If you go, I agree with those who say to get an experience kind of gift like movie passes, ice cream GC, or something like that. I do agree completely that it's rude to tell people what kind of gift to bring (for any occasion but that's another soap box), but it would be a shame to penalize a little kid for that.

And if I'm being completely honest, I get the appeal. Not for cash, but for experience alternatives to many of the odd/inappropriate age "boxed gifts" that DD receives. I've been tempted to just say no gifts, but she's little and likes getting presents as much as she likes taking them to her friends.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's the bid deal? You are going to give a gift.....just give them whatever you would have spent in form of cash, check or a gift card. No big deal. Jeez people.

No, you are wrong. It is wrong to specify that you want cash. It is a big deal and stunningly rude.

I don't believe it's a big deal. Why do the song and dance about a gift? Times are a changing....if you are going to give a gift, why not give something you know the person wants?

I would just take something in a plastic clamshell taupe packaging.

Anonymous wrote:What's the bid deal? You are going to give a gift.....just give them whatever you would have spent in form of cash, check or a gift card. No big deal. Jeez people.

No, you are wrong. It is wrong to specify that you want cash. It is a big deal and stunningly rude.

What's the bid deal? You are going to give a gift.....just give them whatever you would have spent in form of cash, check or a gift card. No big deal. Jeez people.

I'm thinking that a puppy or kitten would be the perfect present here.

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? No "boxed gifts" means I don't go. How rude!

That's my first reaction too, but then I feel badly for the kid who had nothing to do with it, and who wonders why most of her friends don't come.

Seriously? No "boxed gifts" means I don't go. How rude!

I'm Indian and I get the no boxed gift thing for weddings (although I didn't do it), and I've even seen it for a child's first birthday (because in my culture, that's a big deal and really all about the parents and extended family) but I cannot fathom someone doing this for a kid's birthday party where school friends were invited. Tacky!!

Anonymous wrote:It depends which part of South Asia you are from. In Eastern India (West Bengal), giving cash as a gift (and by extension gift cards) is considered totally crass. My cousin married a Spaniard and they requested money for a honeymoon in lieu of wedding gifts and her Bengali mom had to do a different invitation for Bengali guests because it would be considered so crass. In Bengali culture, "boxed gifts" are the only kosher type of gift.

It may be that among certain North Indians, this is considered OK.

Hah! DH and I are from different parts of India. My family gives cash freely as gifts. When my parents gave a cash gift to someone in DH's family, drama ensued. They were so offended!

No boxed gifts means cash. I think it is tacky and presumptuous.

If you do want to go, a nice present might be tickets to the merry go round at Wheaton park or cabin John. Not in a box, and yet not like giving a 6 year old a visa cash card....
Also, national wildlife foundation does an adopt an animal thing where you can get a certificate.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter got an invitation for a birthday from a classmate. It was mentioned on the invitation no boxed gift please. What that means?
Thank you.

Which word specifically is tripping you up honey?

Not word but words - two of them - "boxed gifts" Not OP but does "no boxed gifts" really mean they only want you to give their kid cash as a gift?!

Yep.

Anonymous wrote:"No boxed gift please", "No siblings please", "No Jews please".

It's only a matter of time...

LOL - oh God, that was funny!!!

"No boxed gift please", "No siblings please", "No Jews please".

It's only a matter of time...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter got an invitation for a birthday from a classmate. It was mentioned on the invitation no boxed gift please. What that means?
Thank you.

Which word specifically is tripping you up honey?

Not word but words - two of them - "boxed gifts" Not OP but does "no boxed gifts" really mean they only want you to give their kid cash as a gift?!