I found out last night at 10pm that my friend who I don't know so well is having a surprise birthday dinner at a restaurant tonight and that I was invited. We are all paying are own way. ( I am almost positive). My bday recently passed and she called to wish me a Happy Bday.
What is appropriate? A card? A card and gift? I don't know. It is not a big party. We are just meeting to surprise her for dinner. Any thoughts
2007-05-29 00:38:11 · 16 answers · asked by Laurience 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
in this situation, it is usual to pay for the guest of honour as well, so you may be asked to contribute something towards the cost of your friend's birthday meal. In reality, that's a great gift (a nice meal and an enjoyable night out!).
If you don't think that's enough, you could buy a card and some flowers, or chocolates as well, but don't go over the top as you may embarrass your friend.
If you really don't think that is enough, check with others to find out if they are planning to give a gift. Maybe you could all share in the cost of something a bit more substantial, or if not you would at least get some idea of what is expected.
Good luck and have a nice nice out :-)
2007-05-29 01:54:27 · answer #1 · answered by thing55000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With basically no notice, and not knowing this person so well, I would get a card and go have a great time with a group of "friends" that just happen to be recognizing someones special day.
I would rather be surrounded by people that care for me and that I care for than getting gifts. The best gift is your time. I can't stand the way society has made us feel obligated to purchase and give gifts. I am far from cheap - if I want to give you a gift I don't wait until a holiday or birthday, I just do it randomly. I think it means more when it is a "just because" gift anyway.
If you feel that you have to get her something, go with a small cheerful plant. NEVER flowers --- they just end up dying and that is just wrong for a birthday in my opinion.
2007-05-29 08:30:14 · answer #2 · answered by jerzybuckeye 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be Sweet, Give Her a special gift.
Maybe Flowers or stufftoys? along w/ a birthday card. but Hey man... it's your choice on what flavor to give.
By that Maybe You Could start a wonderful friendship or even more..(if you are single though)
be greatful that you were invited. that means that you are noticed and somewhat special and...you are gonnna participate in a very special day.
big party or small it is still her birthday!
Just give a special gift...
It's not everyday you are invited to a semi-stranger's birthday.
to me it is a Great opportunity to make new friends.
as a Friend's advice: GO FOR IT. Give Her something that She would like.
as i said. This things don't happen everyday... so it is better to make the best out of it!!
And.... ENJOY!!!
Don't you feel thrilled that you were invited? haha... if I was you. I may be the happiest person around.
2007-05-29 07:55:34 · answer #3 · answered by Matt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could buy a gag gift or just sometthing small like an african violet and a card. She didn't get u anything but since its a party I suspect others will bring a little something. If your really broke and u have a picture of yourself or you 2 together then buy aframe at a thrift store and give her the picture. A little token may help you feel more comfortable. But, as w/ some of my friends and maybe yours too, we don't really care-just be there to celebrate. SO really its about your comfort and financial level.
2007-05-29 07:48:31 · answer #4 · answered by ozzy1169 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A card and perhaps something reasonably inexpensive in light of the fact that you will be paying your own way for the privilege of helping to celebrate her birthday. A book is appropriate, or some other item that a young lady might enjoy.
2007-05-29 08:05:35 · answer #5 · answered by Alfie333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go enjoy yourself, take a card or hand write a birthday poem. Bring an original drawing. Print out a list of things that happened on the day she was born. It is the joy of having people there to celebrate, not the present that will be important.
2007-06-02 05:29:47 · answer #6 · answered by rubypoppins 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to get a gift. Just showing up is better than the phone call you got for your birthday. If you feel you need to do more, get a card. You will probably be pitching in to pay for the birthday person's meal.
2007-05-30 13:15:43 · answer #7 · answered by Cordon Bleu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe a birthday card with a gift card to a coffee shop in it. I think $10 is more than enough
Enjoy your dinner!
2007-05-29 07:46:52 · answer #8 · answered by Terri C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will suggest that you get a "funny" card with and in the light of the above that you don't really know this friend so well, just give her a box of chocolates or a gift voucher (not too expensive)
2007-05-29 07:42:40 · answer #9 · answered by INCOGNITO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a card for sure and maybe a gift card to someplace like Starbucks. You won't need to spend a lot of money.
2007-05-29 07:47:03 · answer #10 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋