2007-05-16 01:19:23 · 9 answers · asked by Thomas N 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You can put :
"The best present is your presence!"
One I received asked that instead of gifts, a book donated to the local library would be appreciated.
Just be sure to be gracious about gifts that are received- it makes people happy to buy gifts. I am sure some people will ignore it anyway!
2007-05-16 01:24:15 · answer #1 · answered by Simply_Renee 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Simple and straight out:
"No gifts please. Your presence is your present!"
Be prepared for some people to bring you gifts anyway. Don't open the gifts at the party then so as not to make others feel uncomfortable and don't turn the gift away should someone bring you one. Just say, "How thoughtful! I'm just going to put this in the other room and open it later. Can I take your coat? (or offer a beverage to change the subject.)" Always send a thank you card in a timely manner.
If someone approaches you prior to the party INSISTING that they'd still really like to get you something, then there is no changing these people's minds. Thank them and ask them if perhaps they'd agree to coming by early and helping you set up for the party. Their help would make them feel they are giving you something, you avoid the gift, and you get help setting up the party (or cleaning up after, etc).
2007-05-16 01:26:59 · answer #2 · answered by J S 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I received an invitation like that once and it simply said "No gifts" at the end. Of course, most people ignored that and brought something anyway. So if you're serious about them not bringing gifts, allow them to bring something else, such as a food item, a balloon, napkins, whatever. Most people feel better about contributing something to a party. You can also make that clear in the invitation, just be polite and honest about it. Many need reassurance that it is in fact alright just to bring themselves.
2007-05-16 01:25:32 · answer #3 · answered by VW 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
the interesting thing first is why would anyone "not" want to have gifts on their birthday? haha.
however, the best thing would be to verse this out on invitation cards which are comical and light, (and not formal)
such as (Thomas' birthday! no gifts, please. the treat's on me. :D) or such as that. haha. good luck
2007-05-16 01:23:58 · answer #4 · answered by hey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say something like, "The only thing you need to bring is yourself!"
Or, "Your presence will be gift enough!"---plus that one is a bit of a pun, ha ha.
2007-05-16 01:49:21 · answer #5 · answered by P-nuts and Hair-dos 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You could say something like "your presence is requested but no presents are necessary".
2007-05-16 01:33:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
" Your presence is present enough".
2007-05-16 05:14:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could say " no gifts please as you being there is a gift in itself"
2007-05-16 01:25:04 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your prescence is all that's required.
2007-05-16 02:58:32 · answer #9 · answered by Holistic Mystic 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋