Birthday Party Idea

Hi T.,
NO - It does not sound bossy. He is YOUR son - and YOU know what he would like best!!! I say, have a swimming trunks party, and everyone can wear swimming trunks!!! Ha, Ha!!! But I think that it is great when I am given a suggestion on what to get a child for a birthday party. Especially since all kids are different and like different things. I say, when it comes to your child, you are in charge, and you can do what you want!!! Hope this helps!!!

I think you should have a swim theme party but not request a certain gift plus he is five which is a very fun age to shop for so everyone will enjoy buying those awesome 5yr old kind of toys for him! I suggest you buy him the pairs of swimming trunks and it be your special gift to him as you know what he loves most because your his wonderful mommy! Of course if someone asks what he would like, by all means mention the swimming trunks.
I am guessing you live in Spfld? I lived there several years before moving to KC! Loved being so close to Branson!

Good luck w/ the party planning & Happy Birthday to your son!

There is a difference between suggesting and telling someone what they have to buy. If your party will be mostly family they probably already know how much he loves his trunks. Some friends may even ask what he likes or is into. The truth is, he is five so he is going to love everything he gets. Go with your gut on this one and save yourself some embarrassment.

I say a "Swim trunks Party" is a cute idea and I agree with the person that stated, "if you were wondering what to get "Tommy" he'd love some swim trunks." Maybe even state how often he wears the ones he has now. I know we normally get the gift that is related to the theme or card. I also know people that have requested books and other items like that, so it isn't unusual.

Hmmm...nice thought but I would suggest not doing this. Your guest may find this a bit "bossy" (depends on who you are inviting.)Plus, your son might enjoy receiving the first and maybe the second pair of trunks but eventually it would get old. He's 5 and most 5 year olds know that birthday=presents/toys. He'll be expecting something and when he doesn't receive what he expected then he might loudly comment on the fact that he didn't receive that certain toy he just assumed he would get or maybe even through a fit. You are probably like me. My son is getting ready to celebrate his 3rd birthday on the 23rd and we do NOT need another toy in this house!! Thankfully my son still thinks that birthday=cake and a pizza party. He doesn't get the whole present thing and I DON'T mention it! We are putting the invites together today and since everyone that we are inviting are either close friends or family I am also including a little note that explains that since we just had Christmas, he does not need gifts. I will also jokingly treaten that if they bring a gift, they get no pizza. :) Or come with a gift, leave with a gift. I have done this with both of my children for most of their birthdays and since people have children too or they have visited my house (and have seen ALL the toys) then they really understand that he needs nothing more and they actually go along with it and they just show up! Just some suggestions. Good luck to you!
M.

I don't think you can ask everyone to bring a certain gift. However, most people will ask and then it is fine to suggest the trunks.

I think you are certainly within your rights to suggest that he would like swim trunks but I shirk at the idea of just telling people outright. I would suggest a beach/pool themed party (maybe even have it at a local hotel since you said you were around Branson...many hotels will "rent" their pools on off hours or low season). I would suggest the trunks and maybe some pool toys as well. That way he will be set come summer for some quality pool time. L.

This is a great idea and not bossy at all. Most people would rather have an idea on what to get your son than have to search for ideas and gifts. It can get very time consuming.
Also, most family and friends are happier knowing the gift they give will be loved and appreciated instead of being put in a closet, not played with, worn, or returned.
If you are concerned about being able to find trunks, go ahead and call it a swimming trunks party but suggest one or two other things for guests to get in case the trunks are not available.