Tell me this: do you think there is anything wrong with writing "no gifts please" on a birthday party invitation? Are you a person who would be bothered by that policy?
24 February 2012
Sandwiches, Sidewalk Chalk, Streamers, and Sprinkles
This is Day One of the Twins' fourth birthday celebration. We had a few friends from church over for a lunch and project party. After sandwiches, Cheetohs, and strawberries, we moved the activity outside to decorate the cul-de-sac with sidewalk chalk.
The forecast called for rain at this very moment, but the universe was on our side and the sun shined down on these cute kids while they made hopscotch squares and wrote their names. A wore her new birthday dress from Nana, but was prepared with rainboots, of course. As our good fortune went, the weather was perfect right up until the very end of the party and then the sky opened up and dumped rain as everyone drove away.
I had a last minute idea to make these spinner streamers from my childhood. I didn't have any metal washers, so I used some curtain rings with clips which simplified things a bit. With a little time they all developed their streamer-spinning skills, and for some reason no one realized how fun it was to launch them into the air so they fall like comets.
We ended with some cupcake decorating. A burst into tears when all eyes were on her for the birthday song, but E loved each and every sweet minute, eventually asking for a second cupcake and bonus M&Ms.
Note to self: I think we'll keep the no-gift policy we implemented at this friend party. (They get plenty of surprises between their parents and their grandparents, I didn't like the idea of their friends bringing two presents to the party, and I was really worried about "stuff overload".) Instead, their friends brought little artistic offerings they had made themselves--sketches on the back of scratch paper, colored pages from coloring books, and other such cuteness. The twins have looked at each and every one of them after the kids left and have been carrying them around the house commenting on each of them, and asking to be reminded of their creators.
Tell me this: do you think there is anything wrong with writing "no gifts please" on a birthday party invitation? Are you a person who would be bothered by that policy?
Tell me this: do you think there is anything wrong with writing "no gifts please" on a birthday party invitation? Are you a person who would be bothered by that policy?
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8 comments:
And to think that four years ago, they were little burritos? Where does the time go? (Noted with Nana-teary eyes.)
Hi Liz, it's Suzanne. We met in NH at the POM's Retreat ages ago. I have no problem seeing or putting a "No Gifts" note on invitations, and I've done so. But friends tell me it's not fair to the kids, and so I have caved.
One thing my sister has done, which I love, is to have her kids' guests bring food and other for the local animal shelter (her kids are passionate about animals). I think it's a win-win.
Hope you're well. I check in here from time to time and hope that some day (sooner rather than later) we POM moms can reconnect in person. All the best!!!
Spencer gets invited to so many birthday parties, and we really can't afford getting gifts for all these people we don't really know. So I would LOVE it if more parents put "no gifts, please" on the invite!
I love "no gifts please"! I say leave the buying to the parents & grandparents. If a close friends feels like they want to buy something special than they can but I don't think it should be expected.
The streamers are fantastic!!! Happy Birthday to my favorite people in the world that share my very same bday!
I don't mind no gifts please, but it is sometimes still awkward, especially when some show up with gifts and others don't. So this year, in lieu of birthday parties, we threw an end of summer party (my older kids all have summer birthdays). I copied this from a friend, and it was awesome -- no expectations of the perfect party, decorations, favors, gifts, etc. No one was the center of attention, but we had yummy food and treats, everyone ran around and danced and so forth, and the kids loved it. We still celebrated each birthday in special ways with family, and I will probably still throw some birthday parties, but I did love the simplicity of just a party.
Happy birthday little ones!
On another note, We just threw our Eli his first birthday party yesterday. Our friends are poor students and we don't have space for lots of stuff so on the invitation I wrote "No gifts, just YOU!" We didn't miss the presents and we were so happy with friends.
jj
Hey Sis,
First of all, I have to tell you that I'm reading your blog when Danielle is in bed. If not, she sees me on the computer and clamors to "SEE MILLIE! SEE ELI! SEE JACKSON!" Millie, of "Millie coat" and "Millie shoes" is famous in our house, let me tell you!
I like the "no gifts" policy. I wonder if there's a way that you could put something to suggest that home-made gifts like drawing and creations would be a perfect gift. I recently went to a "no gifts please" party and so . . . we didn't have a gift. There were other gifts there for the birthday boy but I didn't feel awkward.
Love Laura's idea about the end of summer party!
and Love you!
We always do "no gifts, please". I don't want people to feel stress having to buy gifts and I certainly don't want someone not coming because they don't have a gift! I feel like I'm just encouraging greed in my kids by having them expect it. We have birthday parties to celebrate this child and to let them celebrate with their friends, not as a ploy to get stuff. On the same note, I also dislike party favors. Sheesh--I plan a party, I expect someone to bring gifts, but then I feel obligated to send them home with one too? It's just so complicated that way. We get together to have fun and enjoy each other...and that we do. Luckily I have yet to have a child complain about it. Sorry for the soapbox :) Living in Utah with zillions of kids and parties I have develped some strong feelings on the subject. You're kids are adorable. Happy Birthday!!
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