My daughter is about to turn four and she is having a party. I do not like Barbie Dolls and prefer for her not to have them. All of the family knows my preference, but some of her friends parents do not. Would it be rude to write on the invitation "No Barbies Please". I know that I would not be offended if I received a similar note on an invitation, but wanted some other parents opinions. I don't want to be rude or offensive on the invitation.
2007-06-12 02:48:32 · 34 answers · asked by Carrie T 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I do not think that is appropriate. However, if someone asks you what she would like for her birthday, you may definitely say it to them at that time. You could also register someplace and put in a registry card. The worst thing that would happen is you would get a Barbie or two. If that happens, you can donate it to a hospital or shelter. That would instill a sense of charity in your daughter and she'd feel good about sharing her birthday with those less fortunate. Or, you can simply exchange the gift for something else she would like.
2007-06-12 02:55:41 · answer #1 · answered by Mistress Kat 3 · 10⤊ 0⤋
OK. I would not write your preferances for gifts on the invitation, but would verbally speak to the parents involved when you can, either over the phone or in person about your wish not to have any barbie dolls. Your wish is understandable and will go down better this way. Good luck.
2007-06-12 02:55:10 · answer #2 · answered by square_dotzz 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I would write something in the invitation that doesn't sound like you're expecting presents...if possible.
Chances are, she'll get barbies because barbies rule the world and every kid knows about them.
I HATE the bratz dolls, I cannot believe they're sold. They're provacative 5 year olds. It's gross.
I would say "Please avoid Barbie or 'Bratz' dolls as gifts if possible! Thank you!"
Bratz aren't barbies...they're a million times worse. Soooo mention both.
2007-06-12 12:12:14 · answer #3 · answered by Asprague 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rude? Possibly. Proper etiquette? Nope.
Many who RSVP will ask you for gift suggestions. At that time you may point out that you would rather not have any Barbies.
If your daughter receives any Barbies, consider keeping them in the packaging and donating them to Toys For Tots at the holidays.
2007-06-12 03:14:02 · answer #4 · answered by aivilo 3 · 7⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with Barbie. Your daughter can play with them. She is not going to have negative feelings about other women or her body from Barbie. She will have that from her mother, who obviously doesn't believe her influence regarding those issues will take precedent over a child's plastic doll.
Don't write anything on the invite. It's rude. People might think you are fishing for other types of gifts. Also, I'd like to add if you make it known to the other parent's you oppose Barbie, they make look at you and your child differently. Why would you outcast your child? It's only a doll, what harm can it realy do.
2007-06-12 03:06:35 · answer #5 · answered by Answer Girl 2007 5 · 9⤊ 3⤋
I dont think its rude. I didnt allow mine to have barbies till they were older and I let everyone know that they couldnt play with them so please dont buy them. I did the same with the Brats dolls. Which I will never let them have those dolls. 4 yrs old is to young and there are alot of small parts with a barbie that gets lost very easily. If people dont respect your decision that their problem!! You do what is best for your child!
2007-06-12 04:04:18 · answer #6 · answered by Simple Life? HAHA 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think it's a lil bit rude, but not offensive in any way. A gift is a gift and should be appreciated regardless of what it is. When or IF you receive Barbies though, don't let the kids open them. Put them all together and go with your daughter to Toys-r-Us and exchange them for a gift she or you would like better. I'd let her pick though, it's always fascinating to see what really gets a kid's attention at that age. Have fun at your party!
2007-06-12 03:05:16 · answer #7 · answered by elainantx 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Hi Carrie -
I am torn on this one because I have a three year old and I do not like her to have Barbies (or bratz or that little doll that comes with the leopard print bed...cant remember the name). However, when it comes to gift giving I think it is rude to tell people what to give and what not to give.
One poster already suggested, if she gets a Barbie, take her with you to donate it to a charity, if you have one nearby a childrens hospital would be great. It is times like these that children will learn life lessons they will never learn from a book.
2007-06-12 03:38:09 · answer #8 · answered by Sam and I 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Little children don't appreciate your stance.
I suggest that a barbie doll party may be a little extravagant; however, she is a little tyke, maybe one dollie - from you. Go ahead with the invitation ( and polite restriction).
In case they are brought any way. You could have some clever fun w these. (You will need to ask another question, i.e., what do I do with scads of Barbie dollies? sort of thing.
Your stance on Barbies is understood. Little girls have a mind too. She seems a little brain washed. Too much TV, or friends who watch too much TV may influence her.
Teach your child about sterotyping and sexism when she is at an age to understand. Four is a wee girl. She ought to be having fun.
2007-06-12 03:27:24 · answer #9 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 4⤊ 4⤋
I think it would be rude to put that on the invites. People don't want restrictions on their gift giving - and you shouldn't teach your daughter to put restrictions on gifts either. If your daughter does get any Barbies, explain to her after the party why you don't want her to play with them, and donate the toys to good will.
2007-06-12 03:09:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋