Birthday party question

Angela - posted on 02/09/2010

I agree with Anneke. A donation in her name, or to her education. We did this at my daughters' first birthday, and people still brought gifts. It was fine, but we really didn't have space for everything, so we have 3 seperate groups of toys for her. Hope this helps

Michelle - posted on 02/09/2010

If your party is Saturday, this won't be ready in time. BUT here is a website that does personalized books (they come out really cute!)
http://mycreateabook.com/

Tamra - posted on 02/09/2010

My favorite gift in any situation is an invitation to another outing. For example, please join us at the zoo one Sat. next month. Or, please come to our house for a tea party. It respects the wish of the parents not to give a gift but it still honours the little girl herself.

Renae - posted on 02/09/2010

I would ask if I could put some money in her bank account in place of a gift.

Lisa - posted on 02/09/2010

thanks everyone for your thoughts. Useually, my limit on presents is about 10 dollars, we dont have much money. I like the donation idea, my uncle and aunt actually did that for me a few years ago for christmas. I also like the hair accessories (spelling?)

And I know its not too expensive, and you can never have too many hair ties :) Now I have to convince my boys to come with me, she hasnt been too nice to them in the past when they come with me to babysit, she is an only child and sharing is not her best trait :)

Leanne - posted on 02/09/2010

If they said don't bring a gift, then you really don't have to.. However.. if you Want to give a gift you could always..
- Buy books/coloring books
- Art supplies
- Charity donation in her name (WWF send the person who made the donation a teddy bear and a certificate, you can have it sent to the gift recipient)

Also, if you buy her something it could be a toy that has to stay at Your house. That way it isn't more crap for the parents to deal with at their house ;)

Ileana - posted on 02/09/2010

tough one.... maybe a gift card...

Stephanie - posted on 02/09/2010

For a 5 year old girl the present opening is still such a big deal. How about a couple of hair accessories or bracelets or stuff like that? Put them in a gift bag and you're done.

Iridescent - posted on 02/09/2010

We have a lot of people help care for one of our kids. They're invited to the parties, but gifts are not needed. Our kids honestly have everything, and when people bring gifts I feel bad. Weird I'm sure. We LOVE when people bring us pictures they've taken doing things with her though, and even projects for them to do with her and take home with them to remember her by later (handprint kits, etc), or to help work with her on to make for others in our family (little cards and such that she doesn't have the energy to do all at once, and we don't have the time to do with 4 other kids very often). Things that are also good for us are more along the lines of candy, that they can enjoy that day, and don't get in the way later.

Ilona - posted on 02/09/2010

Go with a savings bond! You can get them in small amounts! And it may sound boring, but that little girl will appreciate it in the long run and she'll remember you AND your gift years down the road!

Sara - posted on 02/09/2010

Hmmm, this is a toughy. By the invitation stating that you do not have to bring a present then the parents are kind of giving an out for the guests however it is kind of socially akward to show up and be one of the only people who didn't bring a gift. If the little girl already has enough toys then maybe you can think of an alternative gift such as a nicely framed photograph, books are always good gifts, maybe a craft kit so she can make something for herself or maybe school supplies like a trendy note book and pencils. Gifts don't necessarily have to be toys and as a parent I really appreciate it when someone puts thought into giving something that is not necessarily battery operated and wrapped up with a million twist ties or things that require special software and the aid of a company technician to make the toy function. Good luck, remember gifts don't have to be over the top to be appreciated!

Anneke - posted on 02/09/2010

If they don't want a gift, maybe you could make a donation to something in her name. And give her that as a gift. She might not understand, but her parents will. I think it would be an awesome gift. Something she could cherish.

Angie - posted on 02/09/2010

I would still buy something, at least a small gift.

Crystal - posted on 02/09/2010

I would maybe buy a gift card to a toystore or give her money in a card.