Birthday Party Gift?

Updated on June 12, 2012
M.T. asks from Chicago, IL
18 answers

We were invited to a friend's 3 year old party last month. Only a couple close friends were invited. We brought a birthday gift and my son had a blast. She is now having a larger birthday party for the (same) daughter for all of her friends and family this weekend. Should we bring another present so that we don't show up empty handed?

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So What Happened?

I ended up bringing a bottle of wine. :)

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J.S.

answers from Columbia on

hahahahhahahahahahahaahahaha....

whew...sorry. Just got done reading about all the graduation parties and whether they're too many, and she's having two birthday parties.

No gift. Bring some veggies or cookies if you want to have something to hold.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.F.

answers from Bloomington on

My vote is no. Bring another card if you feel the need to bring something. Or offer to help with the party in some way?

3 moms found this helpful

More Answers

☼.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I personally would not bring a second gift. Two parties for one child is a little odd, too.

2 moms found this helpful

X.O.

answers from Chicago on

oh no, that's plenty!

I agree with Dad on Purpose--bring some cookies

**ETA - You seem very generous, and you live close to me--wanna come to my son's 3rd birthday party tomorrow? ;-) Hehehe

1 mom found this helpful
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K.H.

answers from Norfolk on

No, but ask if there's anything in the way of food or drink she would like you to bring.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

I agree with offering to bring something instead of bringing a second gift. Or bring something small (like a new coloring book and crayons) That is sort of what I did when my cousin had two baby showers (not by choice, she hates being the center of attention but both her mom and MIL wanted to throw her a party and only about 4 people were invited to both.) I gave her the main gift at the one party, and then just a small gift ( a couple onesies and a pack of diapers) at the second.

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I am assuming money is probably an issue here and I say no. You can bring a dollar store gift or something if you are embarrassed, but really you already did that part. Or you can bring treats, or since it's a family event, maybe wine or flowers or something.

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S.G.

answers from Chicago on

i wouldn't bring another gift but I would bring a card so you don't stand out as the people with absolutely empty handed.

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C.B.

answers from Chicago on

I wouldn't bring another gift . I'd have your own kids help you make a card to give the birthday girl. That way it's personal and you're not showing up empty handed. Have fun!

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S.R.

answers from Washington DC on

No, they wouldn't miss it anyway

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

Not a gift, but maybe offer to bring cups or ice or something. It's understood that you are in the "inner circle" of close friends. My close friends would be there helping set up and clean up, but I would not want them to buy 2 gifts.

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R.M.

answers from Sacramento on

Have your son wrap up one of his toys he is able to part with and he thinks she would like.

B.S.

answers from Lansing on

I wouldn't. However, yes I'd probably offer to make something at the very least.

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L.G.

answers from Detroit on

No. You could offer to bring a appetizer or ask if they need anything for the party.

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T.W.

answers from Syracuse on

No, it's not necessary because you already gave her a birthday present. Just ask if there's anything you can bring to be polite.

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K..

answers from Phoenix on

Hmm.... people actually do that? Wasn't the first party a "friend" party? I don't get it.

Anyway, no don't bring another gift, and I'm sure they don't expect one. Ask if you can bring drinks or an app or something, if you feel obligated to bring something.

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M.2.

answers from Chicago on

Ugh - my husband's cousin just did this with her daughters birthday this year! We were invited to the family party on her actual birthday in February and were also invited to her family and friend party just last weekend! I wasn't sure what to do so I ended up bringing a second gift - although it was not quite as pricey as the first gift! I like the ideas below of bringing a veggie platter or cookies =)

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

No, you don't need to bring a second gift for the same child. If you don't want to show up empty handed, bring her some stickers or a new box of crayons. Cheap, but she will like it.

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