My twins are in kindergarten this year and so excited to have their first "friend" party. I found out that another little boy in their class has a birthday the same week and was planning to have his first "friend" birthday party the same day and time as we were. His Mom and I decided to have a joint party for all three boys, thinking we could pool our resources, have a really fun party and not make the 8 invited classmates (our only guests) choose between one party or the other. I was planning to ask on the invitation that gifts be limited to the $5 range, but find out that it may be rude to do so. I've been instructed that I either say "no gifts" or say nothing about gifts. The issue I have is that I don't want our invitees not to attend because they're afraid they'll have to spend $60-75 on gifts. As it's the boys' first real party, I'm not ready to say "no gifts", but they'd all be thrilled with small, inexpensive gifts. Is there any way to communicate this to the parents?
It sounds like a great party and kids that age will be happy with any gift, price does not need to be the issue.
Mama Tori H has it going ON!
Blessings....
I'm pretty sure parents won't spend that much on gifts. I would say most 'friend' parties, the kids spend about $10-15 unless maybe it's a best friend. I would let it go. Don't say anything and I'm confident it will work out! Hope it's fun!!
You may be over thinking this. People will come or not and they will spend what they can afford. Do you know these other parents, maybe you just say something when you hand it them. I don't think there is any way to say it on an invite that is tactful.
Good luck!
I agree with the other moms, most gifts these days are under 20, more in the 10-15 dollar range, even her closer friends keep in that range, I'm the one that has the problem keeping in the range since she only attends a couple parties each year. The only issue may be having to buy 3 gifts for all the boys if it is a classmate of all of theirs. But sounds like a fun party and I think everyone will buy fun gifts the boys will love. My son is entering K next year, I can't wait for him to invite friends, so far he has just had family only parties while his sister has "friends". Enjoy the party, most of all don't stress, take time to enjoy and eat it will be over before you know it.
I would just say gifts are not required and don't worry, some people will bring gifts and some won't but your boys will still have gifts to open from you and from grandparents, etc. so they will not feel deprived. If you are worried they will not have enough stuff to open buy a few more gifts from a dollar store and have them on hand.
I wouldn't say anything about a gift. Most people know that gifts are a given for a kids birthday party. Don't worry, I'm sure they'll get really nice gifts. Have fun!
I wouldn't worry too much about it. Most parents know to spend only a small amount on friends presents (I'm just thinking of what my kids have received in the past). We look for a way to keep within our budget and still let the kids take gifts.
I agree with the other responses. I would not mention gifts at all unless someone asks you directly.That is such a fun age for Birthday parties, so have a great party and most of all enjoy it and have fun.
One year for my daughter's birthday, we requested that her friends each draw her a picture and give her a small photo of themselves in lieu of gifts. Then we stuck them all in page protectors and put them in a binder for her. She still likes to look at them four years later.
We always did a gift exchange for my children's birthdays. Pick a type of gift to bring, a book, a puzzle, an action figure. Everyone brings a gift and everyone goes home with a gift! Draw names or #'s to pick out a wrapped gift. This way it is fun for everyone.
I say don't worry about it. Parents will figure it out. I don't spend $20-25 per kid on gifts because we go to as dozen parties per year. I would spend $10 per kid for a classmate and slightly more for a good friend. It is kind of you to be concerned, but most of these parents can figure out their own budgets. Have a good party.
I agree with the answers here . . . if one of my sons went to a party with three birthday honorees we'd probably spend $10-15 per gift. When they're that age (5-6) it's fairly easy to thrill them with inexpensive gifts! I think most of the parents would figure it out on their own.
Perhaps if someone calls to ask you what your son would like you could hint for something modest.
Have a great time!
PS: Really enjoy those bigger birthday parties because when they get older they don't like them as much!
