no gift party.... wording?

[ashleyd725@hotmail.c]

DD will be having a bday party and I'm inviting some of my sons friends from school because they all really adore her and she loves playing with them... But I just want them to come and have fun and not have to worry about bringing a present...
I wanted to put a little insert in with the invite that was something cute and age appropriate.
DD will be turning 2 DS's friends are 5
Any suggestions?

 

[MSSANDRA]

I would only do this if it is a total "no gift" party. A 5 year old comes with out a gift and the other guest all have one to give is not going to go over well. I would either not invite (though I think it is a sweet idea) or just not adress the gift idea at all. If they want to bring one fine, if not fine. If you know the parents well enough just mention that your daughter loves when these boys play with her and thought they might like to celebrate with her. Sort of a tough situation???????

 

[zoemurr]

other friends to bring a gift? I agree I would do all or nothing. Not sure a 2yr old would miss it.

We don't do gifts at friend parites. They get plenty of family gifts and we don't need more stuff.

I just put
*No gifts please* (however a home made card would be nice) As a family we often collect donations on our birthdays. If you would like to bring some snack foods for us to bring to the local Ronald McDonald House we will donate them in N's name. Thanks!

 

[Vacation Lover]

Maybe just call the parents of the boys and say, "DS would love (friend) to come and keep him company during DD's birthday party. DD loves him like a brother and DS would really like some kids his own age there, so please don't send a gift."

If you want to do the insert in the invitation, you could say, "Your presence is a gift; we need no other."


ETA, I disagree with above posters; I don't think it's a problem asking the older boys not to bring a gift, even if DDs friends are. I assume you're only asking a couple of DS friends and the rest of the kids are DD's age? I don't think it would be an issue.

 

[ashleyd725@hotmail.c]

It will be mostly family and then just these couple of friends... So fam will bring gifts no matter what I say!
Just wanted the kids to come and play and not worry about a gift...

 

[Vacation Lover]

It will be mostly family and then just these couple of friends... So fam will bring gifts no matter what I say!
Just wanted the kids to come and play and not worry about a gift...

When my kids were toddlers/preschoolers we didn't open gifts at the party. There was just too much going on and, at that age, they don't want to sit and watch someone open presents. We waited and opened them at home, then sent thank you notes. That way, nobody notices who does or doesn't bring a gift. I think it's great that you're including the boys. Have fun!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

A phrase we have used is, "instead of a gift, bring a dish if you wish" or, "our wish is for no gifts but ask that you make a donation to your favorite charity".

 

[LuLuO]

I've tried to do a no gift party and it just doesn't work. Some people always bring gifts no matter what and the ones who don't always feel bad. Just let everyone bring a gift.

 

[tlh0726]

We ask for a donation for the animal shelter instead of a gift. I call the local shelter and ask what they are in need of and then list the items on the invite as examples.