OT: Help w/b-day party invitation

[mom2alix]

For DD's b-day next month we're having a party and inviting everyone in her class (about 20 kids).

So, I talked to her classroom teacher and instead of gifts what we'd like to do is have everyone bring a new or gently used book to the party that we can donate to their class reading nook.

My problem is that I have no idea how to word that on the invitations, so I thought someone on this board might have some ideas? Please help!

 

[bopper]

Etiquette-wise you shouldn't put requests for gifts on an invitation. It makes it sound like it is expected. Not that you don't have a nice idea. If people ask you what she would like, I would mention that she would really like books for the classroom. Otherwise, take what you get.

 

[rt2dz]

You can put on an ivitation that you are requesting no gifts. Putting on specific requests for gifts (cash, gift cards, registry or actual gifts) is what is not proper. What you can say on the ivitation is "no gifts please" or "gifts not necessary" or "instead of gifts you may make a charitable donation of a new or slightly used book to ______"

ETA: Just be sure if anyone does still bring a gift to be gracious about it. Say thank you, put it aside so that those who didn't bring gifts don't see it and feel bad, open it after the party, and send a written thank you note. Some people are just not comfortable not bringing a gift.