I was invited to a birthday party and I know the person, just not very well. I was told that a gift was not necessary, however, it seems to be in bad taste not to. I have no idea what a good gift would be anyway. Thoughts?
2006-10-27 04:24:07 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Maybe just bring some flowers for the hostess. Or a bottle of wine or some soda as a contribution. This is gracious without being too expensive or personal.
Or, just a plain, simple birthday card would be very nice.
It's very polite of you to think of these things. Have a good time.
2006-10-27 04:30:58 · answer #1 · answered by KC 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you do not know the person well, nor care to, then don't go to the trouble and expense of bringing a gift. Remember, the person invited YOU and said that gifts were not necessary. Just go to the party, wish the person a "happy birthday", eat the food, enjoy the drinks, and have a good time. Hopefully there will be other people at the party that you know well and like to be around.
2006-10-27 04:32:46 · answer #2 · answered by crispyduckinsoy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yup. The person has invited you for food, drink and fun. Bring a gift or don't go. If you don't have much money, then pick up something to contribute to the party as well as a little birthday card.
2006-10-27 07:03:46 · answer #3 · answered by TroubleBubble 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it isn't in bad form. Especially if you were told, by the host, it wasn't necessary. The choice is entirely up to you and depends on how you would feel. Evidently, you're worried about it since you say it seems to be in bad taste.
Take a card with a gift certificate inside. Hopefully you know this person well enough to be able to determine where this certificate should come from....if not, ask another invitee.
2006-10-27 04:42:09 · answer #4 · answered by Rembrandt11 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is strange to invite someone whom they don't know very well. The only motive for doing that is to get a gift hopefully?
Anyway, if you feel bad not giving them a gift, then give them something less than $10.
2006-10-27 04:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to the party, bring a gift if you do not want to be looked down upon as a cheapskate. If you do not know the person well, or do not want to bring a gift, do not go to the party.
A gift card to a local book or music store can be appreciated by just about anyone.
2006-10-27 04:28:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are so right, to come empty handed would be in bad taste.
You can bring something simple like a nice candle with a holder if it;s a girl, for a guy ask your hostess for ideas, does he like books, race cars, music..and then get something that goes along with what he likes..doesn't have to be expensive..just something to put in a gift bag or box.
2006-10-27 06:09:22 · answer #7 · answered by kat k 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about a gift card? If you know something they like, or just to a store everyone shops at. Most people enjoy getting those - they can then get what they really want! If you have time/or just want to - you can get them a nice birthday card. I like the funny ones best, myself.
2006-10-27 04:33:31 · answer #8 · answered by Baby'sMom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to attend you should bring a gift. Something inexpensive. If a female, I suggest a scarf. If a male, I don;t know what to suggest, unless you know what kind of booze he drinks. A child I would pick a small game.
2006-10-27 04:34:05 · answer #9 · answered by ruth4526 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If other people are bringing gifts, you should to. The host doesn't know you very well, yet is providing you with refreshments etc, so you can provide them with a small gift.
2006-10-27 05:35:24 · answer #10 · answered by kheserthorpe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋