Anonymous wrote:Doesn't sound like they're trying to save on their vacation. I think the gift cards make it kind of fun for the kid to be able to pick souvenirs, blow it on turkey legs, or whatever. The parents can say -- do what you want, it's your gift card -- and maybe the kid learns about managing the balance and making decisions about what is worth spending it on.

Exactly. If you're a negative person, you will be appalled by the gift card request, gossip about it, and create drama. If you're a positive person, you may think the request itself was tacky, but can see how the gift cards would be better than a bunch of random presents the kid doesn't want/need.

I think OPs reaction says more about her and her view of this kid/family.

Anonymous wrote:Eh, I wouldn't do it, but I don't see how it's better for the birthday kid to receive 20 toys/puzzles/book/craft kits that may or not used or regifted.

+1

Also, these gift cards would not help "fund a vacation". It's for souvenirs - Mickey ears, a stuffed animal, light-up crap that synchs with the fireworks. The child will need to budget the dollars and make good choices.

The child may already have 3 versions of Mancala, but go ahead, get him another one.

Wait, the child goes to a private school and the family is fishing for financial help for a trip to Disney? Any way you cut this it is beyond rude and tacky. Go to the party, bring a small gift. It's not the birthday child's fault that her parents are idiots.

Eh, I wouldn't do it, but I don't see how it's better for the birthday kid to receive 20 toys/puzzles/book/craft kits that may or not used or regifted.

Anonymous wrote:Doesn't sound like they're trying to save on their vacation. I think the gift cards make it kind of fun for the kid to be able to pick souvenirs, blow it on turkey legs, or whatever. The parents can say -- do what you want, it's your gift card -- and maybe the kid learns about managing the balance and making decisions about what is worth spending it on.

Last year we took our son to Disneyland for his Christmas gift. My parents asked what he wanted for Christmas & I told them we were going to Disneyland so gift cards would be good so he could get whatever souvenirs he wanted. They gave him gift cards. Op and many others are bitter (maybe even jealous?) and are unfairly taking it out on a CHILD. Disgusting really.

Doesn't sound like they're trying to save on their vacation. I think the gift cards make it kind of fun for the kid to be able to pick souvenirs, blow it on turkey legs, or whatever. The parents can say -- do what you want, it's your gift card -- and maybe the kid learns about managing the balance and making decisions about what is worth spending it on.

Anonymous wrote:I think it's rude but I wish more people would actually ask for suggestions, I had 3 or 4 ideas in my head for DD for her 3rd birthday party, and only one person asked for ideas. She ended up with stuff she never played with.

THIS! I always ask the parent for suggestions. I'd hate to buy something the kid doesn't want to play with. Just like my mind, my money is a terrible thing to waste!

It's one thing to offer suggestions when people ASK what the birthday child would like. (I always email or ask the parents, or give a gift card or a gift w/receipt). But it is RUDE to ask for a particular gift, or money, on any invitation. Period. Heck, the birthday child would probably prefer a variety of gifts, but his/her rude-a$$ parents want to save on their vacation!

OP, I would either skip the party or give a gift that your DC selects. Agreed that a Disney T-shirt or similar item might be a good compromise.

Next up, the parents will probably announce a gofundme for the trip! Tacky, tacky & low class.

I have a niece and nephew who have every toy under the sun. I always ask my brother for suggestions of what to get them at Xmas. Last year they asked for Disney gift cards since they are planning a trip to Disney world. I guess it's a little different because they are family, but is it that big of a deal? It's not like they can use Disney gift cards to pay for a plane ticket or hotel, so what's the harm?

Or just skip the party because punishing her kid and yours for the child's uncouth parents feels right to you. Plus it would save the rest of us here from having to endure your next thread where you bitch about not receiving your well-earned thank you note.

Anonymous wrote:Many petty, judgmental women here. Sure it was tacky but frankly what I find truly objectionable is OP who choose to use this board as a way to gossip. She knew exactly what she felt about the bday invite. She wasn't seeking guidance. She just want to share how overblown sense of indignation and outrage over something minor in hopes of hearing a resounding chorus of "you're right." What a small person.

Exactly.
OP, just stick with what you were planning to do which was be passive aggressive and get the poor kid a two-sizes-too-small Mickey Mouse t-shirt and call it a day.

Anonymous wrote:Very petty to post about this, why on earth just not be gracious and give the freaking gift card?

+1

Very petty to post about this, why on earth just not be gracious and give the freaking gift card?

I think it's rude but I wish more people would actually ask for suggestions, I had 3 or 4 ideas in my head for DD for her 3rd birthday party, and only one person asked for ideas. She ended up with stuff she never played with.

Many petty, judgmental women here. Sure it was tacky but frankly what I find truly objectionable is OP who choose to use this board as a way to gossip. She knew exactly what she felt about the bday invite. She wasn't seeking guidance. She just want to share how overblown sense of indignation and outrage over something minor in hopes of hearing a resounding chorus of "you're right." What a small person.