I am having a party for my daugher and her daycare class but none of them seem to do that (as she only been invited to one, which we could not atttend) and I wondered if it was ok to say on the invitation that gifts aren't necessary. I really do think that their presence is the present and know that my little girl feels the same way. She is an only child and does not get to be around other kids at all on the weekends so I know this will be a huge treat for her. I hope most people come and I don't want anyone to feel pressured to bring a gift (if indeed they do that for toddlers, do they?). Would love to know your thoughts. Thanks mom's !!
Yes! It's absolutly OK to say "no gifts please". I have also done "bring a book to donate to Children's Hospital". Or a book exchange where every child brings a book of a certain value and goes home with a different one. Hope that helps!
Put just what you said on the bottom of the invite:
"Your presence is our present...No gifts please."
Otherwise, gifts will be given.
Happy Bday to your little one!
I think "no gifts please" is not only appropriate but kind.
I have to say, lots of people like the "bring a gift I can donate to XYZ" idea. I have seen it a lot. I do not appreciate this particular program. People like to give to the charities of their own choosing. And, for mom's who have several kids and therefore 10 plus parties to shuttle around to and gifts to buy during the year, the cost in time and money is plenty. Adding coerced philanthropy on top of it is a little annoying, regardless of the small amount. And, it still requires an investment in time for mom. The "no gifts" idea is a gift to the people you invite. (I sound like Oscar the Grouch, don't I?)
Have fun and don't forget the camera!
I think that is totally fine. We tried this with my two year old's party this year but everyone save for 2 still brought gifts :-)
At my daughter's last birthday party, she asked for no gifts, but if her guests wanted to bring a stuffed animal or doll, she was going to donate them to the Red Cross. So, there was no pressure or awkwardness if you did either, no stuffed animal or yes they brought one. People like to help people and I think many of the moms kinda "got into it" in picking something up for the Red Cross, and also loved it as a teaching opportunity for they own kids. Books and stuffed animals are cheap things people can buy. Also, you could do an animal theme and have them bring something to donate to the SPCA. Old towels, used newspapers, old rugs, or pet food, pet toys, etc... There's a list on the SPCA website of things they need. That would help them out and possibly cost nothing to donate.
I think that is fine. I received an invite once for my 2 1/2 year old stating "please no gifts". I thought that was totally appropriate.
I agree with Jodi. Most of the time daycare parties are just a social event. I have attended a few as a princess(www.thedressuplady.com) and there hasn't really been any problem with gifts.
If you have it on the invites that should be enough. Say Happy birthday to your princess from me(cinderella, belle or whoever. lol)!
Our daughter is now 6. Every year I have always put the phrase "gifts are not necessary, but your presence is always welcome". A few will always show with no gift, but most everyone always brings one. We have taught her to greet each person at the door as if they are the only ones there. It's worked really well and the kids never seem to mind if they have gifts or not. Good Luck!!
This is absolutely ok. Check the internet for how to word this.
We did this last year. Be prepared to still recieve a few gifts. (which for us, was fine).
Another idea is to do a book swap. we went to a party a while back and this is what they did. Instead of those gift bags (that drive us nuts) they asked all the kids to bring an unwrapped book. as the kiddos were leaving, they got to choose a book to take home. Leftover books were sent to a local charity. It was a win-win thing for the kids I think.
I have been to parties where on the invite it stated "In lieu of gifts, please bring a new copy of your child's favorite book to donate to XYZ Charity."
This is a great idea!
That may help but most may simply be saying....its just daycare and not like they are old enough for real friends. My oldest daughter, now 9, met her best friend in daycare. They are great together and already have several years history. I think you need to reach out to the parents personally and invite the 'family' to come celebrate your daughters bday. Try to mention something personal about their daughter and yours....they always play so good together, your daughter calls one of her babies at home their daughters name, etc....try to make it personal and maybe they will feel more welcome and not so out of place. A lot of parents thinkof daycare as the before work and after work spot but nothing personal for hte adult. Just something they basically have to do in order to work. With my daughter and her daycare friend....her mom and i are now super close and i cant imagine their 'family' not being around ours.
Our daughter is 14 and we throw BIG parties, however, for years, the invitation says....no gifts please.
She is an only as well and extremely social. She LOVES big parties. We have her bday, end of school, halloween or back to school....all with a great DJ and bunch of kids.
She really does not expect gifts either....she enjoys the social scene.
Another thought, we've done before....is to say in lieu of gifts, please bring a can of food for the food bank or food for the animal shelter, etc.
Have fun!
