Kid's Birthday Party and No Gift Request

[DisneyCowgirl]

Parents--If your young child (ages 4-5 or so) gets a birthday party invitation that indicates "no gifts," do you go with that, or do you bring a gift anyway?

I followed that instruction this past weekend, but when we got to the party, there was a table piled high with gifts and I was a little embarrassed. I know the parents in this case put a no gift indication on the invitation because their kids have plenty and what they really want is to have a party (same thing with my kid--gifts from grandparents are enough; what he wants is to have his friends come over and have cake and decorations). It was not because some people invited might not be able to afford a gift.

What do you think?

 

[disneyjunkie]

I can"t bring myself to go to a party without a gift.

The few times we've encountered the no gift request, I just gave a card with a gift card inside instead.

 

[Polyluvr]

I can"t bring myself to go to a party without a gift.

The few times we've encountered the no gift request, I just gave a card with a gift card inside instead.

ITA!

I understand that's not what the invite stated; but it would just feel so rude to me- JMHO

 

[disneygirl212]

My sister has 3 children under the age of 5. Last year she began having their birthday parties and asked for no gifts. At first I thought it a little weird, but if you see all the toys they have, it makes sense. The children never mention opening gifts at the party. What we usually do, is wait until the party is over, then they open gifts from the family.

 

[kacaju]

Parents--If your young child (ages 4-5 or so) gets a birthday party invitation that indicates "no gifts," do you go with that, or do you bring a gift anyway?

I followed that instruction this past weekend, but when we got to the party, there was a table piled high with gifts and I was a little embarrassed. I know the parents in this case put a no gift indication on the invitation because their kids have plenty and what they really want is to have a party (same thing with my kid--gifts from grandparents are enough; what he wants is to have his friends come over and have cake and decorations). It was not because some people invited might not be able to afford a gift.

What do you think?

I have no problem not bringing a gift to an adult for an adult Birthday Party. I could not, NOT bring a gift for a child if invited to a child's Birthday Party

 

[kdfogliano]

I have been to a few parties like that, but I have to bring a small gift anyway, I usually make sure it fits in my purse in case no one else has brought a gift, then I hold onto it

My kids have a lot of toys too, but its a birthday party!!

Once I was invited and asked to bring food but no gifts!!!! to a little boys party!

 

[LuvOrlando]

You weren't wrong to not bring a gift. If the party was big enough it could be that the presents were from family, not friends. That said I would have brought a gift anyway, even if it were something small, because I would have felt funny going empty handed no matter where it was or what was being celebrated. But that's just me.

 

[golfgal]

I think it is rude for the parents to have a "no gift" party for little kids. The other kids like to pick out presents for their friends and the looks on their little faces when their friends open their presents is just priceless. I TOTALLY understand having too much "stuff" but this is not the area to skimp. Now, if it was family only-adults, ok, but not if there are other little kids there.

 

[kymmyk13]

this past January for DD5's Birthday I asked for no gifts but instead to bring nonperishable food items to give to our church food panty. The kids did not miss the gift opening time and 2 people did bring gifts and I just let DD open them when we got home. She even told me recently that she did want Santa to bring her any toys because she has enough. But I think Santa has already gotten her toys.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Well so far the responses just make me feel BAD! I was planning to say no gifts for my son's party because he won't know the difference and it seems so unnecessary.

One party he was invited to requested everyone bring a wrapped new book and at the end of the party each kid went home with one of them as the favor. A book-swap. I thought that was fun, but thinking back on it maybe it was odd--the guests provided the favors?

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

I think it is rude for the parents to have a "no gift" party for little kids. The other kids like to pick out presents for their friends and the looks on their little faces when their friends open their presents is just priceless. I TOTALLY understand having too much "stuff" but this is not the area to skimp. Now, if it was family only-adults, ok, but not if there are other little kids there.

I think I agree with this more as the kids get older, but so far the gifts have not been opened during the party at any party we've been to (these kids are at most turning 5).

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

this past January for DD5's Birthday I asked for no gifts but instead to bring nonperishable food items to give to our church food panty. The kids did not miss the gift opening time and 2 people did bring gifts and I just let DD open them when we got home. She even told me recently that she did want Santa to bring her any toys because she has enough. But I think Santa has already gotten her toys.

Santa plans ahead!

 

[Wishing on a star]

don't feel BAD!!!!!

Like some of the others, I TOTALLY understand...
I've been there, where the important thing to DS was 'having a party.... friends, other kids, etc...

But, depending on what kind of a party... who is invited, etc... Most of the time, unless people are truly in a hard place and going out and buying a gift might be a bit much for them... I think many people DO enjoy bringing gifts to light up a little kids eyes.

It is totally and entirely two sided...
Both sides are valid...

To some, they may not be as close, and this is 'another birthday party to go and pick something out...'

But, to people who know your child, they will probably want to bring something!

 

[golfgal]

I think I agree with this more as the kids get older, but so far the gifts have not been opened during the party at any party we've been to (these kids are at most turning 5).

Well if they are not opening the presents at the party then I think no gifts or bring a book to donate to the library or something is fine. Around here kids always open presents at a birthday party so I guess I didn't think of them not doing that.

 

[RockAndRollBallerina]

I can absolutely understand why a parent would write "no gifts" on a birthday party invitation. It could be that the child already has enough toys, or too many of them. Another thing to consider is that the economy is in rough shape right now too, so that very well could be a reason why the parent doesn't want any gifts brought to the party either.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I bring no gift and could care less. I hate shopping for gifts.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

At my daughters 7th birthday party she received so many gifts it took three car loads to get them all home. I really wished I had said no gifts for that one

 

[luvmy3]

I think it is rude for the parents to have a "no gift" party for little kids. The other kids like to pick out presents for their friends and the looks on their little faces when their friends open their presents is just priceless. I TOTALLY understand having too much "stuff" but this is not the area to skimp. Now, if it was family only-adults, ok, but not if there are other little kids there.

I personally don't think its rude for the guests, but I do feel bad for the birthday child, however I can totally understand the request when your child has so much that they don't know what to do with already. I do like the idea of bringing an item to donate (as long as the child had a little say in that decision).

OP, I wouldn't feel bad for going along with the request, but me personally, I would not be able to not bring something, even if it was just a small giftcard.

 

[dispor]

At the very least, the host should have put the gifts in an unused room, not leave them out. She could have thanked the guests, said they weren't necessary, and had her child open the gifts later.

Please tell me they didn't allow the child to open the gifts at the party...

You should NOT feel bad for complying with the request for no gifts.

 

[Michelle and crew]

I do. That said, I learned to cover my butt by making a donation to the animal shelter in their name. The shelter gives a nice dog pic.