I keep a stack of extra kids books from when Amazon has sales. When we went to a no gifts party we signed the inside cover with a happy birthday note and gave her that. So it's like a card but I'm covered if other people bring gifts.
Bring no gift. I'm one of those annoying parents that puts no gifts on invites, and I really appreciate it when other parents listen to me. Or, if you'd really like, have your kid draw a picture (or scribble on some paper) to make a card for the birthday kid. That seems popular in our circle.
Post by thebreakfastclub on Aug 1, 2015 15:25:28 GMT -5
Our friends' son turned 2 a month ago, and they had a no gifts party for him. We brought nothing, and no one else seemed to either.
We were there for Christmas Eve, and the boy had an amazing amount of gifts waiting for him under the tree, with still more to come. They give us unused toys each time we visit, because the kid has so much he can't get to it all.
I was relieved they have shut it down and dropped the gifts going forward.
Oh I like the stickers idea! I'd give no gifts if that's what they said to do... with a thank you for having me card scribbled on by your kid. I'd include a bottle of wine of I had one handy. I'm lazy.
I'd hate to show up with no gift if other kids brings gifts only because I know my kid remembers who gave him what things. He constantly talks about "those awesome bubbles Harry gave me" or "that Sophia gave me that Dusty Crophopper toy".
I guess I don't understand why this is so complicated. If it says no gifts, I bring no gifts.
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It's complicated because of all the people who ignore the direction. So you look like the asshole when everyone else shows up with a gift. (I agree that obeying instructions should work, but no.)
But why do you feel the people who DON'T bring gifts are the "assholes"?? Seriously, why? TRUST ME, the parents who asked for no gifts will appreciate that people respected their wish. I think the people who don't bring gifts should be looking at the people who DO bring gifts as the "assholes" here.
Post by redheadbaker on Aug 1, 2015 17:16:30 GMT -5
After the last "no gift" party we attended -- that had a dedicated gift table full of gifts -- I will always bring a gift, probably a gift card to a book store or toy store.
Post by scribellesam on Aug 1, 2015 21:18:13 GMT -5
Depends on the phrasing. If the invite says straight out "no gifts please" then I follow the rules. If it says something like "gifts aren't necessary" then I bring consumables because those are the parties with a giant table set out for the presents you supposedly weren't meant to bring.
Was at one this morning - we brought a card and gave the birthday boy $5 (from our two older kids). It was a no gifts/kind of a toonie party (Canadian thing - everyone brings a $2 coin for the birthday kid).