Not to buy a birthday present for someone I hardly know?

[Morgan]

I am invited to a birthday celebration tomorrow night for a 40th birthday for what is really an acquaintance of mine and i was invited through another friend. I hardly know her really but I said I would go as i like the restaurant and thought it would be a fun girls' night out. It is an all inclusive meal and drinks deal and costs about 60 pounds(I am in Dubai) plus taxi fares. AIBU to just turn up with a card or should i get a present too??

Sure i can find a token pressie really - plenty of shops here as well as city of excess it is city of shopping - that's why i like it here

Nice scented candle or something is always appreciated by me anyway!

I'd take along a box of chocolates or a scented candle or a bottle of bubbly.

How about a nice bunch of flowers?

Definitely a card, too.

some nice ideas on this soap thread:

soaps

From one expat to another thanks they do sell a lot of soap here mainly in huge packs in the supermarket of about 10 bars at a time - mainly lifebuoy and old fashioned looking brands - maybe not right for a present though - i will go shopping tomorrow for a small token present and a card - nothing to big as she will have to bring all the presents home after an evening if drinking champagne she won't want too much to carry and rememeber to take home.

Buda - may well go for the candle.

personally i wouldn't!

she isn't paying for the meal
it isn't at her house
there really isn't any need imo.

It's a nice gesture, though, ami.

Thanks everyone for your comments - am off to bed now as late here well 10 anyway and have to get my beauty sleep for the big night out tomorrow

As you are going to the celebration , you should take a gift.

Most people are invited to a party then bring a gift. If you invite yourself I think you should even more def take a gift.