Sometimes trivial quandaries that pop into my head and I can't help but wonder ... What do YOU, fellow mamas, fellow bloggers, friends near and far, SAY? What's your opinion? How do you handle this situation or that predicament? Or even, what could I have done differently? If the question/situation inspires you, please leave a comment :)
This week's question is not terribly serious, and I am asking mostly out of curiosity.
How do you feel about birthday parties without gifts?
Quite often it seems, parents are requesting "no gifts" at their child's party. In fact, for NHV's recent birthday, I used the oh-so-clever "let your presence be your presents" line on the invitation. My thinking was that , first of all, she already has soooooo much! Secondly, really and truly, I just wanted to get together with my mommy friends and watch Natalie enjoy time with her little friends. I did not want people to feel obligated to buy a gift simply because I sent out an invitation and baked cupcakes. But then there's this part of me that feels like a party isn't really "complete" without a table full of brightly colored boxes! Where does that mentality come from, I wonder?! I also know that Natalie loves to tear into a gift. Her face lights up and she immediately wants to "open it, please" so she can get right down to the business of playing and having fun and being a kid.
At Natalie's party, I was not surprised to see several moms arrive with a package - despite my suggestion that gifts were not necessary. (For the record, NHV received delightful presents, and I was touched by the thoughtfulness of my friends.)
Okay, enough of my recent experience ... time for the question(s) ...
Do you attend a child's birthday party ... empty-handed?
Do you show up sans gift - and respect the host's wishes?
Do you bring a little something just because it feels weird to attend a party without a present?
Do you ignore the "no gift" request and give the perfect present?
Have you made that "no gift" request? Why or why not?
Do you let your presence be your presents?
How do you feel about birthday parties without gifts?
