5 Ways to Say “No Gifts Please”
The best way to reduce the stuff in your home and go a little more zero waste is to explicitly say you don’t want the stuff. Like so: “No Gifts Please.”
But it can feel awkward when we’re so used to giving toys and “stuff” for birthdays.
Parents love it. It’s so much easier.
Also, there is at least one person who will still bring a gift, even if you use your best “no gifts please” wording because they can’t help themselves, and it is always well received.
Other ways to go be a more zero waste giftee: Ask for an experience, books, an educational book or toy, a donation to a charity, a second hand toy or gift from the guest’s collection. Kids love getting their friends’ treasures.
Once people know your position they too get excited about the idea. You’ll see it spread, I promise.
5 Polite Ways to Say “No Gifts Please”
- The best and only gift Jimmy needs is celebrating with friends. No gifts please
- Celebrating with friends is what makes Jimmy happy! No gifts please. Just be ready to dance your pants off.
- Your presence is the present. Please no gifts for Jimmy’s birthday.
- Gifts? Nah! Jimmy has more than enough! Just be ready to have a good time together!
- In the spirit of simplicity, we kindly request no gifts for Jimmy’s birthday. Your smiles and positve attitude towards bungee jumping are all he needs!
If you’re looking for a little more sass… just know your audience…
- My house is a mess. Please don’t buy my kid anything else. Your presence is all we want!
- Gifts? Nah, we’re on a ‘less stuff, more joy’ diet.
- Leave those gifts at home. We’re here for the cake and chaos!
- We’re allergic to more stuff. No gifts please. Just you and your party pants.
Let me know which one you go with!
There are alternatives.
We’ve adopted the “Fiver” or “Tenner” party for a more zero waste birthday party. Guests give a $5 or $10 bill instead of a gift and the kids can use the money they get for what they want. We’ve done this three years in a row.
I will say that our 6 year old wanted all the stuff, he was not happy with this arrangement. Our older kids are more into it.
Maybe you’re thinking, “That sounds rude. How do you even ask for that?”
Like so:
This party is a “fiver”! Instead of gifts, Jimmy would appreciate a $5 donation to his personal cause: a game he’s saving up for!
