FAQ
Find quick answers to common questions and helpful information for a smooth experience.
How does my child benefit from having an ECHOage party?
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There are many benefits that children experience by hosting an ECHOage birthday party. The greatest benefit is the ability to choose the birthday gifts he/she wishes to receive AND to chose a charity he/she wishes to support. Your child will be able to read birthday wishes from all of his/her friends. Your child will be able to participate in helping other children in need and feel rewarded by it. Your child will be a leader and set a wonderful example for others to follow in his/her footsteps.
How do I convince my child that it is ‘better’ to receive a group gift(s) that they choose by for themself than lots of smaller ones?
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Tell your child that he/she will be in the driver’s seat – this means they get decide which birthday gift(s) they’d like to have and which charity they’d like to support. Help your child imagine the gift(s) they might like choose and show your child some of the profile pages of the charities on the ECHOage website in need of funding. This might help your child to discover that he/she would like to host an ECHOage birthday party.
What if I love the idea of ECHOage but I am unsure about asking my guests to contribute online?
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Parents who use ECHOage as a guest are thrilled with the convenience that ECHOage brings. Your guests will not have to drive to the toy store and purchase a gift for your child because ECHOage makes gift giving so easy. Your guests will appreciate the great thing your child is doing to help a charity and will thank you for the quick and simple RSVP and gift-giving experience.
How do I as a parent benefit from having an ECHOage party?
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ECHOage Benefits:
These are some of the tangible benefits of ECHOage. In addition to all the convenience ECHOage brings, you the parent get to impart your values to your child in a meaningful way and you give your child an opportunity to do something to improve the world and feel good about giving.
What if I want to host an ECHOage party for my child but I'm afraid that my child will have a negative reaction to not receiving gifts at the party?
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Children who host ECHOage parties receive many gifts. They receive the birthday gift(s) that they have chosen for themselves from all of their friends. You can have this gift present at the party so that your child will feel the excitement in receiving it at this time. In addition, your child receives the gift of feeling good and proud about making a difference in the world. Allow your child to realize that positive things can happen in the world because of an ECHOage birthday party.
What do I do if I really want my child to host an ECHOage party but he/she simply will not give up on the idea of getting a pile of gifts?
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Let your child know that ECHOage makes it possible for him/her to get very big birthday gifts, or many smaller gifts, and that these gifts will be ones that they have chosen and truly desire. Also, remind your child that he/she may get gifts from relatives and close family, like grandparents.
What is the best thing about ECHOage?
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By far the best thing about ECHOage is the feeling your child will have when he or she makes a contribution to helping others. A child as young as 3 years old can understand what it means to give, take care of others, share and be a helper. Getting an awesome gift or gifts too makes this even sweeter. We love nothing more than hearing these stories, sharing them on our blog and seeing year after year how many children want to turn their birthdays into a change to give AND get!
Can i still use ECHOage if I don't have all the email addresses for my guests?
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YES! Set up your party on ECHOage and you'll see your exclusive Party Link on your ECHOage Dashboard. Copy and paste it and text it, or print it, and give it out and all your guests can easily RSVP when they click your exclusive Party Link. You can also post your exclusive Party Link in a family group chat or any where you wish.
Why do kids love having an ECHOage birthday party?
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Kids love being in the driver's seat. They love selecting a birthday present that they really want. They love choosing a charity and knowing they are directly helping others. It is so easy for kids to use ECHOage because we provide birthday party invitations for kids and this makes it simple and fast for parents. Each birthday party invitation has the birthday gift and the charity the child chose directly on the invitation. Easy. Meaningful. Fun.
What does it say on an ECHOage birthday party invitation?
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Every ECHOage birthday party invitation has the key elements that your guests need. The party place, the date, the time, and any special details about your party. The birthday gift your child would like to receive is on the birthday party invitation and the charity the child chose. Then, your guests contribute in one simple payment to your child's birthday gift and your child's chosen charity. ECHOage sends you the funds to buy your child the birthday present and ECHOage sends the charity the donation. So easy. So meaningful.
Why do parents love ECHOage so much?
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Parents love ECHOage because it brings meaning to kids and ease to parents. Kids get to choose a birthday gift they really want like a bike, lego, a scooter, hockey skates, an art kit, new books. Kids get to connect to charities at a very young age. Parents are relieved because they don't have to go to the toy store and try to find a birthday gift for a child who may have that gift or not want that gift. Parents are also thrilled because ECHOage saves time and eliminates waste.
What is ECHOage and How Does It Work?
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ECHOage is an all-in-one party planning platform that makes it easy to send birthday invitations, collect RSVPs, and simplify gift-giving while supporting a charity. Instead of bringing traditional presents, guests contribute online. Half of the funds go toward a gift your child chooses, and the other half goes to a charity of your choice. -No shopping stress for guests -Your child gets a meaningful group gift -You make a difference by supporting a cause With ECHOage, you're using an online birthday party service that helps you create invitations, collect money, and keep everyone involved — all while teaching kids the value of giving back.
Can my child really make a difference with ECHOage?
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Absolutely! Every ECHOage party includes a donation to a charity of your choice, allowing your child to support a cause they care about—whether it’s helping animals, protecting the environment, aiding children in need or supporting any other charitable purpose. -Over 160+ charities to choose from -Help rescue animals, protect oceans, or support medical research -Teach kids the value of generosity and social responsibility Children learn that giving back and birthday parties can go hand in hand. If we want to raise kind, thoughtful, and socially aware children, we have to start early. The sooner they understand that their actions can make a difference, the more naturally they’ll carry that belief into adulthood.
What if some guests prefer to bring a physical gift?
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That’s totally fine! ECHOage is flexible—if some guests still prefer bringing a traditional physical gift, they can do so. But most parents LOVE the convenience of quick online contributions instead of shopping for presents. Either way, your child gets something meaningful, and you avoid the overwhelm of too many presents or duplicate toys. And let’s be honest—fewer toys mean a healthier child, less clutter, more gratitude, and ultimately, happier kids.
How does ECHOage work?
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Guests are invited to an ECHOage birthday party online. Instead of bringing a wrapped and packaged present to the party, guests simply RSVP and give a secure online contribution. All the contributions from guests are pooled together. Half of the funds collected are sent to the parent hosting the party (by check or by PayPal) and the birthday boy or girl chooses any gift or gifts they want. The other half of the funds collected at the party are sent by ECHOage to the charity the birthday boy or girl has chosen to support.
Can I still have the same great birthday party I am planning for my child if I use ECHOage?
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Yes! The wonderful thing about ECHOage is that you don’t have to change anything, you just make things even better. When you ECHOage your birthday party, your child gets to choose his/her birthday gift(s) and gets something they really want and can use. And, your child gets to give to a charity. Otherwise, the party is the same.
How does my child get the birthday gift(s) and how does the charity get the donation?
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The ECHOage system pools all of the contributions and then sends you (the parent of the birthday child) half of the funds in the mail by check, or by PayPal, so that your child can purchase exactly what he/she wants as a birthday present – an Ipod, new hockey skates, a bike, art supplies, dance lessons, you name it! ECHOage directs the other half of the funds you raised to the charity you chose. No need for guests to shop for a birthday gift, or pick up the phone to make a donation, ECHOage does it all for you.
What will my guests see when they RSVP to my child’s ECHOage party?
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Your guests will see your colorful invitation, a photo of your child, the charity your child chose to support and the gift your child would like to have. Your guests can RSVP in minutes and will send your child a personal birthday message when they do. Guests will never see how much other guests have donated – that information is kept confidential and can only be viewed by you.
What DOESN’T ECHOage do?
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ECHOage doesn’t come to your birthday party. The birthday party you have is the same great party you’re used to, with all the customs you love, minus the heap of wrapped and packaged gifts.
Does ECHOage send my child a birthday gift?
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No. ECHOage sends you funds for you to buy your child a birthday gift or gifts.
Is ECHOage global?
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ECHOage parties are happening all over North America including Canada and the USA. Stay tuned for our international launch in countries all over the world.
Why is the program called ECHOage?
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The name ECHOage is intended to spotlight the child's voice within the ECHOage program. The child who gives to others creates an "ECHO," at the time of their birthday, and then has a positive impact on others and on the world. The word “age” represents the child’s birthday, and the new age the child is turning, as an opportune time to help others through generosity and awareness.
How do I contact ECHOage?
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Write to us. We love hearing from you! [email protected] Or call us: 416-423-4100. We will get back to you as quickly as humanly possible.
How do I get my child featured on the ECHOage blog?
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Easy! Write to ECHOage and tell us your child would love to be featured. We'll need a photo and we'll ask you a few questions. This is a great way to make your kids feel even more special. They will surely inspire others to follow in their footsteps!
Can I use ECHOage if I don't have email addresses for my guests?
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YES! Set up your party on ECHOage and you'll see the "PARTY LINK" on your ECHOage Tracker. Copy it down, give it out and all your guests can easily RSVP and contribute if they wish.
Can I still use ECHOage if I don't have all the email addresses for my guests?
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Easy! Set up your party on ECHOage and then you'll see your exclusive PARTY LINK on your ECHOage Tracker. Copy it down and give it out to your guests. They can easily RSVP and contribute if they wish!
Is there a fee to use ECHOage?
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There is no fee to sign up for ECHOage and no minimum amount required to use the service. Once your party is over, the host of the party will be charged $2 per guest contribution which is deducted from the total raised to cover ECHOage's payment processing costs. NOTE: If one family brings 2 or 3 children to the party and gives one contribution, the fee is $2.
How do I CANCEL my party?
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It is easy to cancel your party. Login to your Party Dashboard and click "Cancel" under the "Manage Party" button.
Why is ECHOage better than traditional birthday invitations?
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With ECHOage, birthday invitations become stress-free. You can send custom birthday invitations online, track and manage RSVPs, and include all the party details without printing a single card. Whether it’s a kids birthday invitation or a milestone birthday celebration, our online birthday invitations help you plan your party theme faster, collect RSVPs with ease, and bring your party dreams to life—all in one place. -Send invitations in minutes -Track RSVPs easily -Guests contribute with just a click -Plus, it’s eco-friendly and sustainable—no paper waste! Just choose from beautiful invitation templates, share your birthday party theme, and let guests contribute online. It's the smarter way to celebrate a special day.
Why should I use ECHOage instead of asking guests to bring gifts?
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ECHOage eliminates the waste, clutter, and duplicate gifts that often come with traditional birthdays. Instead of receiving a pile of toys that might go unused, your child gets to choose one or two meaningful gifts they truly want. Example: Instead of 15 small toys, your child could get a bike, tablet, or experience gift—something they’ll cherish! At the same time, you’re teaching your child about kindness and giving back by donating to a charity. It’s a win-win!
How do I get started with ECHOage?
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Getting started is simple! -Create your party on the ECHOage website -Choose your charity & gift preferences -Send invitations and track RSVPs online -Watch the funds roll in! Once you’ve created your party using our online birthday party service, your guests contribute directly through your ECHOage account—making it easy to collect money for both a meaningful group gift and a charity your kids care about. It’s a fun way for children to celebrate while learning how to get involved and give back, and your guests love knowing their gift makes a real impact.
How much of the money goes to my child’s gift and the charity?
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Parents and kids get to decide how the money is split! By default, 50% goes toward the birthday child’s gift, and 50% to the charity, but you can adjust the percentage based on your preference.
What do I do if my guest tells me they did not receive the ECHOage invitation?
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There are very easy ways for you to ensure that all of your guests receive your birthday party invitation. First, ask your guest to check his/her junk file and add ECHOage to their safe senders list. Second, send your guest your Exclusive Party Link from your ECHOage Dashboard. You can copy and paste your Exclusive Party Link and text it or email it. Or, put it in a group chat.
What if my guests are not RSVPing to my child’s ECHOage birthday party?
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Usually guests RSVP one week before the party date. ECHOage automatically sends out a reminder for you, to all your guests who have not yet responded, one week prior to the party date, and three days before the party date.
What if people bring money to the party instead of paying online?
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It is OK if your guests bring money to your ECHOage party. If guests choose not pay online, you can accept money at your party and decide what to do with it on your own. You can add it to the amount that you will use to buy your child the birthday gift(s) or you can donate it to a charity on your own.
Do the guests of my party receive a charitable tax receipt for their contributions?
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Yes. The amount contributed by a guest is always split in two: half goes to the charity, and half goes to the birthday boy or girl for the purchase of a birthday gift or gifts. Each one of your guests who contributes a minimum of $40.00 to your child will receive a tax receipt from your chosen charity for half ($20.00). Another example, If the guest contributes $50.00 to your child, he/she will receive a $25.00 tax receipt from the charity, for the half that was given to the charity. Any amount given by your guest over $40.00 will be tax receipted for half by the charity.
When will I receive my guests receive their tax receipts from the charity?
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Tax receipts are sent by the charity to your guests. All tax receipts are sent out approximately 90-120 days after the party date.
What do I do if I don't receive my tax receipt from the charity?
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Tax receipts generally arrive 60-90 days after the party date. If you do not receive your tax receipt within this time frame contact ECHOage and we will ensure you get your receipt. ECHOage will contact the charity on your behalf [email protected]
What do I do if I can't find my invitation?
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Easy. Click this link, enter your email address in the box, and all your upcoming ECHOage parties will be sent to you right away. http://echoage.com/find-your-party
What do I do if I want to see a listing of all the ECHOage birthday parties my children were invited to?
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Easy. Login and you'll see a complete listing on your Guest Tracker. If you forgot your password, just click Forgot Password and you can reset your password in seconds.
Can i use ECHOage if I don't have all the email addresses of my guests?
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YES! Set up your party on ECHOage and you'll see the "PARTY LINK" on your ECHOage Tracker. Easy to find! Copy it down, give it out and all your guests can easily RSVP and contribute if they wish.
What if I want to have an ECHOage party but I don't have all the email addresses for my guests?
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Easy! Set up your party on ECHOage and then you'll see your exclusive PARTY LINK on your ECHOage Tracker. Copy it down and give it out to your guests. They can easily RSVP and contribute if they wish!
When will I get my guests get their tax receipts?
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The tax receipt will arrive between 90-120 days after the party date. Please contact ECHOage if you do not receive your receipt and we will track it for you and ensure you receive it. Please direct your tax receipt inquiry to: [email protected]
Does ECHOage issue tax receipts?
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No, each charity send tax receipts directly to you. This takes time. Normally 2-3 months after the party date.
Is the date on my tax receipt the date of my contribution?
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No, the date of the tax receipt is the date of issue. This means you might give a contribution in one year, but will get a tax receipt for the contribution in the following year.
If I'm hosting an ECHOage birthday party will I get a notification every time my guest RSVP's?
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Yes, every time a guest RSVPs to your birthday party invitation you will get a notification by email. You will see how much your guest contributed to your child's birthday gift and your child's charity.
What if we wish to donate all the funds raised at our ECHOage party?
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Easy. You can choose any amount for charity increasing up from 50% minimum all the way up to 100%. (Note: Once your guests have contributed you cannot change the percentage you originally designated for the charity because your guests are expecting tax receipts based on the original allocation you chose.)
What if we wish to donate to a charity that is not listed on the ECHOage website?
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If you wish to support a charity that is not listed on the ECHOage website, please ask that charity to apply for a partnership with ECHOage. There is a link on the ECHOage homepage for charities and schools to apply for partnership and be considered by ECHOage. Here is the link: http://echoage.com/charity-sign-up
Who sends my guests the tax receipts and how long does it take?
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Charities send tax receipts directly to your guests. If a guest gives your child $40.00, that guest will receive a tax receipt directly from the charity for $20.00 (the other half of the funds went to your child to buy his/her gift). In order to receive a tax receipt the guest must give a minimum of $40 because the charities will not issue tax receipts for less than $20.00. The value of the tax receipt is the value of the funds that were given to the charity.The approximate arrival time for tax receipts from the charity is 90-120 days after the party date. In the case of donations that are made in the end of the year (November and December) the tax receipt will likely be issued for the following year. If you have questions about tax receipting or need assistance getting your tax receipt from a charity please contact [email protected]
What if i accidentally paid twice and need a refund from ECHOage?
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Easy! Write to us and let us know how much you paid, the name on the credit card, the last four digits of the card number, and we will process the refund for you. If you paid by PayPal just tell us your PayPal address. Quickest way to reach us is: [email protected]
When will I get my tax receipt?
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The tax receipt will arrive between 3-4 months after the party date. Please contact ECHOage if you do not receive your receipt and we will track it for you and ensure you receive it. Please direct your tax receipt inquiry to: [email protected]
Does ECHOage issue tax receipts?
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No, each charity sends the tax receipt directly to you. This takes time. Normally 2-3 months after the party date.
Is the date on my tax receipt the date of my contribution?
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No, the date of the tax receipt is the date of issue. This means you might give a contribution in one year, but will get a tax receipt for the contribution in the following year.
Is there a service fee to use ECHOage?
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Yes, a service fee of $2.50 is charged upon payment. This fee is required to cover administrative costs and provide a seamless ad-free experience for ECHOage parents and kids. NOTE: If the contribution is less than $30.00 or more than $80.00 the service fee is 2.95%
Is there a fee for a party host to use ECHOage?
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Yes, once your party is over, ECHOage deducts $2.00 per contribution from your gift amount. NOTE: If one family brings 2 or 3 children to the party and gives one contribution, the fee is only $2.00.
What do I do if I was invited to an ECHOage birthday party and I lost or deleted my invitation?
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Go to the ECHOage homepage and click the link FIND A PARTY?’ Fill in your email address and a new invitation will be sent to you right away.
How do I get the funds from ECHOage for my child’s gift?
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When you are ready to receive your funds, you must CLOSE your party and ECHOage will send you a check in the mail, or transfer funds to you by PayPal. You choose the method by which you would like to receive your funds. Then, together with your child, you choose to buy a fantastic birthday present, or presents, with the funds that ECHOage sends you. Please Note - If you are located in the USA you will only be able to receive your funds via PayPal.
Does ECHOage have a phone number?
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YES! Call us at 416-423-4100. We are quick to reply. Or please email [email protected] and we will get right back to you.
Where can I find the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy?
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You can find our Terms of Use at https://echoage.com/terms-of-use
and our Privacy Policy at https://echoage.com/privacy-policy.
If I unsubscribe from ECHOage communications, will I still receive birthday party invitations?
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Yes, if you unsubscribe from future communications from ECHOage you will still receive birthday party invitations, reminders and thank you notes. You will also receive confirmation emails when you give a contribution to a child for his/her birthday so that you will have a record of the payment and transaction number. Unsubscribing from communications means you'll never receive any general emails from ECHOage.
What if I am hosting a party for twins or triplets?
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Easy! Click ADD A CHILD when you are setting up your party and both children will be featured in the invitation!
What if I want to have an ECHOage party but I don't have all the email addresses for my guests?
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Easy! Set up your party on ECHOage and then you'll see your exclusive PARTY LINK on your ECHOage Tracker. Copy it down and give it out to your guests. They can easily RSVP and contribute if they wish!