I am starting to notice a trend of seperate families getting together to throw their kids a joint Birthday Party. For example, my daughter was just invited to a Birthday Party of a very good friend of hers, but the party is also for 3 other little girls, who we do not know at all. My question is do we bring gifts for all 4 of these children or just the one child that we know? Should we bring something small or just a card for the 3 children, and then a regular gift for her friend?? I'm not sure what is proper here - help! : )
Thanks Moms!
Interesting, I have not head of this before but it seems to me that this is probably coming in vogue mainly due to the economy and the desire for each parent not to have to shell out major $$$ for a party. In that spirit, I think it's perfectly acceptable to give a gift only to the child you know.
Jennifer is correct, you just give a gift to the friend..
We have been invited to many parties like this and usually they state just the friend. Or a particular twin if it was for twins and they had separate friends..
Interesting! I've not seen that going on here...but my initial thought is only a gift for the friend of your daughters. I can't imagine they'd be expecting gifts for strangers!! Why don't you call the mom of your daughters friend and ask her...seems like a perfectly reasonable question! Good luck.
You only need to give a gift to the child(ren) that you are friends with. The others don't expect presents from everyone. Don't feel guilty at all.
I believe that the proper thing to do would be to bring a gift for the child whose birthday you were invited to celebrate. If you feel guilty about not bringing anything for the others, perhaps a card with a crisp dollar bill would be appropriate.
As you were not invited because you know the other children, but because you know one, it is not polite for the other parents to expect your to provide presents for all of the children.
Luck!
C.
I think a card for the other girls and a gift for the one you know, would be fine.
Was the invitation for all of the kids or just one? When friends of ours have done joint birthday parties they each send out their own invitations. Sometimes we are invited by both of the birthday kids sometimes only by one. We only give gifts to the one that invited us.
Good luck,
K.
I don't think you need to have a gift for strangers - even if they are kids. - They will have their own guests and plenty of gifts.
I agree - that you could certainly check in and ask, or if you just would feel uncomfortable being empty handed - head to a dollar store for a card and a coloring book-
How odd to throw multiple children a shared party if most guests aren't already acquainted.
a friend's daughter was invited to a birthday party last year and did not know that it was one of these parties. so clearly she had only bought one gift though she did go out and buy another one and then never got around to delivering it. she received a thank you note from the one who did not get a gift.
i personally would buy one gift for the friend who invited your child.
How was the invitation worded--maybe THEY are confused but who on earth would expect you to buy gift for girls your daughter doesn't even know?! I'd buy only for the girl who is friends with your daughter.
