Hi, If my daughter, who is five, can't go to a birthday party, should she still give something ie:gift, card, etc? I don't know if she should just give a birthday card and say that she is sorry that she can't make it. Or does she need to do anything at all? This is one of my daughter's good friends.
Also if she isn't going, do we need to call the parents to tell them that we are not able to go, or just not contact them and assume that they will understand that we won't be going.
Thanks for any help.
2007-09-13 19:02:37 · 14 answers · asked by pawdog530 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
This depends entirely on how close your child is with the celebrant. And if you know the parents well.
At the very least, a small gift will be proper. And your child, at least, must tell the celebrant she can not go, so that the hosts can also finalize the guest list. It would be nice and very civil if you as parent call the parents of the celebrant as well. Nothing to lose here, everything to gain. It is perfect when the parents know the parents of their children's best friends, too.
2007-09-13 19:34:44 · answer #1 · answered by Monique 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the card says RSVP, you should respond either way, with your plans to come or with regrets. It's nice either way to let those planning a party know whether or not you will be able to attend. I would say, since it's a party for one of your daughter's close friends, that you should go ahead and get some type of gift, as well. But there's no need to do this in all cases ... if it were just a classmate or an acquaintance, you could skip the gift and perhaps just get an inexpensive card.
2007-09-14 05:23:31 · answer #2 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is a good friend, I think it is important to contact the parents and say that you are terribly sorry that she can't come but you would like to bring a gift by at some point before the party....OR you can send a gift with another parent. Also suggest setting up a play date at some later point...
At the very least you should send a card...
2007-09-13 21:52:53 · answer #3 · answered by joellemoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a courtesy, you should call the birthday girl's parents to inform that you are unable to go. At least, they will know that you and your daughter are not coming and do not have to prepare extra food or goody bag.
Since she is one of your daughter's good friends, a small gift and card would be lovely. At least, it will make the birthday girl very happy to know that her friend (that's your daughter) still takes the time to get her something! It's the thoughts that counts. A box of color pencil or a doll would be just fine.
2007-09-13 19:14:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since she is your daughters good friend it's nice and polite to make a courtesy phone call the let the parent(S) know your daughter could not be there. Send a birthday card would be nice also.
2007-09-13 19:11:07 · answer #5 · answered by lilac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello there
PLEASE PLEASE contact the mum and say you can't come. Nothing drives me crazy more than wondering if someone is coming or not. If there's no RSVP on the invitation, it might be that they don't even expect to hear any more, since society has so gotten out of it.
If these people are good friends, you might want to send a card. Otherwise you are under no obligation to send or bring a present. The party is supposed to be about people, not about material things. We once had a friend of my son who said he could come but he couldn't afford to bring a present, and did we still want him to come? Oh, of course, we told them-- it's not the present. It's important that children understand that, too.
2007-09-16 10:04:47 · answer #6 · answered by LJG 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on how often they see each other if they see each other, then yes a small gift for the next time they meet is nice.
definitely call them and let them know you will not be able to make it. If she does not see the person often but they are good friends call them and let them know and then send a birthday card.
2007-09-13 19:26:46 · answer #7 · answered by Blessed Rain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be really nice if you sent a gift anyway.
It would be really kind of rude to not call the parents to tell them your daughter won't be there. They can't read your mind, and if she is your daughter's really good friend, her feelings could be hurt.
Just pick up the phone and call them or send them an email.
2007-09-13 19:08:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since it's her good friend's bday, send a small gift with a card. But do let the parents know that you can't make it.
2007-09-13 21:43:42 · answer #9 · answered by -♦One-♦-Love♦- 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't assume. Call them to tell that you won't be going. A card will do just fine.
2007-09-13 21:19:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋