Invitation Wording ?

Please, no gifts.

if you would like to donate to JDRF in Bobby's name -and list web site.

I have done that-but, asked for a toy to donate to Children's Hospital.

Not to be confusing but... I attended a child's birthday party once, the same age as your child. The parents said no gifts and instead to bring donations for a local charity.

We got to the party. The child was a bit 'sad', because she knew it was her birthday party... but yet, it was no gifts, which was explained to her by her parents. The guests, brought donations, but for the charity.
It felt a bit awkward, as the guest, to see the young child, at her own birthday party, being 'sad' because she was too young to understand why no one was bringing gifts for her, to celebrate.
At her party.
It wasn't about her being greedy for gifts... it was just her as a 3 year old and knowing by then, that at birthdays, presents are given to the Birthday child.
And to be honest, I was sad for her too.
A lot of the guests, were awkward about it.

But anyway, I would think, a box is sort of... tacky?
Because, you are also stating on the invitation that gifts/donations are not necessary.
It might feel awkward, for the guests.
Or confusing for them.
I mean, is it a fundraiser... or a child's Birthday party???

I don't think this is necessarily tacky, but I think this is a bit confusing.

I'm so sorry for your husband's diagnosis. That said, it would be worth pursuing other fundraising opportunities at other times, so that people can focus on the birthday boy for this one event. I think keeping those two parts of life separate would be a little better, because it *is* your little boy's birthday. Have fun.

I think the donation thing would be more successful when you ask for it for your husbands birthday and not your childs. Also finding the charity of your liking and give them the info as to where to donate.

You need a contact person at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to include with the invitation. People donate directly and you receive a note from the foundation saying that a donation has been made in your child's name.

Not everyone will be comfortable with the donation idea... and will prefer to bring a present. I am one of those people that ignores the request and brings something wonderful for the child instead.

I agree with the other moms. If you are going to ask for donations, it should be at your husband's party, not your son's. If you do decide to do this for any party, you might want to contact the JDRF or other foundation you are supporting and get information about collecting donations. My understanding is there may be tax or other consequences to deal with in collecting more than a certain amount.

definitely no box for donations. You can say, "in lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation" and you can leave the address or phone number in your invitation.

First of all, I don't think this is fair to your 3 year old. He can't possibly understand this and will be disappointed that there are no gifts. And while some people may bring gifts anyways, I think it will be awkward. Those that didn't bring gifts may feel like they should have brought a gift too. And those that brought a gift instead may feel they should have made a donation too. I just don't think it's appropriate.

That being said, to answer your question, the wording would be: "in lieu of gifts--please consider donating to the JDResearch Foundation"

And you can put a card holder, box, tree, whatever out and say "Thank you for donating to the JDResearch Foundation".

If I was invited, I would bring a gift for your child as well as making a donation. I would feel sorry for a little one who didn't receive presents at their own birthday party. That being said, it wouldn't offend me if there was a card holder.

I like Liz's phrasing.

No to the box. You can say gifts are not necessary, then put out a box to collect them!

My opinion is that on the invitation itself. you can put in lieu of gifts--please consider donating to the JDResearch Foundation. No Gifts Please. We have been recently diagnosed.

As for the card holder on the table? Tacky. You don't want to assume the last min donations etc. If they want to send something,they will find another way---but that one i would skip.

M

please no gifts, consider making a donation to xxx. I wouldn't say "we have been recently diagnosed" some people will bring a gift anyway, which will be nice for your son! definitely no card holderm, it's not a fundraising event.

i think in the invitations you should put 'cash or gift checks to Juvenile Diabetes Research will be appreciated instead of toys' or 'in lieu of the traditional gifts or toys, cash or gift checks to Juvenile Diabetes Research will much appreciated'

and at the party you can put a donation box near the door of the venue.. make sure you say something about the foundation you would like to sponsor.. and thank people... inform people that a donation box is placed near the door for more contributions from the invites heart...

Please no gifts! You can make a donation to JDRF at www.blahblah.com if desired...