another 1st bday party question

[LoveTrains]

My friends are throwing a 1st birthday party for the twins. I am going. the invitation says "please no gifts, please consider making a donation to XXXX charity instead of a gift."

I was planning on a gift for each child. I should definitely do the donation right, and not bring a gift?

I want to do the right thing here, but will I feel weird if I make a donation and then show up empty handed?!

[Deleted]

Some people will still bring gifts. It really is better not to. The only people I could convince not to give DS gifts were those with kids that I could promise I would not buy a birthday gift.

I would do what they asked, and not feel bad about being empty handed. Or buy the parents a bottle of champagne to celebrate surviving year 1 with twins!

[ryry]

Do what they asked, and bring cards for the birthday girls. We asked for no gifts at my DD's birthday party (even if that is considered tacky...) and it was awkward when some people still brought gifts because I was not planning on opening gifts during the party.

[Deleted]

If the invite says they don't want gifts...then then don't want gifts. Donate, and say so in their birthday card.

[ellipses84]

I would donate, but I bet other people will bring gifts. If you want to take a small gift, give them books!

[karinothing]

I would donate and not bring a gift. They probably have all they need.

[bunch]

Don't bring a gift!

[Mrs.Syntax]

Don't bring a gift for the kids. I love the booze idea for the parents though!

[dragonfly08]

DD #2 recently went to a party where the mom requested donations to save endangered zebras in lieu of gifts.

Almost every child brought a small item for the birthday child, along with the donation. Stuff like a candy bar, a hand drawn picture, etc. DD made her a bead bracelet.

[ECB]

I agree- don't bring a gift. Even if other people show up w/ gifts, the parents will really appreciate that YOU didn't. I'd rather appease them than worry about what the other gift-givers thought. And honestly - if they think anything, they should think "Oh- she did what they asked.... I didn't. Oops".

[LoveTrains]

Thanks guys - this was the confidence boost I needed to make the donation and not bring a present.