DS got a TON for christmas and already had a lot of toys. There are many many things that we are just going to donate to local charities because he has multiples, doesn't need it, or we don't have room.
So, I want to put this quote on his invitation "Your presence is the only present desired" BUT I know that grandparents and my siblings will bring gifts. I do not want anyone to feel awkward about not bringing gifts.
Any advice or thoughts? BTW, we are VERY thankful for what DS has and has been given... don't want to sound ungrateful.
Re: Advice needed re birthday party and requesting no gifts.
I assume his bday is soon? so not too far away from holidays?
do you either
A) need clothes for the next season and you can suggest to family he ONLY needs clothes since he had a wonderful holiday...
set up a "gifting station" for people to bring gifts that will go directly to a local charity...
I can see where you are coming from, I truly do. We have toys coming out the wazoo, but I wouldn't feel comfortable saying anything. It is just too tricky of a situation. Some people might have already got him a gift, some might still want to give him a gift and want to see him opening it, some will follow your instructions but will feel like complete aholes when they show up empty handed to a kid's birthday party when others did not. I would just have a regular b-day party and the gifts he isn't interested in or you don't have room for I would donate. I am sure it would make some other child very happy.
That is just my opinion and experience.
Will the guests be mostly adults or kids? My friend had a party for her son and in place of gifts, they did a "board game exchange." Each kid brought a wrapped board game and got to choose a different one to take home. It seemed to work well.
If your family is going to insist on gifts, I would either have them arrive early or stay late to open and set them aside for the party. I'm also a fan of the membership or lesson idea.
I LOVE this idea! You can do books, games, action figures/dolls anything! You can do art supplies... I'm stealing this!! we do no gifts, too, but we do a separate party for friends and family- because I would never ask family not to spoil their little ones, so to speak.
www.facebook.com/TryVermontFirst
I love these two beautiful children!