What is the proper way to invite guests to a child's birthday party and let them know that gifts are optional?

We have friends with very limited funds, and would like them to attend our child's birthday party without having to purchase a gift. We have been invited to parties where the invitation said "Please no gifts" but many people brought gifts in spite of that. We don't want to exclude people who want to bring gifts, and we want everyone to come, even if they cannot afford a gift.





Any suggestion for wording the invitation?

What is the proper way to invite guests to a child's birthday party and let them know that gifts are optional?
Just write "gifts are optional" on the invitation, or don't mention it at all. But don't make a big deal out of it either way.
Reply:It is unneccesary and innapropriate to mention gifts at all in the invitation.


people will choose if they wish to bring gifts, based on personal desire and societal expectations.


most polite people will bring a gift- becuase it is proper ettiquette in our culture. however, they may spend as little or as much as they feel comfortable.


don't concern yourself with your friend's finances- its impolite. they know what they can do.
Reply:I would just say "We are trying to emphasize the personal part of birthdays, like spending time with family and friends, and trying to deemphasize the material part. The best and only gift we will be accepting is your presence at this party." Good luck.
Reply:write that gifts are optional and that there presence is gift enough so please come and help make this a fun birthday for little whats his name
Reply:If you don't want people to bring gifts, then this MUST be indicated - but in a kind and clear way. People have been raised to buy gifts for birthdays, especially children, so it's a tough habit to break. Kids are very bright! Before you send the invites, have a talk with your child. Discuss the less-fortunate with him/her and suggest that, as he/she is very blessed, wouldn't it be nice to ask people to buy something for the pets in shelters, the local homeless shelter, UNICEF (let the kid choose a cause!). Let the child help with the invites by pasting a photo of a shelter, or a pet on the overleaf! On the invitation, you could say: "Jeremy is 5 on Friday and you are invited to share in his celebration. We're serving cake and lunch from 2 to 4 so let us know if you're coming! Jeremy is learning about sharing and he has asked that you do not bring him a present. Instead, he would feel so much happier if you would support the ASFDARG Shelter on 5th avenue. Thank you so much!"
Reply:I would just say that gifts are optional not required.


Hope this helps
Reply:Put on the bottom, "Your presence is the only gift you need to bring"
Reply:I agree with nice girl... just simply put on the imvitation that gifts are optional. And, I think that's very considerate of you to think about this. Sometimes it's hard to accept an invitation to a party if, at the moment, I don't have the money for a gift. I'm sure your sensitivity is appreciated.
Reply:Write......."Gifts are optional and less important than your presence".
Reply:The nicest kid's birthday party with a request I ever sent my kid to was one where the kid asked that instead of gift, a donation to the children's hospital be made. Your child gets a nice certificate and you help out a good cause.
Reply:You could write in the invitation:





Please note that we teach our children to appreciate the small and personal.