Birthday party/gift etiquette question

[migirl]

Are you obligated to give someone a birthday gift if you're unable to attend the party?

We missed a birthday party for one of DS#1's playmates (the boy turned 3yo) last weekend. We know this boy and his mom through one of our playgroups, and they don't even attend all that regularly (maybe once every few months?) and we never see them outside of that context. I think she probably just invited everyone in the playgroup so as not to leave anyone out, but I'm wondering if I'm obligated to give the boy a gift. I also have no idea when the next time is that I'll see them.

When some people couldn't come to DS#1's 2nd-birthday party last year, a few gave him gifts anyway and a few didn't. I didn't actually care much when people didn't come to the party and then didn't give him gifts, but I don't know if that's a big faux pas or something. :huh:

:anyolne:

[Michele]

Re: Birthday party/gift etiquette question

I don't give gifts if we don't attend the party. Unless it's a really close friend or something. But not for an acquaintance through a playgroup.

[v-girl]

Re: Birthday party/gift etiquette question

Just like Michele, we only give gifts if we attend the party (unless it is for a special friend).

[Deebs]

Re: Birthday party/gift etiquette question

I agree. Many of my friends and I have now decided to not have kids exchange gifts at all - they all have enough stuff!