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An alternative to a traditional birthday gift, that may be very welcomed by the kid’s parents, is a Savings Bond. Small children, especially children 2 and under, really don’t understand the difference between opening 2 gifts v. 15 gifts. But the parents will certainly notice a nice boost to the college fund, if instead of a small gift, you give a small bond toward the child’s future. The amount of the Savings Bond can be any amount really, in the end even the smallest amounts add up and make a difference!
Now, is it appropriate for parents to ask for money in lieu of a gift for their birthday kid? I don’t think all parents would be completely comfortable providing cash as a gift. As a result, if you are going to ask for money, then make it something like a Savings Bond that people may feel they can go out and purchase for your child that is giving something to their future. Directly asking for cash in birthday cards for your one year old may be offensive, unless it is common practice among your friends and family.
Last, it would not be appropriate to state in the invitation, “No gifts please, cash only.” In this case, money is construed as the gift, and the invitation just stated, “no gifts.” So, if you do not want gifts at your party, just state no gifts, and this includes cash.
Money matters even among the youngest parties!! I really like Savings Bonds as a gift for the one year old! Not exciting, but practical and necessary for the future!
Say It!
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HI,
MY GRANDSONS BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP MAY 6 2008.. HE HAS A WII … NOW MY DAUGHTER SAYS EVERYTHING I BUY HIM HAS TO GO THROUGH HER FIRST..BEFORE HE GETS IT…. LIKE A GAME.. SHE SAYS THEY HAVE ENOUGH GAMES.. SHE WANTS HIM TO HAVE A BOOK.. LOL…. SOMETHING FOR HER HOME.. U SAID ITS NOT FAIR THAT SHOULD BE HIS DAY.. HE ALREADY TOLD ME WHAT HE WANTED… SHE SAID A SHE WILL TAKE IT BACK FOR THE MONEY.. SHE HAS STARTED THAT NOW BOUGHT HIM A LAPTOP FOR CHRISTMAS SHE SOLD IT FOR $150.00 I PAID OVER 500.00 FOR IT.. PLEASE HELP I NEED SOME ADVICE,, THANK YOU JILL
Given the example you gave about the laptop computer being sold for far less than you paid for, it makes sense to stick with your daughter’s guideline because your grandson will not get the game. It is his day, and he has told you want he wants, but if his mother supercedes his wishes, there is not much you can do. It’s a terrible position for you to be in, but if you buy the game and he never gets it, then that is even worse. I would tell your grandson that his mother requested a book for him and so there wasn’t much else you could do…in case he asks. Then he can ask his mother directly about it.
Good Luck!