"No gifts please, just come and cherish memories."

Often gifts at this advanced age are a special memento, something that has special meaning - the giver really wants the person to have it. Guests may not see the birthday person very often, harder as people age, or believe right or wrong, that others would enjoy seeing it too. You certainly can say, "no gift", but don't be too hard on gift giver. Not every gift is brought out of obligation.

in lieu of gifts, donations can be made to mom's nursing home fund.

Anonymous wrote:"The guest of honor is 70 years old. She has all the shit she'll ever need in life. Don't bring anything. Thanks."

This is the best

Anonymous wrote:At 70, they are entitled to gifts. Let people bring gifts if they want to. I don't get the drama/need for attention by saying no gifts.

I hate gifts because i get shit i dont need or like. Then im forced to smile and wear or use the shit. No thanks.

Anonymous wrote:At 70, they are entitled to gifts. Let people bring gifts if they want to. I don't get the drama/need for attention by saying no gifts.

OP's parent, the birthday party honoree, specifically does not want gifts.

Anonymous wrote:At 70, they are entitled to gifts. Let people bring gifts if they want to. I don't get the drama/need for attention by saying no gifts.

Some people genuinely don't want more items. To keep track of, to clean around, to figure out how to incorporate into their lives, etc. I'm fairly minimalistic and seeing tons of things actually makes my heart rate increase. I like tables with just a case of flowers and nothing else. The kitchen counters have almost nothing on them. I only have what we use. By the time I am 70 and my life is winding down I won't want gifts that are tangible.

"The guest of honor is 70 years old. She has all the shit she'll ever need in life. Don't bring anything. Thanks."

Mom has requested that I mention ~ no gifts

Attribute it to your Mom (or Dad of whoever the party is for)
It's on them.

At 70, they are entitled to gifts. Let people bring gifts if they want to. I don't get the drama/need for attention by saying no gifts.

Just go with "No gifts, please."

I am convinced that I know people who think "your presence is a lovely present" means "bring a gift."

I prefer a straight "no gifts, please" to the "presence is enough" thing.

Just say, "No gifts, please." By 70 your parent has earned that right.

Anonymous wrote:In the throes of planning a 70th bday party for a parent (who told me to say "NO GIFTS"!) . . . how do I specify "no gifts"? I know it is tacky to mention gifts in an invite . .. but can I get away with "your presence is present enough"?? Or just leave it alone and figure most folks won't bring a bday present to a 70th party??

That's fine with me! And if somebody who thinks that it's tacky receives an invitation, they can either just not come, or they can inflict a present on somebody who does not want a present, in the name of good manners.

In the throes of planning a 70th bday party for a parent (who told me to say "NO GIFTS"!) . . . how do I specify "no gifts"? I know it is tacky to mention gifts in an invite . .. but can I get away with "your presence is present enough"?? Or just leave it alone and figure most folks won't bring a bday present to a 70th party??