No gifts please...

[XYSRUS]

What to do to celebrate a family friend's 60th birthday with the No Gifts Please on her invitation-it's a surprise party, too.

 

[Michelle67]

Show up, have a great time, visit, and enjoy the day!

 

[Dodie]

If it were me, I'd go to the party and be part of the surprise, assuming that my presence would be "gift enough." I'd definitely respect the "no gifts" request. Most people have so much "stuff," especially as they get older, that they don't need more.

 

[Allison]

Show up and enjoy the party-that's the celebration.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Yep, just go and have a good time. I put "no presents, please" on my DD13's birthday party invitations. It's a rough year for everyone and she really doesn't need anything. I asked her if she would rather her friends come and hang out, or only have a few friends come and bring gifts? She chose her friends over gifts. If you feel the need to bring something, bring your camera, take pictures and share them with your friend after the party. That's the best gift of all -- memories!

 

[EthansMom]

I might have a copy made of an old photo to give to the friend or just take a card with a note letting them know how much I value their friendship.

 

[koolaidmoms]

Give a donation in their honor to an organization that represents something they believe in? A local animal shelter, homeless shelter, arts society?

My DD for her 8th party wanted no gifts for herself but asked if they children felt a desire to to give a toy to the local children's hospital where she had spent a great deal of time as an infant. She's a great kid

 

[arminnie]

Speaking firsthand for those 60 and above - PLEASE do not give them anymore "stuff".

Almost every person I know my age is seriously looking at renting a dumpster to get rid of all the junk that has been accumulated.

I would say that 90% of the stuff I got last year from friends went straight to goodwill. I have asked again this year for NO presents.

My best presents last year:
A gift certificate for a massage (did the hot stone at SSR)
A promise to paint a room of my choice from my sister (who is unemployed due to several surgeries)

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Give a donation in their honor to an organization that represents something they believe in?

 

[dislal]

I would say just go and enjoy the party, but if you really feel that you want to give some type of gift I would give a GC to a local restauraunt that the person likes.

 

[daisax]

Speak to the person organizing the party -- I've been to such parties where all the invitees are asked to write a note or a story/memory down on a piece of paper, maybe even include a photo, and an album is presented to the guest of honor.

You could have something similar to do "live" at the event -- a big album with colorful pens for friends to scribble their good wishes.