How can I ask for $$ not presents?

SallyAnneS

Ds is turning 3 in May and he really doesn't need any clothes or toys. Is there a proper way I can ask for money to go towards memberships to the science centre and our local theme park instead?

I am thinking probably not, right?

Spin313

You really can't ...unless you are making suggestions to grandparents, they are kind of the exception.

ASullivan1231

If grandparents ask, I'd just tell them. The other way to do it is to ask for gift cards to certain places, then use that toward buying a membership. My parents give us money to put toward fun classes for DS.

lexusolsen

I agree. There isn't a nice way to say that. You can always say he doesn't need anything or ask for consumables like chalk, bubbles, etc.

catycate

I just told the grandparents. But no I don't think you can write it on birthday invites.

SallyAnneS

Okay that is what i thought. It is only family that buys him presents but most of them don't ask for ideas. And I know people LOVE seeing kids open real presents.

SallyAnneS

We have been talking about getting the science centre membership for his birthday from us. So either way he will end up with it.

penguingrrl

I can mention those things to our parents and siblings (they all prefer to give "activity" gifts rather than stuff) but wouldn't say it to anyone else.

ASullivan1231

Are you close with your siblings? At Christmas I asked our siblings if they'd want to plan a day with Charlie, rather than getting him a toy. I asked bc he doesn't need more stuff AND bc I think that time with his aunts and uncles is priceless. I did make it clear though that it was just a suggestion - ultimately it was their choice, so that might be another idea.

I should add our siblings don't have kids yet, and that makes a difference, I know.

fivesecondrule

I don't think there is a good way to ask unless you are super close. A cousin of mine lives across the country and when we had her wedding and baby shower, they put something tactful on the invite asking for giftcards/cash so she didn't have to fly the gifts back and people still grumbled about how rude it was.