[onehotmumma]

Just looking for some wording I can use on a 1st birthday invite to let people know we don't want presents (and mean it).

We've said it in the past and people still bring them.

We have a VERY small house so very little storage. We work ALOT so the kids aren't at home enough to play with them. The girls have more than enough already between them and will be absolutely spoilt by family members anyway.

We've said it in the past and some people still bring them. We appreciate them, of course, but we really don't want them, we just want the company of our family and friends.

ETA - I refer to both kids because there is a 5th birthday of my elder DD three weeks before hand and some people might not want to leave her out, judging from what she got given when our second was born. Also because they both share alot of the toys/books even though there is a fair age gap.

This post has been edited by ~KaZzY~: 27/06/2012, 08:10 PM

[ILBB]

I attempted this for my DSs 1st Birthday and was very clear in the invitation that I just wanted their presence and not presents! Most people who came then thought that was code for put cash in an envelope instead!! Good luck with however you word it!!

[BetteBoop]

You might get a better response if you call people and explain why you don't want presents.

Every year of DDs life I've put: "no presents please. Your presence is enough" and most people have completely ignored it.

Maybe it works better if you go all Dirty Harry on them and make threats if they bring a gift. Worth a try.

[Ms.Nolte]

We are organizing a 1st birthday too and don't want any gifts (seriously).
Fortunately, the party is with our friends and family overseas, so we put: We don't have any room to take home any gifts with us, your presence and friendship is all we need.

[Rewom]

maybe you could just send out a Come to my Party invite (or Party Invite) as opposed to calling it a Birthday party...

[PleaseBeAdvised]

Hmm. I've put "Your presence is present enough: no gifts please" on the invite for my son's christening and hope the request is respected. Our tiny apartment is already overflowing with baby crap (he is absolutely spoiled by his GP) and we won't cope with any more!

I expect it will be respected in my case as I didn't have a baby shower (again, same reasons) and made a lot of noise about not needing additional items for bub.

[AvadaKedavra]

I would call and explain to those you feel comfortable being frank with.

[duckduckduck]

We are organizing a 1st birthday too and don't want any gifts (seriously).
Fortunately, the party is with our friends and family overseas, so we put: We don't have any room to take home any gifts with us, your presence and friendship is all we need.

Agree. Maybe reword to say 'We are desperately short on space at home so ask that you just bring your lovely selves and no gifts or money. Your company and friendship is gift enough. (Really, we mean it.)"

[wallofdodo]

I went to a no presents party, and a no,presents wedding. Both times, I complied with the hosts wishes. Both times I was the only person who didn't bring a gift.

So in short , I have no idea. Actually I do, invite me! I won't bring any presents.

[Jaymic]

There are some people who dont feel comfortable not bringing a gift. You could request that the gift be unisex and then each gift is given to a different child.. I remember that happening when I was a little girl... it was such fun recieving a birthday gift when it wasn't my birthday!! Or you could say that all gifts will be donated to charity. There are other options if you dont want the gifts for your children.