a and a gluten-free, sugar-free, feelings-free cake to look like Elsa. 

But here’s the thing: your kid just wants fun, friends, (and probably a bouncy castle.) You want something sane, sustainable, and ideally not involving 40 tiny plastic unicorns that will end up under your sofa forever. I see you under there, Mama. 

So here’s how to throw an eco-friendly birthday party that’s actually doable, kid-approved, and not secretly sponsored by Big Plastic.

 

Rethink the Venue

Make it nature based. If the weather is good, you don’t need to look any further than the park. Go hyper local and dress up a little corner with bunting. If you’re feeling adventurous, Geneva is full of free, gorgeous spaces:

• Parc Bertrand – lots of grass, shade, and space for sugar-fueled chaos.

• Perle du Lac – endless grass, spectacular views.

• Bois de la Bâtie – throw in a trip to the mini-zoo and boom: instant hit.

• Bains des Pâquis – yes, even in winter. Kids love the fondue room and being near the water. Bonus points if you opt for the pirate-themed party.

Other outdoor options 

• Blackyland – poney rides at this fantastic teaching and therapeutic farm. La Gavotte is a favorite too. 

• Parc Aventure – ropes courses with different levels of fun for all ages
  

• La Libellule organizes nature-based birthday party excursions.

In bad weather:

• Your local Maison de Quartier. Most have a space for cheap or free to let your little wildlings run around in.

• Totem – the climbing gyms do a great job with kids’ parties. Bonus that you don’t have to clean up after.

• Bain des Paquis (see above)

• Vivarium - Is there anything cooler than hanging with the snakes for your birthday? (No.) 

 

Gifts, but Make It Less... Insane

You’ve seen the piles of plastic toys that end up broken and scattered across your home. Here are two solid alternatives:

• Gift swap: Kids bring a wrapped book or toy they no longer use, and go home with someone else’s.

• Tell parents you’re ok with secondhand: We get it, sometimes it feels weird to bring something that’s secondhand. Do everyone a favor and if you’re the host, make it not weird. They’ll thank you, and maybe even do the same next time!

Bonus: Direct friends to Treehouse Circular for thoughtful, gently-used gift options (because yes, we’re writing this post so we get to plug ourselves).

 

Food That Won’t End Up in the Bin

Keep it simple. You’re not catering a wedding:

• Popcorn 

• Cut-up fruit

• Cupcakes (no slicing, fewer meltdowns)

• Juice instead of soda

Use real dishes if you’re super dedicated, or compostable ones. If you're out at a park bring a trash bag AND a compost bag.

 

Decorations That Don’t Cost the Earth

• We always reuse old party supplies like it’s no big deal. We’ve been bringing out the same bunting for eight years and I promise it still looks festive.

• Borrow from friends. You know they've got deco lying around too!

• Having a party at home and want to kick it up a notch? Kinderparties.ch rents costumes and party games – ninjas, princesses, Paw Parol… the list goes on. 

• La Manivelle rents all sorts of party gear at a tiny cost – everything from tents to tables to disco balls. Imagine how long they'll be talking about it if you whip out the fog machine!

 

Gift bags

• Keep the candy under control – be bold and don’t give it, or keep it to two or three pieces.

• Think creative over plastic – crayons, a cool pencil, erasers, wooden tops. I keep an eye out for this sort of thing throughout the year and stock up to be ready. 

• Ice cream gift cards from Gelatomania 

• Cotton string DIY Frienship bracelets

Keep It in Perspective

Your child won’t remember if the plates and the icing were color-coordinated. They’ll remember how they felt—celebrated, sticky, and loved. Sustainability doesn’t mean perfection. It means trying, reusing, and celebrating the small things.