PARTY Question-I need your help!

[DisneyFan32WI]

My dd11 hosted a Wizards of Waverly Place party this past weekend. We sent out invitations to all the girls in her class. 2 out of the 7 girls showed up with birthday presents for her. This was NOT a birthday party-and in no way shape or form could the invitation be misinterpreted. Her birthday was at the end of July, so this party was over a month later. The invitation was hawaiian themed with cut-out pictures of the Wizards of Waverly Place cast. It said, "Come watch the premiere showing of the Disney movie Wizards of Waverly Place. Beforehand, we will play volleyball outside and have food and fun together." There was a place to R.S.V.P. along with our address and telephone number. That was it.
Anyway, the two presents were $15 and $20 gift cards to Target.

I don't want to be rude and return the gifts. I also don't want these two families to think it was a party for her birthday. What would you do?
HELP!!!! I am really struggling with what to do.....Part of me says to write thank-you cards and mail them out. The other part of me wants to call the two families and let them know it wasn't her birthday.
Thank you for your help.

 

[mtemm]

I would call and return the gift cards. an easy mistake, no harm, no foul.

 

[Darcy03231]

I would call and return the gift cards. an easy mistake, no harm, no foul.

That's what I'd do too.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yep, make a call and give them back. They will find out eventually that it was not her b-day and then that will not go over well if you keep the cards.

 

[Duchie]

See, I was going to suggest doing both - writing a thank-you note and enclosing the gift cards in there. Something like, "The gift was so thoughtful and really appreciated, however since this wasn't a birthday party I'd like to return the cards to you." That sort of thing.

 

[kristilew]

Another persepective: I always send DD11 to any party with a gift for the hostess, even if I know for sure it's not a birthday party. That's just good manners. Granted, I try to get her to pick out an actual gift that she knows the hostess will like, but a lot of people think gift cards are great.

So, no, I wouldn't send the cards back. A thank you note with "I'm so glad you could come to the party" should suffice.

If you're sure they thought it was a birthday gift they were giving, and not a hostess gift, then maybe use the cards to buy a game or craft or spa thingy that your DD can invite the giver over to share with her.


ETA: I just looked at where you are from. There may be very different social rules there, in which case, nothing I wrote above would apply. But in NC, parties = hostess gifts, even for tweens.

 

[Angelhalo]

I would just call and explain that it wasn't her birthday and ask how you can return the cards to them. No biggie.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Thanks everyone