When you can't make a kids party, do you still send a present? Ds aged nearly 2.

[paow]

Hi there, just wondering what the ettiquete is regarding being invited to parties.
If you can't make it, do you still give a present?
I am just thinking, that if they come to our party, they will prob be bringing one...

Thanks!

Generally not no, unless giving very short notice of not being able to attend, or if we know the child well.

Recently Dd has hadto miss two parties. One was a friend of mine and I sent a present via the post. The other is her school friend this weekend and we can't go. Normally I wouldn't send a gift but DD wanted to, so has chose a very small token gift to take to school on Friday.

For DD's party it was mixed - some did, some didn't.

Depends who it is and when you can't make it. If child is offspring of close friend, yes i'd give pressie. If random nursery friend who invited class and we declined invite, no pressie.
If was going but couldn't on day (eg sickness) - would give pressie.

Ds's 2nd birthday on Easter weekend - invited at least 20 children - ended up with 3 (which was ideal for that age) and only 3 presents (which was also ideal for that age!)

Same as Flatmouse

Thanks very much for your comments, very useful!

Have a good day.

no

not unless they are particularly great friends of yours (the parents that is)