Birthday Party Etiquette - Luther,OK

Updated on October 15, 2010
H.C. asks from Luther, OK
20 answers

My 4 year old has been invited to one of her Pre K classmates birthday party. It's being held at McDonald's so the kids can play and the entire class of 20 is invited and that doesn't include family. I was thinking of just doing a $10 gift card but I'm not sure. Should we take a gift or not?

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L.N.

answers from New York on

why shouldn't you bring a gift? Did the invitation say 'no gifts?'
no gift card. buy a toy, find out the child's interests and then shop accordingly.

5 moms found this helpful
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R.F.

answers from Dallas on

Most parties don't include family - maybe a parent, but siblings should not be assumed that they can attend. It's only McDonald's - grab a salad and bring a gift.

5 moms found this helpful

More Answers

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Why would you consider NOT taking a gift?

Of course you take a gift.

7 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

Yes, always bring a gift. Even a small one.

5 moms found this helpful
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R.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I would do a gift for someone that young. So easy to find a barbie or GI Joe that can fit into that price range :).

4 moms found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Of course you should take a gift! Instead of a $10 gift card, find a $10 toy that would be of interest to the child. Target and Walmart have a lot of toys around $10.

4 moms found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

You always take a gift for a child's birthday party, even if YOU would not mind someone not bringing one to your child's party. Maybe, if you would like to stick to the gift card idea, have it along with an arrangement of fun balloons from a party store. This may run about 5-10 bucks depending on how crazy you go what types of items you use but that could be a really fun way to get the gift card for a kid.

3 moms found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

absolutely! A gift is always welcome....& I truly would not give a gift card. A little bit of thought & effort will produce a much happier child for the same amount of $$ !!

A gift bag of hair accessories or art supplies. A craft kit, Barbie clothes, a special book.....all are simple ideas!

3 moms found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Of course you should take a gift! Whatever you can afford is fine.

3 moms found this helpful
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A.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

Yes, bring a small gift. And I think a $10.00 gift card is totally appropriate for a classmate you and your child do not know that well. Naturally, she will be getting quite a few gifts from having a large party. I think it's always a treat to get to shop and pick out something special for yourself.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.O.

answers from San Antonio on

I would take a gift. Not a gift card.
Just my opinion, but gift cards work for adults, who you don't know what they like, & for older kids and teens who can make decisions for their own purchases.
4 year olds love gifts! They want to open something and touch it on the spot.
Hope she has a good time.

2 moms found this helpful

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

I wouldn't do a gift card for a 4-year old, personally, but $10 is totally appropriate. Or less, even. When this happened with my son's preschool class, we picked out a cute, inexpensive long-sleeved shirt in my son's size, included a gift receipt and it turned out, the mom told me the kid LOVED the shirt and wears it all the time. AND, I spent less than $10 (ex: "Jumping Beans" merchandise at Kohls). BONUS.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.H.

answers from Fayetteville on

Yes, it is appropriate to take a gift.

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O.S.

answers from Birmingham on

Gift cards are not appropriate for that age child. Definitely take a gift to any birthday party. If it's just a playday .. no gift needed. You will be able to find a gift for same or less money even at a drug store. Also, only her food is provided from the hostess. Any other family members are just there for guidance and transportation needs.

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J.C.

answers from Lincoln on

Yes, definitely bring a gift. $10 range is fine, but not a giftcard. A preschooler won't understand why you gave her a credit card. ;-) Go to the store and find something fun. Preschool is an easy age to shop for.

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K.E.

answers from New York on

I would absolutely take a gift - no question about it. You also might feel a bit awkward if you (or your child) showed up empty handed while everyone else has brought something. I agree with many of the other posts that a small, inexpensive gift would be perfect and can be found at a chain store. Good luck!

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C.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Yes bring a gift. Sometimes a get a more expensive gift on sale for about $5 to $7.
The main thing is respond. So many times people just forgot to respond.

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A.W.

answers from Baton Rouge on

Yes, I would take a gift, you would want her friend to bring your child a present. You can just get a cheap games/toys from the dollar store.

C.S.

answers from Medford on

I would take a gift, but not a gift card. Kids that age don't appriciate the value of it (just my opinion). I set a $10.00 price limit on classmates gifts, including the card and wrapping. This is sometimes difficult, but we have a lot of parties! You can get a couple cars, a small babydoll, or books, or color book and crayons, bubbles are always great too. The Dollar Tree is great for those type gifts. I think the $10.00 cost is good, but I would take your child to the store to help pick out a gift.

L.M.

answers from Dover on

Either a gift card or a gift definately.

Are you taking your whole family or just the invited child? If you take the rest of your family, you should be taking care of their food (only your 4yr old should be "covered" by the party).

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