Why are majority of people writing "no boxed gifts" on invitations these days?

Question

The last few weddings and a baby shower my husband and I are invited to in a few weeks said "no boxed gifts" on their invitations. Isn't that just another way of saying cash? Isn't it hard for some people to give cash, because then you always have to give more? If you find a nice gift that's pricey, but the exact same thing in another store for half price, a smart shopper would by the one that's cheaper.

Answer 1

yes that is usually what they mean. solution... gift card

Answer 2

It must just be people you know! Or in your area... I've never heard of this, and we go to lots of weddings, and I've been to two baby showers in the last few months.

If I got an invitation where they were rude enough to put that on there, I would buy a gift, and put it nicely wrapped into a gift BAG, just not a box.

Answer 3

I have never seen an invitation with that written on it.  I can't even imagine sending an invitation with that written on it.  Some people are so rude that I'll never understand.

I suppose that if they were planning to move far away and didn't want to carry things a long way I would understand though.

Answer 4

Hmm, have yet to see that phrase on an invitation but it sounds like a euphemism for "we just want cash."  Kind of tacky.  Of course, you can always disregard their "wishes" and get them a boxed gift anyway (what are they going to do?  Throw it at you?  They'll just take it back to the store in exchange for a refund).  Or maybe what they really want is too large for a box--how do you wrap a 40-room luxury house with a pool?  Or a stretch limo?  Or an all-expenses paid trip around the world?  Yikes!  People re getting little greedy.  Just do what feels right to do and don't worry what the receiver says--it's a gift.

Answer 5

That's not the point of the "no boxed gifts" thing. I have been to gatherings and weddings where A LOT of people have been invited. Because majority of the gifts are boxed, the family spends about an hour after the party hoarding those gifts into cars so they can take them home. No boxes are just more convenient.

But indeed, the people who add it just for money are very inconsiderate...though I haven't experience those particular people.

Answer 6

Yes, that's what they're saying.  They want money.  I think it's tacky and inappropriate.  At a wedding, shower or birthday or whatever, the person bringing the gift is the one who should decide what to bring or what to give.  The only exception would be if the recipient has asked for donations to a charity in lieu of presents.  

**ADD**

I agree with the first answer, if I received an invitation of this nature, I'd put just $10 in a card and give it OR I would give a gift card to a store in the same amount.  I wouldn't give them the same amount of cash I would've spent on a gift (which probably would've been significantly higher), because I think what they're doing is inappropriate to begin with.

Answer 7

It certainly sounds like all they want is cash.  That's really pathetic.  If they write that, toss a $10 or a $20 in the card... if you feel like giving them anything at all.  Don't ever feel like you are obligated to load a card up with cash.  If they judge you by how much cash you give them, then they aren't true friends.

Answer 8

They want "enveloped gifts" so yes, money.  Ugh I think that is SO tacky to mention the word "gifts" in an invitation.

You know? If I were you I would buy a GIANT box and fill it with those foam peanuts and then at the bottom put a baby bib or something.

Answer 9

sometimes cash can go a little farther than  a gift I guess

Answer 10

That is really tacky and presumptive to write that on an invitation. How rude. How dare they tell their guests what they can and cannot bring. I wouldn't even go. Those aren't friends. Those are vulchers. It's ok to say that you want cash but you are supposed to let your people essentially get the word out if an invitee asks.

Like, do you know where so and so is registered? Or what they would like or could use?

They could really use cash. But they are registered at if you want to do something from there or to get some ideas.  

Answer 11

Basically, yes - they're asking for cash/gift certificates.  That is REALLY tracky.  I know some people do it because they have certain tastes and want everything in their house 'decorated their way' but here's an idea: either make them something and BAG it (it's not boxed, and you can smile sweetly andsay, "it's not boxed, just like you asked" OR, you can say, "Here's a certificate/receipt stating that so-and-so and i donated to a charity in your name."  Anyone that selfish doesn't deserve presents.