My son started kindergarten this past September and is being invited to birthday parties for classmates and other kids that he knows from the after school program. If we decline a party, do we still need to send a gift to the birthday child? I am leaning towards not giving a gift especially since some of the kids aren't his really good friends but what is the general rule of thumb when you decline a party. If it was one of his good friends and he doesn't attend the party, I would give a gift. What is the "norm"? Thanks.
I wouldn't expect a gift from a kid that doesn't make it to my child's party--would you? But please rsvp--so many people do not do that these days.
Unless its his close friend, if we don't go, no gift. The same is true for people who don't attend my parties. If they don't come, I don't expect to see a gift show up.
no gift is needed if you do not attend, unless it's a really close friend he wants to give a gift to
If you do not go, than no gift is needed, but I try to make it to every party we are invited to. Imagine if no one showed up for your son's birthday party, how hurt he would be. Last year we invited my son's Pre-school class, and only 2 showed. I thought my son was ok with it, until this year when he told me he did not want to have a party because "no one will come anyway".
i wouldnt unless it was a best friend or relative.
I give a gift even if we can't make it if it is a child that has come to my kids' parties or is someone we are very close to.
I don't send a gift if my child doesn't attend a party.
I never give a classmate a gift if we rsvp no to a birthday party, unless it's a very close friend of my kid's.
unless the birthday child is a best friend then I would say no gift. Most schools have the rule that you can't pass out invites in class unless you invite the whole class. Just remember to rsvp that your sorry your son will not be attending. That way the parent of the birthday child knows how many to plan for. nothing worse than a classroom full of kids and no rsvps. you plan for the 5 who rsvp and 30 show up or you plan for 30 and 3 show up.
I only send a gift when the kids can't attend a party to children that they are good friends with. Or if a child has come to my kid's party and has given a gift.
If your son really likes the child and wants to give him something :-) then Sure but as a rule, I really dont think you have too!
If you don't go no gift same if they they were invited to your childs party.Would you expect them to give a gift if they were invited but didn't attend?
I think it varies by what each person's norm is. Some do, some don't. Gift giving should be "because you want to" so don't feel obligated if you aren't attending.
If you decline the invitation, then you do NOT need to follow up with a gift.
Some moms do this & I have done it before, but only for "good" friends. I do not do it for casual acquaintences. I would never expect anyone to gift my child if they did not come to my party.
Most kids today invite all the boys/girls or everyone in their class. I would save the gift for a declined party for a good friend.
