No toys or clothes!!

[zap]

Ok so after yesterday we have a house FULL of toys I mean I could fill a room to the ceiling with what we have! So Alessio's christening is coming up and I don't want toys or clothes as gifts. Please give me some ideas to word it politely!! Also some alternate ideas such as books, cash, gift card etc.

[Olive]

Maybe ask people to donate o the church instead

[Ahurani]

Or donate to your favourite charity?

[peanutter]

I think it would be perfectly fine to put on the invites that if people are bringing a gift, a contribution to his library would be appreciated

While some people might be fine giving money or giftcards, I think an equal number would be offended (right or wrong - that's another tangent ...)

[feeb]

I like Peanutters idea of wording about contributing to his library.

Or even towards education fund.

[surprised]

Sorry but I don't think you can be that specific... Although you could possibly get away with the "Please bring a book for DS's library"? But even that looks like you're assuming people will bring gifts. I would never bring a gift to a christening, but your circle of friends and family might be really different?

Hope you get some lovely non-toy non-clothes gifts!

[skybie]

Just put.a little side note in that you've been overrun by toys and clothing at.christmas and that.if people feel like spoiling your.little man with.a gift, books would be appreciated.
FamilyAnd friends will.understand

[*EJ*]

Last year my DS2 had his first birthday and as he is #2 and we'd not long had christmas we too really had no need for much at all.

I sent invites out and when i thought about people needlessly spending money on toys/clothes (as you are) i put this together:

Since sending out DS’s invites I have been asked a few times of what he may like for his Birthday. Truth is he already has more than he needs and I have barely been able to give anyone an answer to the question. Should have thought of this before I send the invites out!! We have a mountain of toys, 3 shelves full of books and a cupboard full of clothes.
So DH and I have had a chat and have come up with a few ideas. Please feel free to choose one or none.

-Just come along and enjoy the day with us, your presence will be gift enough.
-Spend the money you would use to purchase DS’s present on yourselves. Treat yourselves to some yummy ice cream.
-If you have something special in mind for DS then go ahead and give him a gift.
-Or for those of you who know our close friend (name) and her partner (name) you will be aware of the challenge they have been presented with recently. We have had a chat with DS and he agrees that if you would like to donate $10 on behalf of him to them we can play a very small part in beginning to help them make their way to a happy future together. (This here was a friend of mine that many guests knew but you could possibly specify a charity if you wish also.)

These are just a few ideas and if you have anything else in mind please feel free to do as you choose.

Thank you

This may help you, as far as i know no one had a problem with it He still got some gifts but it just wasn't to the extent it may have been if i hadn't said something. Feel free to use this in any way you choose

[Tegam]

We have just said no gifts for dd first bday. Those who really want to still will but for those that money is tight or know what it's like right after Xmas they can just come for fun.

I hate asking for gifts!

[zap]

Thanks for the input. As dh and I come from a European family gifts are always brought for christenings. And considering I have four boys under four you can imagine the amount of stuff we already have!! I can not bear the thought of anymore!!

[MissM]

Asking for money is perfectly fine! Can you hire a wishing well for people to drop the card into? I need to find DD2's godparents wedding invite!!