My bad for clicking on the ‘invitation’

[Anonymous]

I got what looked like an evite for a baby shower event (which I thought was odd for a second child, but whatever) and turns out it’s a “virtual sprinkle” with a very limited number of friends being asked to contribute to one large gift. I would have happily attended an event (or sent regrets and a gift) but I feel like I just got hoodwinked because now the “host” can see that I’ve clicked on it, and responses are requested, so with such a small list I will stand out if I don’t participate. I am not into virtual-only “events” that are literally just gift grabs. At least with an in-person “sprinkle” you have the opportunity to socialize and have an enjoyable afternoon, but this is just Give Me Money. Just venting, ugh. I feel arm-twisted into participating.

[Anonymous]

You do not have to participate, period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You do not have to participate, period.

Also, if you want to participate, there's no minimum. The sprinkle organizers will make up for any "shortfall" when they go to purchase the gift they chose. Don't feel guilty.

[Anonymous]

I guarantee you, even if youdidn’t click the invitation they would have reached out anyway, especislly if you are close to them. You know the usual ‘just making sure our invitation didn’t end up in the spam folder..)

[Anonymous]

I'd "forget" to contribute. Then if the host follows up, say you prefer to do an individual gift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You do not have to participate, period.

+1

The only one twisting your arm is yourself. Don't participate if you don't want to. I give you permission.

[Anonymous]

The person obviously made a huge mistake inviting you because let's be honest... you sound like a miserable person.

[Anonymous]

Can you just say that you already have plans during that time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The person obviously made a huge mistake inviting you because let's be honest... you sound like a miserable person.

Hi, trolly!

OP, just because someone asks doesn’t mean you need to say yes. Just decline and say you’re doing your own thing. Or if you were going to spend $25 anyway then throw $25 towards the gift from the group, if you want. But absolutely do not feel pressured to do anything more than what you were already going to do.

[Anonymous]

I have never heard of this! I would just say I have a prior commitment and send a gift. What a tacky event!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The person obviously made a huge mistake inviting you because let's be honest... you sound like a miserable person.

You would know misery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got what looked like an evite for a baby shower event (which I thought was odd for a second child, but whatever) and turns out it’s a “virtual sprinkle” with a very limited number of friends being asked to contribute to one large gift. I would have happily attended an event (or sent regrets and a gift) but I feel like I just got hoodwinked because now the “host” can see that I’ve clicked on it, and responses are requested, so with such a small list I will stand out if I don’t participate. I am not into virtual-only “events” that are literally just gift grabs. At least with an in-person “sprinkle” you have the opportunity to socialize and have an enjoyable afternoon, but this is just Give Me Money. Just venting, ugh. I feel arm-twisted into participating.

Your problem here is you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The person obviously made a huge mistake inviting you because let's be honest... you sound like a miserable person.

I gave a very generous first baby gift to this couple. And if they were having an actual event for this “sprinkle,” I would attend and give a modest gift, or send regrets with a modest gift if I couldn’t make this. But stuff like this is not “let’s gather and celebrate New Baby,” it is: give us gifts.

[Anonymous]

It really is a shake down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The person obviously made a huge mistake inviting you because let's be honest... you sound like a miserable person.

I gave a very generous first baby gift to this couple. And if they were having an actual event for this “sprinkle,” I would attend and give a modest gift, or send regrets with a modest gift if I couldn’t make this. But stuff like this is not “let’s gather and celebrate New Baby,” it is: give us gifts.

So don't. The pressure you feel to give is entirely self-inflicted.