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.

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.

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.

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

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.

No, unless it was a good friend

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!

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

No I wouldn't.

Are you mad ???

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

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.

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

Message withdrawn

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

Yes