Some questions from readers seem to pop up on a regular basis. I've received this question several times in recent months, so I thought it would be a good idea to answer it on the site for everyone to read. Here's a sample of the most recent letter I received:
"I do not want my guests to buy me gifts because, in the past, I didn't like some of the gifts I received. How can I word the invitation so that my guests will not buy me a gift that reflects their taste?"
I'll let you know my answer in this FAQ about Requesting Specific Gifts in an Invitation. What do you think?
Comments
My husband and I have a holiday party every year. At first the gifts we received were few and far between. Most were edible or drinkable. Then the gifts got out of hand and it seemed that the guests felt obligated to bring something.
For the last three years we have selected a charity, like the Children’s Justice Center, found out their needs and in the invitation have suggested that rather than bring us gifts that we truly love getting, we would rather they bring a gift for a child. Last year we collected hats, gloves, and fleece blankets, toys for little ones and fun stuff for older girls and boys. The response was awesome.
I think that’s a very generous idea, Leslie. Since you aren’t asking for anything specific for yourself, and you know that guests are bringing gifts anyway, that’s a great way to redirect their gift giving impulses.