No Gift Birthday Party?

erinkay85

Ok, my little guys 1st birthday will be December 21st.. I know, it's a couple months away.

My in laws live out of state and we would like to see them for the holidays and also to celebrate ds's birthday.

In the past my MIL has thrown a surprise Bridal Shower and then another surprise Baby Shower for me, which I really appreciate, but it means we always end up with tons of gifts (some we didn't even ask/register for). Which makes traveling back home pretty difficult and then we have had to mail back some large packages.

I also feel like every time we are out to visit, it's for a party of some sort (we had our ds baptized in March out there as well) and people give us gifts.

I'd like to plan and have a 1st birthday party for my ds... But I want to request No Gifts, and then if people would like, I would want to suggest a book for his library or a contribution to his college fund that his grandparents set up for him.

So, how do I say that without being ungrateful or tacky?

gdamore11

Hmmm I don't have too much experience here, but I think it may be difficult to delicately ask for college fund contributions. Are you planning to send out invitations for his party? If so, you could say something sweet about how lucky he's been to have such generous family and really does not need a bunch of new toys. If they do want to give something, then insert your suggestion about the books. Sometimes it also helps having one of your more involved family members know what it is that you'd really like so they can subtly spread the word about the college fund instead of you. People usually ask around for gift ideas so it may be an easier way to make that suggestion without coming off the wrong way. Either way it sounds like your son is very fortunate! Good luck!

BritClen

I am all for not birthday gifts. My girls get so much stuff from their family and we just had a party for my oldest and asked for no gifts. I just feel they don't need it.