My son has a wish list linked on his party invite. He LOVES all things Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but he has a lot of the figures all ready. If I said “Larlo loves TMNT”, the odds are he’d get a lot of things he already has, and since most people don’t provide gift receipts with birthday presents, it would be a waste. So instead I added specific figures that he doesn’t have yet. I also made it a point to add that these were suggested gifts and people could feel free to get him anything they wanted or nothing at all. I personally prefer when people are very specific with what they want rather than just having to guess.

^^^^ P.S. $ 35-$ 50 is way too much, unless you are family.

Anonymous wrote:Can I ask how many people ask what gift a kid wants for their birthday? Last year I had several parents reach out to me about what my child wanted before her birthday and I felt REALLY awkward answering. I almost felt like this was their way of looking for me to respond that no gift was necessary. Why don't people just get whatever they think the kid would want? I don't get it.

Why don't you get it? You should be thankful they are trying to find out what your kids would be happy to receive. I usually ask my kids what the birthday kid likes or what they think he/she would like to get for their birthday. If they don't know, and if they are not close friends, we will just get whatever we think he/she would like. If it is a closer friend or family, we will either know, or if we are not sure, I will ask the Mom and I am happy if she tells me. e.g. Johnny is currently into: legos, pokemon, minecraft, whatever....

My inlaws begged for an Amazon wish list for both our girls, so I made one for each of them. If someone asked me what they liked I would send that list just to give them an idea. I certainly don't expect a friend from school to spend $50.

Anonymous wrote:Can I ask how many people ask what gift a kid wants for their birthday? Last year I had several parents reach out to me about what my child wanted before her birthday and I felt REALLY awkward answering. I almost felt like this was their way of looking for me to respond that no gift was necessary. Why don't people just get whatever they think the kid would want? I don't get it.

I had one person ask me. I answered honestly with toys my kid likes in the $10 range and also mentioned that my kid would be fine with anything really and they do not have to bring a present, their presence is enough.

I also told my child to be thankful for any gift they get from their friends/classmates even if they do not like it.

While DC understood that, DC ended up playing most with the gift from the child who had asked and gifted one of the things I mentioned to their mom.