if your kid misses a classmates bday party (was sick) do you still give a present?

[Anonymous]

My kids were sick and so at the last minute we didn't end up attending one of their preschool classmate's birthday parties. We had gotten a present to bring - what's the proper etiquette? Do you bring the present to school & give to the parent for the kid when you see them at drop off for school or forget about it or ??
Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Normally, I'd say that if you don't go to the party, don't give the gift. If you've already bought it, you could give it to the parent at drop-off; otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it. No one expects a gift from a kid who didn't come to the party.

[Anonymous]

Not unless it's a close friend.

[Anonymous]

Up to you. Either drop off with mom or hold on to it for someone else. It is a gift--IMO there are no conditions on gift giving.

[Anonymous]

If I already bought a present, I give it. Drop it off or send it to school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If I already bought a present, I give it. Drop it off or send it to school.

agreed.

[Anonymous]

For a last minute cancellation I would definitely find a way to get the gift to the child. The family planned on your kids being there and possibly paid for favors, food, etc. Kids get sick and there's nothing you can do, but it is nice to follow through with the gift, especially sombe you have already bought it if you were planning on going. On the other hand, if I say from the beginning that we can't make it to a party, I don't give a gift.

[Anonymous]

If you've already bought the present, and you cancelled at the last minute, then give the gift.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I would definitely give a gift if you cancelled at the last minute. Just feels like the right thing to do.

I'd leave it in the kid's cubby or whatever.

[Anonymous]

OP: Thanks, appreciate it. Is it appropriate to bring to school and give to the parent when you run into them at drop off time? We aren't likely to see them otherwise.

[Anonymous]

If I declined originally---conflict or something no present---unless best friend.

If I cancelled last minute for illness--I'd give the present.

[Anonymous]

Depends if the gift is already bought or not - if I have a gift for the child (which means I already replied yes to the invitation), then I bring it to the child or parents at the first opportunity. If not, then I apologize for our absence and leave it at that. No big deal.

[Anonymous]

I would save it for toys for tots.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not unless it's a close friend.

agree

[Anonymous]

Did you RSVP? If you told the parent you were coming and for some reason could not, I would give a gift, especially if you already have it.