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B-day party no gifts question (POLL)

kfishiekfishie
in Northern California Babies
If you are going to a little kid's birthday party and the invite says "no gifts" what do you usually do (or if it is you are throwing the party, what do you prefer your guests do)?
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Re: B-day party no gifts question (POLL)

  • lukafacelukaface
    I fI were throwing the party and requested no gifts I really, really would not expect people to bring gifts. However, I would definitely bring a small gift like a book if a host put the same request on an invitation.  Funny, right?
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  • AvaLikeLavaAvaLikeLava member

    What we've been doing lately is bring a book or, if we know the family has Apple products (iPhone, iPad, iPod) and lets the kid play on it, we do a small gift card and recommend some applications that G likes to play.

    I think gift cards are still OK, in general though: even if they're for something like Target where the parent can get a shirt/wipes/etc.

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  • futrkingsleyfutrkingsley member
    The only few times it has happened for us we did not bring a gift.  A, we were asked not to and I don't know why so I just follow the rules.  B. both times we were really short on funds and were glad to not have to spend $20 on a gift/card/wrapping.
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  • MeritageMeritage member

    We recently attended a "no gifts" birthday party.  I know their kid has more toys than he knows what to do with, and the last thing they need was yet another toy in their house.  However, I would never go to their party empty handed and told the hostess this in advance.  I asked if I could bring some decorated sugar cookies she could serve at the party, and she agreed.  About the same as I would have spent on a gift.

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  • RevJGRevJG
    We always ask for no gifts.  I know that people don't like coming empty handed, so I include a line that says if they are so inclined please bring a new, unwrapped book to be donated to the XXX shelter network.  It was especially awesome last year as DD understood who the books were for and we both really enjoyed taking them to the shelter together.  I respect others requests for no gifts (because I really, really want them to respect my request) and so I bring a bottle of wine or champagne for the parents.  Honestly, if it says no gifts, don't bring a gift for the kid. Even something little.
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  • Lexi & Orion's MommyLexi & Orion's Mommy

    imageRevJG:
    We always ask for no gifts.  I know that people don't like coming empty handed, so I include a line that says if they are so inclined please bring a new, unwrapped book to be donated to the XXX shelter network.  It was especially awesome last year as DD understood who the books were for and we both really enjoyed taking them to the shelter together.  I respect others requests for no gifts (because I really, really want them to respect my request) and so I bring a bottle of wine or champagne for the parents.  Honestly, if it says no gifts, don't bring a gift for the kid. Even something little.

    ditto

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  • Roni.CedraRoni.Cedra

    To me it really depends on the kid. 

    My goddaughter's mom often puts no gifts, and if asked what she wants for her she says H has everything she needs. I am not NOT going to get my goddaughter a gift, so I get her a nice one still and just call it good.

    If it is someone we don't know as well, depending on age, we would get anything from a nice book to a gc to a local icecream/activity/park department/etc.  

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  • EmmieBEmmieB member
    imageLexi & Orion's Mommy:

    imageRevJG:
    We always ask for no gifts.  I know that people don't like coming empty handed, so I include a line that says if they are so inclined please bring a new, unwrapped book to be donated to the XXX shelter network.  It was especially awesome last year as DD understood who the books were for and we both really enjoyed taking them to the shelter together.  I respect others requests for no gifts (because I really, really want them to respect my request) and so I bring a bottle of wine or champagne for the parents.  Honestly, if it says no gifts, don't bring a gift for the kid. Even something little.

    ditto

    ditto again.

    I like the idea of consumables (cookies/wine, etc) and <3 donations, which is what we'll do when Baz is old enough to understand.

    Places like Build-a-bear will host parties and then all of the animals will go to a shelter or hospital. Just the idea of that makes my heart a little fuller.

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  • michelcreekmichelcreek
    I know someone who instead of outright saying no gifts, period, said no gifts but asked guests if they wanted to participate in a book exchange, to bring a wrapped book.  That way you brought something and only exchanged with other kids who you know also would enjoy the gift.
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  • CelynCelyn member
    As someone who throws no gift parties, I would humbly suggest that you follow the instructions of the hostess.  Bringing a gift when others have not can make them uncomfortable, which then makes the hostess uncomfortable too.  If you're someone who must bring something, bring drinks or food after confirming with the hostess that the food items will be edible for all the party goers. 
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