Birthday Party Etiquette - Plainview, NY

Personally, I would get all the kids invited to the party a small gift..and maybe an extra one for the boy you spoke of and give him to him on the side.

If you feel obligated to get him a gift...don't. If you want to...that's a whole other story.

Nanc

I would give you the exact same advice Mindy did - No need to buy a gift if you didn't attend the party and weren't close with the person.

we've been in the same situation. if the friendship continues to develop, there will be lots more opportunities for you to do nice, thoughtful things for them, and it will just come naturally. getting a gift now would be a bit awkward and forced, i would think. are you planning on putting together little party favors for your daughter's party? that would be a nice gesture.

Have you seen her since the b-day party? If not, you can still hand her a gift. I think, better late than never & it's just the thought that counts. I had gifts given to me for my son 3 weeks after his party but I hadn't seen the person so to me it was still very thoughtful :) Good luck.

I wouldn't worry about getting him a gift- catch the next one since you guys are good friends now! I am sure she understands the whole thing....or if you're ever out and about and see something he might like or a cute outfit, pick it up as a "just because" kind of thing. That's what I'd do! Hope this helps!
Lynsey

Ya i would get him a little something,you know when your in a store and you see that cute little something a boy would want (like a truck)get it for him and you dont even have to wrap it and say i fell bad i missed his bd. guaranteed she says ahhh you didnt have to do that.
when ever i cant make it to a party i usually get them a gift anyway...keeps the peace

I usually don't give presents for parties I don't attend, unless is a VERY close friend. Trust you gut,if you really want to give one then just do it!

I can understand your dilemma. However, I know for myself that I would not be offended if you didn't give my kid a gift and gave you kid one. It would be much more important that you be a good friend and be good to my kids then give them another toy that they don't need. And if she got upset by this I would truly wonder how genuine your friendship is with her.

You didn't attend the party, so there's no obligation to purchase a gift.

It's never to late to give a gift.

do something nice for her/her son...and tell her why...be honest, you did have plans but now that you're better friends you wished you had done something for them...it doesn't have to be a big deal...it's the thought that counts, so let her know what you're thinking!

Hi A.,
I think you have your answer just by being concerned if you should get her son a "belated" gift. If it's on your mind and you have concern (which sounds like you do), it may also be on her mind. So, get a gift and tell her you meant to give it to her son for his birthday but you got busy and missed doing so. If you're good friends, she'll understand you forgetting to give the gift, but I'm sure she'll greatly appreciate the thought. Seriously, I have bought gifts and wrapped them, then when we could not attend the party forgot to actually GIVE the gift. I'll find it in the closet or den a month or two later. Of course I give it to the mother and appologetically explain the truth - I forgot! Believe me, just about every mother understands "mommy brain" syndrome. If it'll settle your mind, do it. Your good thought will be appreciated. Happy Birthday to your daughter!

Hi A.,

If it's been a few months since his party, I would say not to buy a gift now. You're not obligated to buy a gift for a party you were not able to attend. She probably doesn't even remember whether you gave a gift or not. I don't buy gifts for the kids whose parties my kids are not able to attend unless it's one of their closest friends.

Good luck in planning your little girl's party, I hope it's a wonderful event.

You don't have to, if she is a friend your presence there was probably more important than a gift and probably doesn't even remember that you didn't give one.

I was reading your request & picked up on u being a stay at home mom for a little girl. I have a sweet little girl too & i'm looking for a babysitter. maybe we can talk.

I wouldn't get a gift. the kid probably received a ton and liked the paper it was wrapped in better than the toys, which are now stacked in a corner of the living room! for my sons 1st birthday i am telling my guests not to bring anything. he really doesn't need anything. so many kids these days have so many toys they don't even know what they have. my nieces received piles of gifts at their last party, it was ridiculous. the idea of a party should be to celebrate with friends, not to receive gifts. and if your new friend doesn't feel this way and is offended by not receiving a gift, maybe you shouldn't be friends.

I don't know what the etiquette is, but I would buy a gift. Since you've gotten closer, just be honest that you got caught up in other things and forgot. Have the gift with you at your party and give it to her there.

A true friend will understand.

Also, a lot of people feel that just becuase you can't attend a party means you don't have to buy a gift...I don't agree. I'm sure I'm in the minority, but we always give a little something, even a $3 or $4 gift from Walgreen's...just a little something to acknowledge the special person.

Best wishes,
J.

Hi A., Have fun planning your baby's birthday. I think if you want you can get a Toys R Us gift card, say you have been busy and your new friend can fill in anything she did not receive at her baby's party. This way you are covered. Not sure if there is a proper etiquette but you will feel better. Grandma Mary