Can I ask on my invitation for no presents?

[thinkingcapon]

Does anyone actually stick to this rule even if it says on the invite not to bring anything?!

Am I being a bad parent by not wanting my son to have loads of presents......he's 3....will he have a meltdown because there aren't any?! I don't think he'll even notice

@SleepingStandingUp he's 3 and I meant they aren't opened there and then

I sympathise with your position OP. However best thing to do is let people do what they want (which is generally to bring something) and then when opening them, select the three he likes best and donate the rest to the charity shop. If you think he’ll notice don’t do it for a fortnight.

Good advice @Kaddm thanks x

An other option is to donate to one of the Christmas Charities. There are always loads of charity who look for donations of new toys at Christmas

OP,
I'm on board with this. I don't see the need for countless gifts. My children will be brought up to appreciate non-material things, especially regarding birthdays. Not everyone has to agree but I especially don't want mountains of plastic filling my house and then a landfill. The other side of that is, the alternatives are expensive and I wouldn't feel comfortable asking people for only wooden toys. The gifts from family are enough to have a child experience the traditional aspects of a birthday and have some fun opening presents but as far as people attending a party, I'd ask for no gifts. Having turned down invites before because I can't afford a gift, I'd rather people not feel any pressure to spend any money to attend.

@whatwouldbigfatfannydo

most people keep some back to give out at the next 50 parties their child is invited to. Child has excitement and pleasure of opening a gift, giver is happy to bring such pleasure and you can virtuously recycle any duplicates / unwanted.

I'm with you OP. I hate to see the amount of waste new toys generate. Especially when kids can play with anything. I'd srick to my guns and just write "no presents please" on the invite and then have the beat party even with lots of games and cake.
Stuff doesnt makeyou happy.