To say "no presents necessary" for 5y/o party

[PartyGirl25]

Hi all, need some advice. DC is 5 soon and in year R. So still forming friendships etc hence lots of birthday parties are whole class. We are intending to do this, but more about her keeping her pool of friends wide whilst she is still in this phase. We realise there have been lots of parties, and we always ask if there is anything child would like, but for DCs I would like to say on invite "no presents necessary" or something so there is no pressure to buy, but also reduce the amount of stuff she might end up with (which she probably doesn't need!) so....
IABU : to ask for no gifts, I'm a meanie,
Or IANBU, gifts are an extra cost/pressure and kids don't need 20+ new things on top of family gifts
Any advice on better wording if I do add it to invite! Tia

People have been marking their friend's Birthday with gifts for ever.

I'd find it really hard to explain to my 5 year old that even though he went to parties where he took a gift to the Birthday child, that he wasn't getting any gifts from his friends.
Picking out, wrapping, giving, receiving thanks and (hopefully) knowing a gift you've given is bring the recipient happiness is all part learning to think of others.

We had a whole class party for my 5 year old back in November, and everyone brought a present, including one little girl who doesn't really play with my DS but still got him a small Lego set.

We recently received an invitation to that little girl's whole class party and it asked for no gifts. Now I feel a bit worried the parents thought we were being grabby by not saying no gifts on our invitation. Sorry but you can't really win!

The idea of reselling unwanted gifts on Vinted above is good. I try and do a toy clearout before a birthday party.

YABU

She's a kid, let her open her 'stuff' and have that pleasure while she's still young.

Also, bringing a gift when you've been invited to a party is ingrained in most people's cultures and a lot of people would feel too awkward to turn up empty-handed.

The five year old will feel a bit miffed if they have no presents to open, if they've been to other parties and seen the birthday child receive presents.

Also, as others have said, some will still bring gifts and you then create a socially awkward atmosphere at the party where those that have followed your instructions of no gifts feel embarrassed.

Thanks for all the feedback and examples, interesting to hear the range. I think I will probably wait and if enquiries are sent with the rsvp, I will say (personally not on the whole class WhatsApp) just something small like a craft set or bag of malteasers etc. I know she'll enjoy some of them, but I do hate waste and regift cupboard is already quite full. I can always donate to the summer fayre I suppose!

Don't brag about how much stuff you have. I would put it in the invite and it may make a difference to someone

I can always donate to the summer fayre I suppose!

Just make sure it's not the one where the giver might attend. I'd be a bit upset to see a gift I'd chosen, or helped my child to choose turn up at the school fayre. Though, unless it's something very specific you'd probably get away with it.
Better to send to the food bank or a woman's shelter.

If you write no gifts people will think you're asking for cash 😄. Sorry but you can't win. Save the pressies your child doesn't want and regift. He will be invited to numerous bdays so atleast you don't have to pop out to get pressies all the time.