M.S.
You could also have guests make donations at Tree People or at Changingthepresent.org. There are many wonderful charities available on-line, and so easy for guests to donate in your child's name. If they really must bring something, it could be a new unwrapped toy for the children's hospital, or books for a book exchange. Also, ditch the goody bags. Nothing is less green than a plastic bag filled with plastic do-dads that nobody wants or needs. We stopped giving out goody bags long ago, and the kids haven't even noticed! Happy birthday to your little one!