Hello!

My daughter is turning 1 soon and we are having a birthday party to celebrate. Usually with parties I ask people to not bring a gift but instead to just write a nice message in a card. In the past this hasn’t worked and we have way way way more toys than I would like. I really don’t want anymore toys and we have hundreds of books so would actually prefer no more at this stage because we also enjoy spending time at the library. How do I politely get the message across to not buy her any toys?


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  • Maybe write on the invite.. your presence is her present. Or ask to donate to a special charity


  • Ask them to donate on your Childs behalf to help endangered animals or a good charity.
    Or if they really want to give her something you would be happy to put their money donations into an account for her when she is older.


  • You could set up a donation page for people to donate to for a cause close to your family’s heart or ask them specifically for the things you want. People sometimes do like to be given an idea for a gift. Nobody likes to give a wasteful gift


  • I don’t think people mind if you just say “no toys please” or “no gifts please”.


  • I would write on the invites that their presence is present enough but if they feel they have to buy a gift to buy an experience voucher, local farms, zoo, play centre, those kinds of things that people will still feel good about buying a gift, you won’t end up with more stuff that realistically will sit there gathering dust and you get some fun activities to do that you may not have known were even there


  • I have the same problem and am dreading birthdays and Christmas this year as I have no where to put all the unnecessary toys. I’m thinking maybe mentioning to people that any toys they kindly give will be appreciated however will be taken to an op shop or charity or put under the Kmart Christmas tree for other children in need


  • We were in this situation and we requested donations to a children’s hospital. We then donated all gifts that we did end up receiving to the same hospital for christmas gifts.


  • Perhaps put it in a small joke in the invite to get the other parents giggling and then maybe they will bring something other than a toy or book. It can be difficult, I know. Good luck!


  • I think the only way you can avoid this is to be blunt! We are in the same position, and we asked instead of toys can people please get our son experiences instead. I know things can be expensive so we mentioned to a few people to go in together if they wanted. Things like vouchers for local play cafes, the zoo, wild life parks, toy library etc. We have had some great family days out creating memories and its been amazing. People also love to see the pics we put up too of our son enjoying the experiences they got him :)


  • Hey… Maybe on the invite you could write a little poem. Google has some great ideas eg. Your presence is the only present desired.


  • As an intro, with 3 girls under 4, this is us! I am personally trying to Learn to ask for specifics or categories, for things they need. Things like Arts and crafts for example. Its broad enough they can chose what to buy and will get used as they grow. Clothes is another good one (size bigger). People want to buy, so give in (so to speak) but on your terms?


  • I would ask for instead of presents to put some money in a card to go towards a big birthday present (a day out) or to put in their bank account.


  • Do a $5 party .. people only give $5 in a card and this can go towards an experience for bub instead of toys. That way people still feel like they are giving and everyone can afford it and you don’t get a toy overload !


  • ask them to make a donation to a charity politely or say any donated presents will be forwarded to the local womens refuge or childrens charity


  • Choose your favorite charity.
    Ask the guests to instead of buy a gift to make a small donation.


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