What is a good way to ask people not to bring presents to a birthday party?

Question

I know this sounds strange but our son is turning one and he already has to much stuff, and most of our friends cant afford to go buy gifts. So on the invitation we want to say something like... Dont worry about bringing gifts just bring yourself. But everything we have came up with doesnt sound that great. Space is limited on the invitation. Thanks!

Answer 1

The very proper way to handle it is to put "No gifts, please" on the invitation. If you put anything else, they'll think you're being nice but might want gifts anyway. Just say "No gifts, please" and be done with it.

Also spread the word to some of your closest friends so they can help reinforce it with other friends who may ask about it.

And thanks for being a good parent and realizing that more stuff isn't necessarily a good thing. :-)

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

well if you say it casually then they'll probably laugh it off and by him a present anyway! i would ring them up on purpose and say ' please please dont bring so and so a present because we dont have the room and he has way to much stuff anyway' (dont say anything about them not having money lol!!)

and just tell them your being serious!! just be straight with them!!

hope i helped x

Answer 3

Bringing yourself is enough  

Answer 4

The genuine way is not to mention it's a birthday party. Tell them it's a get together party.  

Answer 5

Some of my son's more well-off friends have had the same problems. They simply put "Please, No Gifts" and that took care of it.

Simplicity is often the best answer.

Answer 6

I did this for my mom's retirement party. At her request, she wanted NO presents so,I informed quests that any gifts would be donated to the local food pantry/ churches and let me tell you. People asked me why and it was easy to say - it's my mom's party and that was her choice. Of course people did not want money they give to be given else where and we had only a few gifts and a couple people even brought can goods which were given to the food pantry.

It's weird but it works.