Attend kids birthday party without gift?

[Smith888]

Do you think it’s ok to accept an invite to a kids party if you do not bring a gift at all? As a kid I would receive used toys etc from my friends. I didn’t mind as it was usually something of theirs I liked. But to bring nothing at all?

No, I wouldn't do it for a birthday party or a wedding. I dislike being told what to buy but would always take something as was taught it is rude not to.

No that's awful. If you really can't afford it then contact the parent saying that would the birthday girl/boy like to come for tea one day after school instead of a present.

I’m guessing the OP held a party for a child and an invitee arrived without a gift.

If so, pull yourself together and consider if the birthday child would notice or care or be affected in any way whatsoever by the absence of another birthday gift?

If the attending child was pleasant to have around, polite and had a nice time I’d think that was fine ( and possibly worry slightly if the family was struggling.)

I can’t believe people would be offended because someone attended a party without a gift.

How unkind.

Once, DD went to a 6th birthday party without a gift as after 2 days in hospital due to complications I gave birth at midnight and the party was at 2 that afternoon, we went as it was a pay per place party but I had no time to arrange a present. I apologised and was told not to be silly they couldn't believe we'd come at all!

It wouldn't bother me in the slightest if a friend turned up without a gift. I'd probably consider it a bonus, less stuff to find space for etc and I'd be sympathetic to the fact that parent may not have had the time it money to sort it. I don't think I'd even notice tbf. And to the poster saying get some plastic tat from the £ shop or sweets, no Thanks, the world doesn't need any more plastic crap and no child needs any more sweets!
I've taken my dd to parties before and forgotten the present and sometimes I've "forgotten" the present - not because I'm tight but because for many there's not an extra tenner left at the end if the week/month for these things...

Personally I wouldn't attend without a gift and I know that is silly. If a guest turned up without a present I wouldn't bat an eyelid.
There is one child her Birthday is on the summer break so she never has a party, her DM buys extra gifts to compensate, I tell her off.

If I was the host parent I wouldn't mind at all, the DCs won't notice if someone doesn't bring a present and I would actually be glad of one less thing to clutter up the house.

Of course I woulden't mind if the child came without a gift, it is the fact that they are there, but I personally would not go to a party without a gift.

I generally wouldn't mind either except the kid comes to my house min weekly and we take him out, treat him etc and my kid never gets invited back, so I thought on his birthday there might be a token of appreciation of some sort, even just a card or picture as another person suggested. Our kids had a huge falling out last week so was pleased to see him there, but wonder if that's why.

I wouldn't mind at all if someone came to my child's party without a gift. She has plenty of toys. The point of the party is to have fun with her friends.