If You Were Invited- WWYD?

Celine · #1 September 3rd, 2011, 05:29 AM

Maybe you have been to a babys' birthday party already where the host stated on the invite "no presents please". What do you bring to the party? Do you really show up empty handed?

I asked my friend if I could bring a dish or help w/ anything else. But was told that they have the menu already planned. I guess they don't need help...? I totally accepted help from people for Sophias' party and even asked for volunteers to bring something.

Have you been to a party where you weren't supposed to bring a present? What did you do?

PS: The party is held by a friend of mine. Not family. Otherwise I would give money.

MamaAnna · #2 September 3rd, 2011, 05:43 AM

I would bring a card and maybe write a personalized message in it. Otherwise I would do what was requested and show up empty handed.

KMH · #3 September 3rd, 2011, 05:48 AM

I would respect their wishes and not bring a present, but I'd definitely get a card. Also if you know the family well enough to know a cause they support, you could always give a gift to that charity in the child's name if you really want to "do" something.

Irish_Wristwatch · #4 September 3rd, 2011, 05:52 AM

I would respect their wishes and not bring a gift, I would bring a card though

Rochelle7 · #5 September 3rd, 2011, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMH

I would respect their wishes and not bring a present, but I'd definitely get a card. Also if you know the family well enough to know a cause they support, you could always give a gift to that charity in the child's name if you really want to "do" something.

I like this.

I've never been to one but have considered doing that. I figured everyone would still bring something though so I never bothered.

inyourhonor · #6 September 3rd, 2011, 06:22 AM

Yeah, I'd respect their wishes. A card I'm sure would be fine.

They probably have it all planned out and probably appreciate your offer for help, but I wouldn't worry too much

I would go and celebrate! After all, isn't that what the party is really about?

sunshyne57 · #7 September 3rd, 2011, 07:18 AM

I would respect their wishes as well

rainbow_brite19 · #8 September 3rd, 2011, 09:26 AM

I agree with the other ladies. I would just bring a card.

lala2007 · #9 September 3rd, 2011, 03:22 PM

I also agree with just bringing a card. I have never been in that situation though.

Celine · #10 September 3rd, 2011, 05:01 PM

Thanks for your opinions. I do feel weird going there w/ just a card, but the baby really has a LOT of toys already, that's probably why they don't want presents. I was going to make her a knot blanket.

Oh well.

mommydiva · #11 September 4th, 2011, 12:33 AM

I would bring a card outside of that I would respect their wishes or find out if there is a charity they are into and donate in the child's name or something like that.

KatieHeitman · #12 September 4th, 2011, 06:30 AM

I would bring a card. If you really want to bring something maybe bring some flowers.

Trish36 · #13 September 4th, 2011, 09:17 AM

I would feel weird going without a present too. What I would do is get some sort of Savings Bond in whatver amount. Those are usually redeemable in 10 years. Not sure how it is in the US. The child will surely appreciate that when she's older. Just an idea. I know it's still a present, but at least it's not toys.

Juliebird18 · #14 September 4th, 2011, 11:25 AM

I don't think you have to feel weird. If you go out to dinner for a friend's birthday you don't have to bring a gift. The kid wont know the difference and honestly, if I said no presents and people brought toys, I would be kinda mad. Sometimes kids have too much already.

Maybe you could donate a toy to a homeless shelter in the kids honor or bring a giftcard for the parents to enjoy. I like the idea someone had about bringing flowers.

Luvgreen19 · #15 September 4th, 2011, 01:43 PM

I'm with everyone else- either make a donation to a nice cause or do a savings bond. Really no one can get mad that you contributed to the kid's future

Venus · #16 September 5th, 2011, 12:52 AM

I would give them gift card with some money in it so they can buy whatever they like.

I did this for DS's first birthday as right through baby shower until he was one we were getting too many presents out of which 80% were useless...on his birthday we expected around sixty guests so I wrote in invite 'no presents only blessings' and everyone gave some cash in greeting card or gave gift card..both were useful..cash went in his saving accounts and used gift card for buying useful stuff.

krystal g · #17 September 5th, 2011, 11:48 AM

I put "No gift necessary" on Colby's invitation. I did it mainly because I didn't want people to feel obligated and he has plenty already (he did, of course, get lots of presents from us and his grandparents). Most brought nothing (which was completely fine by me), one brought a gift and he got several cards with cash but most of the cards were from really close family. I, however, did not get upset in any way that people did give him something - I didn't care, I just didn't want people to feel like they had to.

I wouldn't bring anything except maybe a card if you want.