Gift Cards for dd's 5th Birthday...Question

[PrincessTiannaLove]

Hi! We are doing Dream for 3 nights and then WDW YC for 4 nights to celebrate dd's 5th birthday. I had asked gparents, aunts, uncles & close friends to purchase dd gift cards for Disney in any amount they choose so she can buy what she chooses to for her bday. All of the people that I have told this to loved the idea. We don't have to tell her no, unless she runs out of spending money. She has plenty of toys, clothes, etc. & this seemed like a perfect solution of bday gifts she doesn't need. So, my dilemma is that a few friends have told me to send in the invite a nice note telling friends & family that we are doing the gift cards. Just as an idea for what to get. Or maybe cute things "Disney" that she can do on the plane, downtime for those who don't want to purchase a gift card.

My question is....does anyone have a cute way to put it in a message for the invites? I don't want to ask people, but a lot of people will ask what to get her. We always have big parties, (around 30 kids) so talking to each one beforehand isn't always a possibility. Just want a cute, nice way to say...if you wish to help dd Celebrate at WDW, please feel free to send her a GC in any amount you wish! (But better & sweeter. I am not always good with execution!)

Also, please no mean responses or digs. I used to find asking for $$ for wedding gifts & such was tacky, but have learned that sometimes it is ok to ask, when people would really rather give what you want/need. And again, this is for close friends & family.
Thanks in advance!

 

[MSSANDRA]

I would put a RSVP in your invite and when people call to respond and often ask what she would like, you can say a gift card or whatever. I would never be mean to you, but I would not feel comfortable suggesting any type of gift in the invite. You can certainly spread the word to your closest family and to any one that ask. She is likely to get more gift cards just with that than she may want or need. You really do not want the trip to end up being about how much money she can spend. Maybe consider, if she ends up getting a large amount, adding BBB or a special princess meal or whatever.

 

[sk!mom]

I don't think there is a nice way to ask for cash or any other specific gift. I agree with just spreading the word if people ask.

 

[Kristian]

I would put a RSVP in your invite and when people call to respond and often ask what she would like, you can say a gift card or whatever. I would never be mean to you, but I would not feel comfortable suggesting any type of gift in the invite. You can certainly spread the word to your closest family and to any one that ask. She is likely to get more gift cards just with that than she may want or need. You really do not want the trip to end up being about how much money she can spend. Maybe consider, if she ends up getting a large amount, adding BBB or a special princess meal or whatever.

I agree that I would not suggest a certain type of gift card as a gift in an invitation. I know that your intentions are well, but to me it just wouldn't come across the right way to other people. I've seen lot's of invitations lately for kid's birthday parties that note that gifts aren't expected and things such as that, but I've always just been comfortable with guests bringing (or not bringing) whatever they want. It's fine to let anyone know who calls asking about a gift idea that she would really prefer something Disney related that she could use on the trip or just a Disney GC. I totally understand the whole "toy overload" situation. My dd's birthday is a month before Christmas, so we get gifts from early November until after Christmas and it's a mess. It is appreciated, don't get me wrong, but she definitely doesn't need anymore toys.

I also agree with the pp that if your dd get's a large amount of money or gift cards that you could put some of it toward BBB or something special...maybe even the Princess Tea Party while your at WDW.

We gave our dd $100 on a GC for her first time to WDW. It bought a whole lot of junk...no joke. It was her money and it was hers to spend on what she wanted and when. It bought a whole lot of stuffed animals, trinket toys, and some candy. All of it landed in the floor once we got home, minus the candy. Next time, I plan on giving her enough to spend on one stuffed animal and maybe something else and then the rest will go to something else, like BBB, Pirates League, etc.