January 05, 2006
Etiquette Question
What's the rule about gift giving for a kid's party? I know that if one is invited to a wedding and they can't go they should still send a gift. But what about a kid's party?
Son got invited to two parties (on the same weekend, one on each day) and we're not going to go to the Saturday party. I will RSVP, it would be rude not to, but should I send something? A card with $5? Or should I just RSVP and not bother?
I hate parties that pop up right after Christmas. I'm all gifted out!
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I'm not savvy about that stuff at all. Etiquette. What's that? :)
How's Groovy, aside from not sleeping well? I feel like I haven't chatted with you in a while. Perhaps the staying home all day, alone, is getting to me.
Posted by: thirdee at January 5, 2006 09:52 AMThirDEE, I'm fine. Tired, but fine.
Posted by: GroovyVic at January 5, 2006 10:26 AMNope. Don't send a present or money. Receiving an invite (even a wedding invite) does not place a gifting burden on you. By definition if something is given to satisfy an obligation it isn't a gift anyway.
On the other hand, if Son wants to give his friend a gift he should do so whether or not he attends the party, or even regardless of whether or not there IS a party.
Posted by: Jim at January 5, 2006 12:12 PMI agree with Jim. You are not obligated to send a gift or card. You really aren't obliged to send a gift when you are invited to a wedding and don't attend. Unless, of course, it's family or close family friends...then you have to 'cause they'll never let you forget it! ;)
Posted by: Anna at January 5, 2006 12:27 PMI agree with the commenters that state an invitation does not automatically require a gift be sent. How good of a friend is this child with your son? If he is not a very good friend, maybe just a classmate or acquainance, skip the gift. If he IS a best bud, talk to your son and see what he'd like to do, given the situation. This situation can be a great learning experience.
But please don't hold it against kids with birthdays around Christmas! They really can't help it. Trust me. There are 4 of them in my family, and two are the Branch and Blossom. I know you're just kidding. I was at Wal-Fart this past Saturday and it was like shopping the day before Christmas, packed with both shoppers and returners.
Posted by: junebee at January 5, 2006 02:25 PMThank you all for the advice. The kid in question isn't a good friend, in fact he didn't even RSVP to Son's party at all. He ignored Son at his party last year (and I got a stomach virus, so you can guess why I don't want to go this time).
Posted by: GroovyVic at January 5, 2006 03:41 PM