Birthday party Invite says "No Toys Please"

[mom2aredhead]

This kind of goes along with the "gift giving etiquette" question from earlier this week...

I normally give gift cards anyway - to either Target or Toys R Us.

But I'm not sure how I feel about the parent writing "No Toys Please" on the child's party invitation (6th b-day). Not "No Gifts" or "In lieu of a gift" - just "No Toys".

On one had I can see her point. I'm sure we all have too many toys in our houses.
On the other hand...kind of presumptuous. What ever happened to being gracious and saying thank you for whatever it is you receive?

Thoughts???

 

[LadyShea]

Seems inconsiderate to the gift-givers me, especially for schoolmates or non family members. I mean what is one supposed to buy a 6 year old if not a toy?

Close friends and family might know the child's clothing and shoe size, what movies they like and are allowed to view, what books they might/might not have etc...but I go to many "friendly acquaintance" parties and wouldn't know these things for most kids.

 

[mom2aredhead]

I should add...

This is not a close friend or relative. This is a child in my son's class at school.

 

[LadyShea]

I should add...

This is not a close friend or relative. This is a child in my son's class at school.

I thought maybe that was the case, and that makes it even ruder. How do they expect parents to know what kinds of gifts they would prefer?

 

[sk!mom]

I find it rude. "No gifts please" - fine with me if you just want my kid to celebrate with yours. But to knock out the majority of things most people would give- is rude.

I'm mean- I wouldn't give him a toy- I'd give him a game- with lots of pieces.

 

[mom2aredhead]

I'm mean- I wouldn't give him a toy- I'd give him a game- with lots of pieces.

 

[Miss LD]

I've heard of book exchanges, etc.
But no toys?
I'm sure that child really appreciates that!
It's like weddings when people make it really clear they only want money.

 

[daisyduck123]

How about a puzzle...with LOTS of pieces???

 

[badblackpug]

Finger paints........

 

[irene_dsc]

I'm not a big fan of those sorts of invites, either, fwiw.

As a more practical idea, have you asked your child for ideas? If he or she is close enough to want to go to the party, he/she may have some knowledge of what the kid is interested in.

Or you could just go ahead and do the gift card, but probably to Target instead of TRU, lol.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I say Legos and a new drum set!

 

[lntsmom]

I agree with you...and I also think it's denying the child one of life's true pleasures...being showered with wonderful things that you don't need. If I were concerned about such a thing, I think I'd encourage my kids to go through and pick one old toy for each new one and either sell them with the money going into savings or donate them to charity.

That said, just to be naughty, if I were you, I'd put together a darling basket with the birthday girl's name on it and fill it to the brim with candy.

 

[MickeyWanaBe]

How about a puzzle...with LOTS of pieces???

Moon Sand, the moldable sand that never dries out so it can be used again and again for never-ending fun and clean up!

 

[delmar411]

Have you even called the parents and asked what they meant? At least before assuming they are saying cash/GC ask them. I'd take it as a No Gifts invite.

 

[mjkacmom]

Moon Sand, the moldable sand that never dries out so it can be used again and again for never-ending fun and clean up!

I was just going to post this - LOL!

 

[mom2aredhead]

Have you even called the parents and asked what they meant? At least before assuming they are saying cash/GC ask them. I'd take it as a No Gifts invite.

But then wouldn't it say "No Gifts" not "No Toys"?

And how could I ask tactfully, keeping in mind I have never met these parents. "Ummm, excuse me, do you want me to give your child money for his birthday or is it OK to not bring any gift at all"
I can see that conversation going really well.

 

[minniebeth]

It doesn't sound like "no gifts please" to me, just more like wanting more practical gifts (gift cards, etc.). In one way I understand it, but it would kind of rub me the wrong way. A lot of times I put a lot of thought into a gift, but sometimes I buy things ahead of time if I see a good deal on something that I think would be age appropriate and cool. Sometimes I just don't have it in the budget to go out and buy more gifts in addition to what I already have, so why not use it?
I GUARANTEE at least some parents will ignore the request and buy whatever they want anyway.

 

[mom2aredhead]

Moon Sand, the moldable sand that never dries out so it can be used again and again for never-ending fun and clean up!

Which was clearly invented by someone extremely evil and sadistic.

 

[delmar411]

But then wouldn't it say "No Gifts" not "No Toys"?

And how could I ask tactfully, keeping in mind I have never met these parents. "Ummm, excuse me, do you want me to give your child money for his birthday or is it OK to not bring any gift at all"
I can see that conversation going really well.

I would simple call and ask what 'little Timmy' had on his w/l for his b-day since they requested no toys. That way that gives them the opening to say they meant No Gifts or they can just tell you what the want for him I guess!

Then come back and update!

 

[kcromley]

a book is always a nice gift.