Invitation wording

No-gifts birthday invitation wording: polite ways to say it (plus fiver parties and book swaps)

"No gifts, please" is a kind thing to ask. The trick is saying it once, warmly, and giving guests something easy to do instead if they want to.

Simple no-gifts wording

Your company is the only present we need. No gifts, please!

No gifts, please. Just bring your best dance moves.

We're keeping it simple this year: no gifts, just friends, cake and a lot of fun.

Please skip the gifts. A homemade card would make Nora's day.

Put it near the bottom, after the details. One line is enough; repeating it can sound stern.

Guests bring a small amount of cash toward one bigger present the birthday kid has been saving for. Keep the amount optional and the tone light.

Ella is saving for a new bike! If you'd like to bring something, a few dollars in a card toward it would mean the world. Please, no gifts.

Fiver party! Instead of gifts, Max is pooling toward a telescope. Anything is lovely; nothing is fine too.

Book swap! Bring a wrapped book you love, and everyone goes home with a new one.

Instead of gifts, bring a favorite used book to swap. Sam can't wait to see what everyone picks.

Lily is collecting pet food for our local animal shelter instead of gifts. If you'd like, bring a can or a toy for the shelter dogs and cats.

First birthdays are where no-gift requests are most common, because the guests are mostly grown-ups and the house is already full of toys.

Your love is all our little one needs. Please, no gifts.

In lieu of gifts, we're starting a book library for Ava. Bring your favorite children's book with a note inside the cover.

Respect it. Bringing a gift anyway can make other families feel they got it wrong.
A card, ideally made by your child, is always welcome.
If it's a fiver party, any amount is fine; put it in a card with your child's name.
For a book swap, wrap the book so the swap is a surprise.

More on gifts, opening presents and thank-you notes in our birthday party etiquette guide.

How do you politely say no gifts on a birthday invitation?

One warm line near the end: "Your company is the only present we need. No gifts, please!" Say it once; repeating it can sound stern.

What is a fiver party?

A party where guests bring a small amount of cash, often five dollars, toward one bigger present the birthday child wants, instead of separate gifts.

Is it rude to ask for money instead of gifts?

It's increasingly common for kids' parties when worded lightly and kept optional, for example pooling toward one thing the child is saving for.

Should I bring a gift if the invitation says no gifts?

No. Honor the request; a handmade card from your child is a lovely touch.