This is my son's first year of pre-school (3 yrs old). He has been invited to almost every child's birthday this year and they all seem to occur around the same time of year. Obviously, we cannot attend all of them, so my question is should I send a gift even if we do not attend the party. Remember, these are fellow 3 yr old classmates, not good friends.
No, just bring gifts to the parties you attend. No one expects a present if you're not there.
If you do attend the party, yes, you bring a gift. If you do not attend the party, you are not obligated to bring a gift.
No, there is no need to send a gift. A lot of parents feel obligated to invite everyone in the class. If this isn't someone your child is friends with - I would assume the invite was a formality and disregard it altogether.
I do not feel you need to but many mom's do. I feel that puts too much pressure to do the same. Do not know what is consider proper gift giving etiquette.
In this time of economic hardship, we parents really have to pick and choose what we're going to spend money on. I think you have already answered your own question -- if they're not close friends, or maybe not even aware of each other much at all at age 3 -- then it makes no sense to constantly send gifts to all of them. If you can find a source of cute, cheap gifts that a 3 year old will play with more than 5 minutes, that would be fine for giving to a bunch of kids. Maybe a couple of matchbook cars or something plastic for the boys, maybe an inexpensive doll or doll clothing for the girls, or some craft kits that are appropriate for the age group. Otherwise, I think nice card is sufficient. If you feel guilty about that, maybe a $5 gift card for Toys R Us would do.
