When I say "No Gifts", I do really mean it. My mom and MIL both go way overboard for birthdays already and my kid really doesn't need more stuff just for staff's sake. I'm already discreetly donating things (because my kid really doesn't need 200 hot wheel cars).

The first “no gift” party one of my kids was invited to I took no gift. There were a lot of gifts discretely tucked away. It realized then that no gifts is meant to make it easier for all kids to come. No time or money to buy a gift? No problem. Come anyway. Want to bring a gift? No problem, come anyway. Every single “no gift” party I’ve attended has had several gifts tucked away.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would be happy doing a fiver party. But it's weird, I'm fine asking for no gifts but it feels entitled to denan cash from people even though they obviously spend more on a gift

What on earth is a fiver party?

My understanding is that a party with gifts that cost five dollars or less. So if you have a class party that’s a fiver party you have a whole house full of junky toys from five and below.

Please, no gift party is just that. No gifts!

I like “no gifts” (and put it on my invites) bc who needs more plastic junk and I want to spare busy parents from one more trip to a big box store.

BUT if someone brought a gift, I think it should be the idea of the kid attending the party. If the parent is thinking of the gift to bring to a no gift party, just, why? I like the stickers ideas and would also suggest a book maybe. Maybe a favorite book of your kids to share with the birthday kid.

Anonymous wrote:I ask this genuinely — who are the people who don’t understand what “no gift” means or refuse to follow it? Is it a cultural thing for people from some countries/cultures/SES backgrounds? Most of the parties my kids attend and all of the ones we host are no gift, and everyone knows what that means. Most people follow it. But DCUM has a lot of trouble with the concept. I’m wondering what the disconnect is.

I've also seeing people on tiktok Instagram complain about it as well. It can feel awkward to show up to a birthday party empty-handed.

But on the other hand sometimes it gets stressful trying to buy gifts at the last minute if I forget to do it sooner. I was joking with another parent about the miracle of pickup orders at Target or Michaels.

Anonymous wrote:I would be happy doing a fiver party. But it's weird, I'm fine asking for no gifts but it feels entitled to denan cash from people even though they obviously spend more on a gift

I would gladly do this so the kid could fill up their piggy bank. But I agree that for some dumb reason it's frowned upon. My kid would be over the moon to get 5 bucks from 15-20 people.

Anonymous wrote:I feel like saying no gifts is a bit rude. Nothing you bring is wanted! We prefer high end things. But I also know many kids have plenty to play with.

Does your kid prefer high end things or just you?

Anonymous wrote:I know most kids don't need any more toys and if a parent says "no gifts please" I understand they may have space constraints and more clutter is an issue.

What could I bring so the child gets something but not a formal gift? I assume they will already have balloons.

Maybe an edible treat?

My child will make a card too.

Not just space constraints. I don't think my kid needs 15 presents on his birthday. He already gets one from us, one from each set of grandparents and presents from aunts and uncles.

A card. No gift means no gift except a card. If you must then put a drawing or stickers or a bookmark in the card.