Anonymous wrote:Yes, it’s rude. It’s only acceptable when the invitation says no guests.

Funny typo.

A bit rude but not knowing what is going on in the family I would not really dwell on it. The party is about having fun together. Maybe there is a money issue (and I would hate to cause a strain). Maybe it got left in the car and they did not realize. I doubt it is I just can't be bothered and I don't care...but I will still bring my kid to the party.

Yes, it’s rude. It’s only acceptable when the invitation says no guests.

Why would you not want to get a gift for your son’s best friend?

Look DCUM, how can you have a both ways? If it is rude to even mention gifts by putting no gifts because the host is supposed to have no expectation of gifts, then how could it be rude not to bring one...

I think it is a bit rude, especially for the best friend.

Did someone not bring a gift to your party? I don’t think that is rude per se. It happens. But if you are the one going to the party, you should bring a gift to avoid drama. Also because it is more polite.

To answer your question OP, it’s not OK not to bring a gift. It might put you and your kid in an awkward situation. Especially if it’s your kid’s best friend, you really want to avoid that. Just get a 10-20$ gift and write a nice card.

It’s cheap and a breach of etiquette.

Reading your title, you’re asking what is expected when an invitation doesn’t say anything about gifts. If it doesn’t, then you should bring something. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensiive, but generally if it does NOT say “no gifts” then it’s odd to show up empty handed. It’s not “rude” exactly, but it would be odd.

Anonymous wrote:No. If the invitationsays no gifts then it is actually a bit rude to bring one.

+1

It's up to the host to set the terms of the party. Guests choose whether they want to attend the party. If you accept an invitation to a no-gift party, it should be with the understanding you won't bring a gift. If you bring one anyway, not only are you disrespecting your host, but you put the other attendees in an awkward position.

However, your child making a card for the birthday child is fine.

Anonymous wrote:No. If the invitation says no gifts then it is actually a bit rude to bring one.

The invitation doesn’t.
I just want to know the etiquette. He is my kid’s best friend at school and not invited for the gifts.

No. If the invitation says no gifts then it is actually a bit rude to bring one.

The no gift thing is rude.

It is extremely rude in my home country. What about the US? I have seen it more than once.