We're planning a surprise birthday party for my father. It's going to be a casual event. We know that he would not want gifts, just the presence of his family and friends. I've been put in charge of invitations and need to come up with some way of saying this besides "No presents, just your presence," as my mother doesn't like that. I'm not the one who decided no gifts, I'm simply in charge of figuring this out. Any suggestions?
13 Responses for "What is a creative way to say “no gifts please” on an invitation?"
Here’s what you say: My father has been blessed with everything he could ever want and has respectfully requested a potluck type birthday. Instead of gifts, cook up your most special dish. This would make him happier than anything material you could purchase at a store. (PS: only homeade dishes, nothing store-bought, we want it to be from your heart, even if you’re not a good cook, bring toast if that’s your specialty.
How about "No need to bring gifts, your presence is present enough"?
use something on the lines ‘our father has been gifted with a wonderful family and friends, your presence is the only gift necessary’
Your presence is gift enough.
Just say "It’s only necessary to bring yourself & your good cheer"! Or maybe, " Your presence & your good cheer is all you need to bring, please join us in making the day special for ————, thank you!"
There is no way to say it any better than your idea.You know some people say they don’t want gifts but they really like them.The best way to have a Birthday (party) without gifts would have a Dinner to honor the person.At the Dinner you announce that it is his Birthday and you gave him what he wanted,Family and friends.When someone is honored gifts are not what people think of..Hope this helps.
Your presence is the only gift he wants
Please, bring only your smiles and good cheer.
lol
How bout this…..Tell Mother to kiss your ass and that you are making the cards your way or she can do the party on her own.
My father is going to be so thrilled with your company and so busy chatting with each and every one of you that we know he would be chagrined if anything – such as opening gifts – interrupted his pleasure. So please, come with hands empty and arms open!
"At his age, my dad has everything he wants. He’d like to help out the local food bank. So, if you’d like to bring a gift of non-perrishable food we’ll have a collection box at the front door. This would mean more to him than a gift."
If you consult Miss Manners, you will find that it is not proper to mention gifts at all. Doing so says that you expected them in the first place, which is a no-no. If you must, I like the perishable food item idea.
Simply put, just write "best wishes only, please" on the invitations.
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