Adult Birthday Celebrations...Gift Expected??

Question

If you are invited to a birthday cookout for an adult friend who is not family or a very close/best friend is a card sufficient or is a gift to be expected? I usually get birthday gifts for childrens birthdays. I also get gifts for baby showers or bridal showers. Afterall that is the point of showers. But for Adult Birthdays I seem to think gifts are a little less expected....Am I breaking any etiquette rules here? Thanks.

Answer 1

If it were me, I would bring a side dish for the cookout and a card. And if the birthday person were one of my husbands friends, I'd bring beer. I don't know if that goes along with any rules of etiquette though.

Answer 2

This type of think usually varies based on the recipients preferences. Some people may think that they are two old to receive presents but not everyone. I would suggest that you try to find out what type of person they are or if anyone else is giving a gift. If you can't find out anything on those subjects I can see nothing wrong with giving an adult a birthday card as long as its age appropriate.

Answer 3

there are a few variances to this one-- if it's a cookout- then alcohol (a 6 pack of beer or nice bottle of wine) is a great gift because it can be used at the party and seen as a gift and as participation. win win situation. If it's a dry party (non drinkers) then bring a tin of cookies or something along those lines - again participation gift. I believe it's always better to be generous than not. And what's 5 bucks for a small gift? Especially if you're getting fed :)
Everyone appreciates gifts.

Answer 4

I'd probably bring a little something, it depends if I'd ever established a pattern of exchanging gifts with that friend in the past, too. Also, if it's a "big" birthday like 21, 30, 40, etc, I'd be more inclined to bring a gift. I might be tempted to bring a small gag gift and a small nice one.

Answer 5

i don't think gifts are always expected for adults, but think of what you would like if it was you - the person has invited you so obviously he/she wants you to be there.

if you don't know the person very well, you could maybe get a voucher or something? like $10 or $15? you could put it inside the card. that would be nice and it covers all the bases.

Answer 6

Better bring a gift. Adults like gifts too. Your gift need not be expensive. People usually like to get gift certificates to their favorite restaurant or store.

Answer 7

Get him/her box of chocolates. Forget the card, it's pointless and a waste of money. Just wish her/him. Depending on your budget, don't over extend yourself on the gift. Afterall they invite you to help celebrate their birthday.....they should feel thankful you show up.

Answer 8

A gift is no longer a gift when the obligation to meet expectations is a factor...

Answer 9

you need to tell the visitors that they are going to be identifying to purchase their very own stuff. so do no longer call it a party. say it rather is a party or something, meet on the pub to rejoice. i won't be in a position to think of of a stunning thank you to place it, yet once you merely say be our customer at a party, they'll anticipate to be served. Say it rather is a accumulating of friends in an open party. notice that cake would be served, so they comprehend which you will purely be responsible for offering cake, and in the event that they want greater, they ought to pay for it.

Answer 10

USUAllY PEOPlE WRitE "NO GIFTS PLEASE"- but it sounds like there wiill be a lot of people there so i think you are fine not bringing anything- if they are not a close friend than they prob wont notice that you didnt bring something and ask around to other people invited.. (hope this helps)