Do you actually go empty handed to a no gift party?

[Anonymous]

I threw a no gift party and most but 2 parents brought no gifts. And they said sorry even I assured that thank you for not bring gifts. Then I stopped making no gift parties. Seems it makes my friends trouble.

[Anonymous]

Yes, we just bring a homemade card. Many of our guests bring nothing, maybe half bring a card and just the best friend brings a gift over to our house on a different day, not the party.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I go empty-handed. My child makes a card.

If I want guests to bring gifts, or am indifferent, I don't specify "no gifts." My kid is too busy playing to even notice who brought gifts and who didn't.

But it is tacky as hell to make a production out of displaying and opening gifts if you claim it's a no-gifts party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Always bring a gift.

If you do this to me I will Donate your gift.

That's fine. That's pretty sad for kids you don't allow them to have gifts.

I guarantee these kids have plenty of gifts. Don't pretend that you are ignoring the clearly expressed request of the host because you're worried that their kid isn't going to get presents otherwise.

[Anonymous]

If it says no gift, we don't bring a gift. My kid makes a card.

[Anonymous]

Of course I don’t show up empty handed!

I always bring my kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about "gifts not necessary"?

That goes without saying. A gift is never required. When you write it on the invitation, though, I have no idea what you want. Do you not want me to bring a gift? Would you prefer no gifts, or are you concerned that there are some kids who can't come if they think they need a gift, or what? It's such an unhelpful thing to write.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn’t half the fun of birthdays for kids that age getting to receive and open gifts?? What party pooper parents to have a no gift party.

Eh, we've been to many no-gift parties, and the kids don't seem to care. I assume they get gifts from their parents and grandparents, and they always seem to have tons of fun at the party with their friends. I think that kids might not be quite as materialistic as adults assume they are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Always bring a gift.

If you do this to me I will Donate your gift.

That's fine. That's pretty sad for kids you don't allow them to have gifts.

I guarantee these kids have plenty of gifts. Don't pretend that you are ignoring the clearly expressed request of the host because you're worried that their kid isn't going to get presents otherwise.

Yup. I am a stickler for thank-yous under ordinary circumstances -- my kids always write them to the family members who send presents -- but if you decided it was your job to spare my kid a life of deprivation, you have not seen his room.

[Anonymous]

We take a card. But we do not take a gift if they have requested no gifts.

[Anonymous]

i stopped saying "no gifts" because many didn't honor that and people felt badly for actually not bringing a gift. too much of a hassle.

[Anonymous]

Bring a card.

We’ve had several “no gift” parties with family and everyone always takes it to mean “bring several gifts”. NO PLEASE NO MORE THINGS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about "gifts not necessary"?

That goes without saying. A gift is never required. When you write it on the invitation, though, I have no idea what you want. Do you not want me to bring a gift? Would you prefer no gifts, or are you concerned that there are some kids who can't come if they think they need a gift, or what? It's such an unhelpful thing to write.

This! We’re invited to a “gifts not necessary” party. I detest inelegant, indirect communication. This is the first time I’ve gotten this on an invite, but the host is also trying to have it on the sly in a public place where permits are needed and he’s getting around it in an odd way. He also says “we will all be wearing masks,” which is fine, but we’re outside. Why he didn’t just say “no gifts please” is hard to understand.

[Anonymous]

A card. If you say no gifts, I’m not bringing a gift. We’ll bring a card so we aren’t empty handed.

If you expect me to bring a gift, don’t put no gifts on the invite. If I put no gifts I DO NOT WANT GIFTS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i stopped saying "no gifts" because many didn't honor that and people felt badly for actually not bringing a gift. too much of a hassle.

No one feels badly. I don't care if someone else decided to bring a gift when the invitation said no gifts. Really, no one cares or feels badly.