Don’t bring a gift to a birthday play date?

[Anonymous]

A friend invited 2 kids over this weekend to celebrate a child’s birthday. Mom said it isn’t a party and don’t worry about a gift.

Would you really show up empty handed?

I did something similar for my daughter. We weren’t planning to have a party and ended up just doing a birthday play date at the park. Everyone brought my daughter a gift.

They are a wealthy family so there isn’t anything they really need but I can’t help but want to get a birthday gift.

[Anonymous]

If someone specifically says no need for gifs, I take them at their word. I would not bring a gift.

[Anonymous]

Have your kid make a card instead.

[Anonymous]

I would still take something. Maybe a book or something like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have your kid make a card instead.

When we go to "no gift" parties we always bring a card.

[Anonymous]

Have your kid make a card. Maybe have your kid bring over something they can play together during the play date and the birthday child can keep, like a game or art supplies or something like that.

[Anonymous]

I’ve hosted something similar. A handmade card is perfect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve hosted something similar. A handmade card is perfect.

Yeah we do a card and some candy from a rocket fizz type place (before you all jump on me, I do figure out if the parents in question allow candy).

[Anonymous]

Why is this always so difficult for people? Don’t bring a gift means don’t bring a gift. You don’t have to bring a card, either. (Does anyone, particularly young people/children, REALLY care about receiving a card anyway?)

[Anonymous]

We have asked for not gifts - it's because the kid is already getting too many things from family. If you do bring a gift in our family, it will be appreciated and donated unopened to CNMC.

[Anonymous]

Do you know the other family attending well? I just faced this situation last month and wasn't sure what to do (though they did not specify gift/no gift). I just asked the other family what they were doing and they were bringing one so we did too. I think it's fine not to give a gift since the mom specified that but your child may feel embarrassed if the other family gives a gift and you don't.

You could also just buy a Target card and have it on hand if the other family has a gift. If not, it's easy to hide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you know the other family attending well? I just faced this situation last month and wasn't sure what to do (though they did not specify gift/no gift). I just asked the other family what they were doing and they were bringing one so we did too. I think it's fine not to give a gift since the mom specified that but your child may feel embarrassed if the other family gives a gift and you don't.

You could also just buy a Target card and have it on hand if the other family has a gift. If not, it's easy to hide.

No! FFS people, the mother DID specify so just don’t. bring. a. gift. It is NOT gracious to decide you know better than the hostess and go against her *stated wishes*

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you know the other family attending well? I just faced this situation last month and wasn't sure what to do (though they did not specify gift/no gift). I just asked the other family what they were doing and they were bringing one so we did too. I think it's fine not to give a gift since the mom specified that but your child may feel embarrassed if the other family gives a gift and you don't.

You could also just buy a Target card and have it on hand if the other family has a gift. If not, it's easy to hide.

No, I don’t know the other family. My kids said they know them from school.

I had kids make a card. Trying to decide if I should add an amazon or iTunes gift card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would still take something. Maybe a book or something like that.

If I say do not bring a gift then this is what I mean. DO NOT BRING A GIFT!!!!!

[Anonymous]

In this situation, we usually bring the birthday child a copy of one of our favorite books and a card.