Short notice invitations. Rude? - Page 2

Julie Rains · 09-02-2008, 10:54 AM

I've never given gift cards for kids (unless a high school graduation gift counts and she loved it!) or cash but my kids have received them. One that I remember was a bookstore gift card, another was for Game Stop. My approach is to buy something I think the child will like (books or bionicles) and attach a gift receipt; that way the child can enjoy the item right away and not have to automatically drag mom to the store but if it is a duplicate gift then it can be easily exchanged (and mom or dad has to go the store).

groverdog · 09-02-2008, 03:39 PM

Yup, short notice invitations are rude. Unfortunately, I fall in the category of those who feel obligated to show up, no matter what.

As for gift cards for kids -- it's definitely an option. You either know what to give a kid or you don't. Unless it's for my nephews who like anything they can attack each other with, then I never know what to get. So, I waste a lot of time wandering the aisles. I've tried letting my kids pick the gift for their friends... and I end up wasting a lot of time wandering aisles (and I usually end up buying something for my kid too).

Assuming you are given enough notice, here's an idea. Our circle of friends has gotten into the habit of pooling money and buying a larger gift. The last few kids got a Nintendo DS. This also happened for my kid and I was grateful because:

A. She wanted one (I couldn't/wouldn't afford one)
B. I didn't waste time on the phone with 20 parents explaining what my kid wanted.
C. We didn't get 20 small gifts. Birthday gifts are like those Kid Meal toys. They don't get played with and clutter up the place until they eventually get purged (usually after I step on one in my bare feet).

AlmostFrugal · 09-02-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groverdog

Assuming you are given enough notice, here's an idea. Our circle of friends has gotten into the habit of pooling money and buying a larger gift. The last few kids got a Nintendo DS. This also happened for my kid and I was grateful because:

A. She wanted one (I couldn't/wouldn't afford one)
B. I didn't waste time on the phone with 20 parents explaining what my kid wanted.
C. We didn't get 20 small gifts. Birthday gifts are like those Kid Meal toys. They don't get played with and clutter up the place until they eventually get purged (usually after I step on one in my bare feet).

This is a really great idea! I'll have to remember it next time I'm invited to a birthday party where I'll know the other guests.

09-02-2008, 10:54 AM	#11
Julie Rains Wise Bread Blogger Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 401 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Reputation: (189)	I've never given gift cards for kids (unless a high school graduation gift counts and she loved it!) or cash but my kids have received them. One that I remember was a bookstore gift card, another was for Game Stop. My approach is to buy something I think the child will like (books or bionicles) and attach a gift receipt; that way the child can enjoy the item right away and not have to automatically drag mom to the store but if it is a duplicate gift then it can be easily exchanged (and mom or dad has to go the store). __________________ Wise Bread and Parenting Squad blogger

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

09-02-2008, 03:39 PM	#12
groverdog Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Reputation: (10)	Yup, short notice invitations are rude. Unfortunately, I fall in the category of those who feel obligated to show up, no matter what. As for gift cards for kids -- it's definitely an option. You either know what to give a kid or you don't. Unless it's for my nephews who like anything they can attack each other with, then I never know what to get. So, I waste a lot of time wandering the aisles. I've tried letting my kids pick the gift for their friends... and I end up wasting a lot of time wandering aisles (and I usually end up buying something for my kid too). Assuming you are given enough notice, here's an idea. Our circle of friends has gotten into the habit of pooling money and buying a larger gift. The last few kids got a Nintendo DS. This also happened for my kid and I was grateful because: A. She wanted one (I couldn't/wouldn't afford one) B. I didn't waste time on the phone with 20 parents explaining what my kid wanted. C. We didn't get 20 small gifts. Birthday gifts are like those Kid Meal toys. They don't get played with and clutter up the place until they eventually get purged (usually after I step on one in my bare feet).