invitation wording help

This year is the first year we're having a "real" birthday party for the kids (in just a few weeks, yikes!). I don't want parents to feel like they have to get a gift for each of them, because I don't want it to be a burden, and they've been getting mostly shared presents all their lives, and I don't want to clutter up the house with more crap.

Is it OK to say something about it in the invitations? Or would it just look tacky to mention presents up front like that? If you did put something in about this, how would you word it?

 

Book exchange!!

Everyone brings two books, you guys get to keep one book to share or donate, and everyone gets to go home with a new book (instead of a goody bag even!)

 

We are going to do a book exchange for the girls' birthday. I haven't figured the wording out yet though. We are probably going to donate some of the books to our children's hospital too. If you want to avoid all gifts, what about "your presence at our party is a present! No need to bring a gift." or something like that.

 

Great idea on the book exchange!

 

I like the book exchange idea

 

Book exchange is what I am planning for my two this year, too!

 

I love the book exchange idea!

If you choose not to do that, I would say something like," No gifts required, your presence is gift enough."

 

Thanks for the great ideas!

I don't have a problem with getting some presents, I just don't want people to feel like they have to come with two gifts, and that it's OK to give one gift for Andrew & Ivy to share.

 

Ha!! I was just posting that part of the fun of having a party is giving/receiving a gift, it's their birthday!!! How about suggesting that if the guests would like to bring a gift to bring just one that the kids can share.
Have fun!!!

 

This is always my hang-up at birthdays! They have so much fun opening the gifts...I loved getting toys! That we never end up requesting no gifts, etc.

Holly, I wrote this for you:

Even though there are two,
One gift will do.
Just choose a book or a toy,
That they both will enjoy!

:laughing:

 

I requested no gifts one time, and still got gifts. their last party at 3 yrs was more of a playdate but I requested everyone to bring a wrapped gift and we just did a gift exchange, everyone went home with a gift including 1 gift for each twin. and yep, no goodie bags.

 

Oooh, Jori, that's awesome! ^_^ Just don't sue me if I use it!

We're definitely looking forward to presents, just don't need DOUBLE the presents, especially since we'll probably have 12-15 kids coming.

 

Jori I love your suggestion!!!

 

Holly,

It is all yours!

Thanks, Leighann!