Son turning 7 and I'd like to say no need to bring presents to his party. Thoughts please.

[lulufox]

Hi Folks never posted before so please be kind. My son is turning 7 son and I'm really keen to put on his invitation XXXX would love you to come to his party. Please no need to bring a present, just you. Or words to that effect. I've spoken with my son about this and agreed he can get a football strip from us as a family in lieu of presents and he's up for it and I know he'd use that.

If I got an invite like this I'd be DELIGHTED but I'd be interested to know how others would feel. We still have lots of stuff he hasn't used from last year's party. I'd just love to stop the need for presents as I feel like everyone I know hates it but noone does anything to try and stop the flow of plastic!

Like I say please be kind. I've always been rather reticent to post.

Any other wording suggestions gratefully received

It won’t ever be the norm .

I have tried this and failed. I have also suggested for my twins bday that 1 present is fine and they can share. Their friends kindly brought them two which I reciprocate. Little kids like to buy/wrap and give presents to their friends. It’ll only last another year or two so I’d just suck it up, regift what won’t be used. You can politely steer gift requests onto consumables if asked. Craft stuff, colouring pens, pencils. Or little Lego models as they are cheap ish and can be absorbed into a general lego collection with little fuss in a week.

You know, I'm not sure why it feels different for a family member. Maybe because I was always taught that you should put some minimal thought in someone's birthday gift but grandparents did send money for birthdays and Christmas. Or maybe because when it's people we don't know that well it feels awkward to put a specific amount - when it's a gift it's a bit more blurry as people won't know exactly how much the gift cost.

That said, I agree that a brunch of plastic shit isn't useful... But gifts don't have to be plastic shit. You can spend the same amount on a simple wooden toy (my kids are 4 and 2 so wooden toys are great for this age range). And if they're older it's less likely to be a whole class party so I'd ask my kids what their friend likes and see if I can find good stuff that they'll like within my budget.

All of this being said, I bought enough gifts for my soon to be 3yo so I don't really care whether or not people bring gifts at his party. But I wouldn't bother fighting conventions (with little success according to others' testimonies). I'd let people who want to get something do so, those who don't it's fine too. I know my son will enjoy ripping the gifts open and whatever we can't use we can donate.

Is it because you think the presents are no good?