When we were planning our sons upsherin we noticed just how high the costs were getting- and that’s for an upsherin! We also had the risk that one of his friends might have a party that outdid his.
Eventually we had enough. We asked some friends and family to help with the baking and we had a small party. We donated all the money we saved to the yeshiva where we brought him to say the Aleph Bais. It saved allot of aggravation and it made us feel good about ourselves. My son had the time of his life anyway.
It gets even better- I asked my employer to match the donation and they did.
What if someone wants to out do us?
Please go right ahead!