3 Year Old Birthday. How Do I Ask People Not to Get Her Clothes?

What about saying in leiu of gifts, please bring canned food for the shelter,something for the pet shelters or a stuffed animal for the Childrens Hospital?

That way everyone makes a nice contribution to something that is needed right now.

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Look, you are inviting your family and friends to the party. They know you they know your child. They are not going to be offended if you put on the invitation, Suzie needs toys, but we're good on clothes. Or, my best suggestion, have your daughter make a list of what she wants for her birthday. She is old enough to name off some things. Print off the list and stick it in the invitation. The least offensive way to do it if you are concerned, take your daughter to Target, go to the customer service department and tell them you want to register a wishlist for her birthday. Give her the gun, let her scan items that she wants from the toy department, book department, movie department, whatever. Include in the invitation that she registered at Target and they can find her wishlist there. I think a lot of people would love to get her what she wants. they just have no way of knowing. I love when people put on the invitation what they want. I hate picking something out and then they aren't even happy with it, I would much rather buy what they want.

1 mom found this helpful

I think that the best way to be to ask your parents to relay the message if anyone asks. People usually call parents and grandparents for gift ideas. Just let your parents and anyone who calls know that she has so many clothes you don't think she could wear them all. I would not take offense to that at all if someone told me that. I would much rather give something that they could use or would like.

I would not put it on the invitation, that might be a little to forward. If you need invitation I would be happy to help www.WorksofaWink.com

The only polite thing to do really is to say "No gifts please". Or, as someone else already suggested, in lieu of gifts ask folks to donate to local women's shelter, pet shelter, etc. You could perhaps register at Target or something, but that's a little uppity for a 3 year old birthday party IMHO.

I agree with Erica---I wouldn't take offense if someone said lightly "oh, she's got more clothes than she could ever wear", or even make it a theme party to give people a hint as to what she's into these days. Don't put it on the actual invitation though. When asked, be prepared with some ideas.
I personally would never think to buy clothes for a 3 year old unless I was her grandma, lol.
If you're going to do the in leiu of gifts, donate to whatever thing, PLEASE at least make it something that your child could get excited about. A women's shelter, etc are worthy causes but have nothing to do with a little child's world. A pet shelter, maybe...if she were a little older there'd be tons of options but I think she's too young to understand that, in my personal opinion.