My kid is turning three, and is having his first "real" party. We expect about 15-20 other toddlers. My real goal with this is for him to have a day that's all about him. Lots of kids coming to HIS event, to play with HIM, and eat HIS cake, and give HIM presents. He is helping pick out the invitations, decorations, and goodies for gift bags, and is very excited already.
At the last party he attended, he gave a nice $15 board game that he had helped pick out. Most of the other birthday boy's gifts were pricey gizmos that I'd passed over as far too pricey ($40+) for a three-year-old! I am not interested in getting lots of new toys (frankly, he's got too much stuff anyways) -- but at the same time, I think he should get SOME things.
How can I strike a balance between letting people give my child fun, nice gifts, but requesting they avoid the expensive crap my kid doesn't need (or want) anyway? Preferably while still sounding like a nice person, not a prim uptight twit...
2007-02-27 07:07:00 · 9 answers · asked by Matti 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
For reference, we're talking about lower middle class families here (same as I am) -- lots of minimum wage incomes, single moms, recently laid off parents.... None of us are "high rollers" :-)
2007-02-28 05:50:04 · update #1
I think setting a price limit is a nice idea. I've also heard of people who do a book or gift swap, so everyone gets a gift, but he may be a little young for that. You can always put "no gift required" on the invitation too. Someone will ignore it, guaranteed, so he'll get some presents to open.
2007-02-27 07:20:10 · answer #1 · answered by madeyouuptohurtmyself 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have requested on the birthday invitation that people stick to gifts under a certain amount before. No one got offended. And in fact, several felt relieved because they no longer felt obligated to buy an expensive gift. I just add it at the bottom of the invitation. I have also done no gift parties for my kids at time because I'm tired of all the junk piling up in their room.
2007-02-27 15:11:08 · answer #2 · answered by Raising6Ducklings! 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A nice little message at the bottom of the invitation would be acceptable such as "Please don't feel obligated to break the bank on toys, Jimmy has enough" or else return all the gifts he does get and use the cash to put into a high interest bank account for future use.
2007-02-27 15:21:36 · answer #3 · answered by Christabelle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is up to your guest to get what they want. Some people are just trying to show off. Some people buy what they can afford. They is no nice way to put it so don't expect anything. He is young and will not remember everything anyways. It is a good idea not to have a schedule for the day either because that will only make you frustrated.
2007-02-27 15:19:12 · answer #4 · answered by everythingszenidontthinkso 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it is rude to request anything one way or the other.about the only thing you could request is age apporiate thats certainly ok.other than that if you get gifts you think are too old or unapporiate put them away untill another time and give as special treats all year. worked for me. hope that helped.
2007-02-27 16:01:48 · answer #5 · answered by peppersham 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask people to put the $$ in a college fund instead of gifts.
2007-02-27 15:40:05 · answer #6 · answered by rickybobbi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You cannot request anything. Just say "thank you" for whatever they bring for your child and hope it's not all crap. $15. is plenty for a gift for a 3 year old.
2007-02-27 15:25:54 · answer #7 · answered by Kabu 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well....you want gifts but would like to specify what is acceptable?
But you still want your kid to associate with the "high rollers"....
2007-02-27 19:51:18 · answer #8 · answered by A H 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Leave it up to the individual how much they want to spend.
It would be impolite otherwise, not matter how good your intentions are.
2007-02-27 17:05:21 · answer #9 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋