Birthday Invitation/Gifts

mareski

My daughters 2nd birthday is coming up in March and I am starting to think of some sort of theme and invitations. She is pretty set with 2T and 3T clothes and also toys. How can I ask guests to think about giving gifts like: Pgh zoo tickets, kennywood, aviary tickets, Childrens museum tickets, Carnegie Science Museum, waterpark tickets, etc rather than clothes/toys? I was trying to tie this idea into a theme, like "adventures for DD" or "help us create memories for DD". Not sure if this makes sense. I could always go with regular invites and then if anyone asks what she would want, state event/attraction tickets.

 

Has anyone done this before?

AmandaJLewis

I think you should really just take the if they ask make suggestions route. I find people don't like being told what to give as a gift in an invite. And people like to see the kid excited for a gift, where as tickets someplace leads to fun- it isn't fun the giver gets to see first hand.

kris356

I am with Amanda. Its kinda like asking for cash instead of gifts at a wedding. You should never "tell" someone what to give, if they ask that is a different story. Plus, memberships are way more money than an outfit.

ryanthegirl

I agree with Amanda and Kris. I would definitely make a suggestion if asked, but not put anything explicit in the invitation. The only time I've ever seen something specific about gifts has been requests asking for no gifts.

I didn't realize our kids were so close in age! My DS will be 2 at the end of February. Where did the time go?

MaryM

I agree with not making suggestions and just accept gracefully with whatever is gifted to your DD. I know what it's like to have an influx of toys/gifts, but I personally feel the vibe of making suggestions on what gifts to purchase (unless asked) may not accept a positive response.

Luckystar2

Ditto the others. A lot of people ask for ideas so I'd just tell the people who ask. Some people like ideas some really don't! As much as I like those gift ideas as a parent I don't think those are gifts others like to give. As pp said, people like to see the kid excited over a toy, etc.

I end up buying a membership somewhere for dd for her bday or Christmas myself

Meghan&Rich

Ditto the others.  If asked, make suggestions, but don't include anything on the invitation about gifts unless it's along the lines of "no gifts please" or "in lieu of gifts, donations may be made to...".

mareski

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Talked with my DH and decided to just keep a list of ideas incase people ask.

Casey, I know the time has flown by. I've been followimng you on here since I knew our kids were so close. Sometime I saw you ask a question that I was probably about to ask with development/birthdays. Hope all is well for Gabriel.