Is it tacky to enclose a wish list for my two year old with her birthday invitation?

Question

Wow...some of you are harsh. I guess I should've added that we're not well off financially and there's things that we could actually use.

Answer 1

I don't think so. If anything, I would think the recipients would find it helpful. Some people have no clue what to buy for a child.

Answer 2

Sorry, but it is tacky. Put a RSVP[ that's a tell me if your coming or not ] note at the bottom of the invite, and your phone number. People will have to call to accept, and might ask what she needs/wants. Then is the time to tell them. Give several options, in several price ranges. Also tell your Mom, or the Grandmother, so they can answer questions, too.
I'm sorry, I realize I am forfeiting any chance of a best ans-wer by asking this, but, isn't 2 years old a little young to be worrying about what gift they will get? Two year olds like the wrapping paper, the bows, and the box the present came in, better than the present. Their attention span is bested by a gnat's, and they have no concept of what is pretty, or expensive, or stylish. They only know what they like. The homliest doll in the world is their huggy best buddy, the pretty dolly with the price tag ignored. Example: my coworker's daughter is a bit older than 2, but the story works. The child was given one of those dolls that talks, and demands attention. I do not want to think how much it cost. The child hates it, and told her mother to get rid of it, it scares her, and she hates having to care for it to get it to shut up.The Mom thought she was doing something really cool by buying it.
Also, a lot of presents mean nothing to a 2 year old, when they get bored, they are bored, and it doesn't matter how many presents are left to open. They wander off. cry, whine when they have had enough. A certain amount of gift cards would not be noted by the child. You can take them and buy what you want.
I'd leave the choices to the guests, they probably know what a 2 year old likes. Let those who want to please you, or show off, call and ask for info. There might be someone on the guest listthat feels they are clueless on what to buy a 2 year old, they can call for suggestions, and might be grateful for them.
Story: I went to see my best friend, and she said she needed to go to toys are us. OK, I drove her. It turns out it was a show me what I want my Grandchild to get for Christmas
expedition. She picked out items in the way greater than $50 price range.I had been unemployed, and had to accept a part time job to get into the division where I wanted to work. Money was tight, and I have a house to support. Speaking of rude. I have seen the child about 4-5 times in her life, she does not know me, and does not remember who I am, and that is fine. No, she did not get the $69 toy piano.
Sorry, just my opinion.

Answer 3

What?? Wow I am utterly and completely at a loss for words. Everyone on here has such emphatic Yes that is tacky.

Personally I am a recently married woman. My husband and I do not have kids and do not have them on the agenda for the next few years. I have no neices or nephews and do not consider myself up to date on what a 2 yr old wants. If I was invited I would love a list on what is up to date. I had a hard enough time with an 8 yr old cousin. Turns out a bought her a book that the 1st graders were reading. Oops--I remembered liking it in elementary school. 1st grade, 3rd grade...whats the difference?

Now this would be different if the child were 10 and knew to be grateful for any gift regardless. But the child is 2. You get a 2 yr old a gift and it is almost mandatory. The child has no idea how to be "gracious" and it is the worst feeling in the world do see them open a gift and crinkle up their face before throwing it on the ground. I mean yes as a parent I'm sure you would tell her "Go thank your aunt for that gift" but its too late--I already know she hated it.

I'd love a polite list in a card that said some things that she has outgrown from last year. Something that told me that Elmo was out and Winnie the Pooh was in. Or that you would prefer learning games as she is loving her Leap Frog set. Then I could have some idea of what to get her. I had a cousin tell her in-laws that her son had an Xbox instead of a PS2 and they were rushing out to return the game hours before the party b/c he couldn't even play it. And especially since some parents are really strict on not letting their sons play with toy guns.

A short lil list of what she likes, doesn't like anymore, or isn't allowed to play with is WONDERFUL for those of us that DON'T have children of our own and really have no idea what a 2 yr old likes.

Answer 4

People will bring gifts to the party and you hate to get things you don't need especially you're not well-off. In that case, divide the guests into 2 groups: those you know well like close family members and friends, who understand your situation and the other..... For the first group, you can either include a hand written note (NOT printout or typed, that's tacky) outlining the really needed stuff OR tell them beforehand. For the second group, don't do that and just keep your fingers crossed they bring what you really can use.

Answer 5

Absolutely tacky. If someone asks for a suggestion, you can certainly provide an idea within a reasonable price range; but to send a list with an invitation is the height of presumption and tactlessness.

Why not just ask each guest to contribute a certain dollar amount and you can buy what you want. Your idea isn't any better.

Answer 6

Absolutely without a doubt it is TACKY to the 10th degree to include a wish list for you 2 year olds' birthday.

Answer 7

YES yes yes yes yes it is tacky.
If people ASK you what she would like, then you can provide the place where you are registered or (shudder) the list.

Putting the list in the inviation basically says to the guests, "This is how much you are expected to cough up to attend."

Are you throwing the party to see these wonderful folks and have a fun time, or to cash in?
If the former, do not include the list.
If the latter, go ahead.

Answer 8

in my opinion i would go about a different way
inside i would right for example something along the lines of
She is into Elmo, Dora, & the backyardigans, loves music and movies of all kinds(especially the wiggles), and wears a size 2T.
to be creative you could but the information into a little poem or story to enclose but enclosing and actual wish list, im not so sure(try loves disney princess vs. wants disney princess dress up clothes with shoes & sunglasses)

Answer 9

It is not tacky but items should be inclusive of all pricing categories so that everything is not too expensive. Also, you may want to mention that gifts are not necessary also since the inclusion of the list may make people feel obligated to bring a gift when maybe they couldn't.

Answer 10

I believe that it would only be tacky if you asked for specifics. If you left the categories broad like: baby dolls, 24 month dresses and so forth I don't think it is tacky. But if you name exact items then I would say yes it is tacky because, at 2,the little one isn't ole enough to actually choose, so that means you are choosing what you want others to get her.

Answer 11

Not only is it tacky but what if you get 10 of the same things on the list? Any way you look at it, it's not cool.