Invited to a party but DDs can't go - would you still buy a present?

[sandyballs]

It hadn't even entered my head to be honest, but a friend of mine has just said she always buys a present even if her children can't attend. This is a friend from their nursery, not a close friend.

BTW this child did come to their party and obviously brought a present.

[WideWebWitch]

Good lord no! It wouldn't occur to me tbh, unless it was for my sister's child or something and then I would, whether we went or not.

[Bozza]

If it was a special friend yes. Also people who were invited to DS's party, said yes, but then didn't turn up did too. Should think so! Otherwise no.

[huggybear]

when we had ds2's bday party a few weeks ago we invited his nursery friends but a couple couldnt come. We got a lovely letter from one of the moms and apresent too, which was a book and i was a lovely surprise. Saying that though i wouldnt buy for a child who i didnt know and wasnt going to there party but i would send a card

[Amberlilli]

If I'd already replied and said yes, but then later had to cancel and the party was held at a venue where the parent pays per child then yes I would definitely still buy a present.
If i had to reply no to an invitation straight off then no I wouldn't bother.
If it was my childs party I would find that OK.

[Twiglett]

No, unless it was a good friend

[Amberlilli]

If it was a special friend I would buy a present regardless!
I'm thinking more of dd school friends. If I bought presents for every invitation I'd be skint!

[Polgara2]

Only if I'd said yes and then didn't go for some reason. Not if I'd said no at the start.

[Gobbledigook]

No I wouldn't.

[LGJ]

Are you mad ???


I am out the door, just buying gifts for the parties he does go to

[champs]

no wouldnt have crossed my mind either. if was family or close friend then i would as i would know child anyway.
maybe if I had rsvp yes i would and also if ds really liked child.

couple of years ago one child was really ill on day of ds1 party and they came over to drop pressie off, i was reall happy and surprised.

[FairyMum]

I don't buy a present (unless for a very good little friend), but I would send a card.

[cod]

Message withdrawn

[Enid]

a lot of mums at my school do so will probably feel pressured into it

[pragmatist]

Yes