Wed Dec 31, 2014, 09:13 AM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

When they say "no presents please", for a 60th birthday party....what do they REALLY mean??

a card with money?? no money?? no gifts?? Hate when that is printed on the invitation. What do you do?? Thanks.

41 replies, 6776 views

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41 replies	Author	Time	Post
When they say "no presents please", for a 60th birthday party....what do they REALLY mean?? (Original post)	a kennedy	Dec 2014	OP
I take it to mean "no presents"	bigwillq	Dec 2014	#1
sounds good to me.....	a kennedy	Dec 2014	#8
a very nice card with a short handwritten note	eShirl	Dec 2014	#2
Yah, this is what I'm kinda thinking about doing.....	a kennedy	Dec 2014	#9
A card with a nice note.	Paper Roses	Jan 2015	#33
Whiskey	Major Nikon	Dec 2014	#3
ha ha, they're Irish too.....so a good ol' Irish Whiskey would do the trick....	a kennedy	Dec 2014	#10
You never know, they might prefer bourbon	Major Nikon	Dec 2014	#15
Donation in their name to a food pantry or animal shelter.	Scuba	Dec 2014	#4
That's a great idea, thanks Scuba	a kennedy	Dec 2014	#11
This is what I do. nt	Laffy Kat	Dec 2014	#20
They want your presence. Not presents.	femmocrat	Dec 2014	#5
Thanks, but kinda hate to go empty handed......	a kennedy	Dec 2014	#12
Good idea!	femmocrat	Dec 2014	#17
BYOB!	MrScorpio	Dec 2014	#6
Hey, that's a great idea......thanks MrScorpio.	a kennedy	Dec 2014	#13
it means they have too much stuff. You can donate to charity in their name if you feel	hollysmom	Dec 2014	#7
nodding yah probably do have enough stuff......	a kennedy	Dec 2014	#14
You are welcome - being over 60 myself.	hollysmom	Dec 2014	#19
I usually bring a card and something tasty - wine, homemade jam, local honey	riderinthestorm	Dec 2014	#16
Bring something everyone could enjoy, like ice cream. n/t	sarge43	Dec 2014	#18
OMGOSH......everyone loves ice cream......	a kennedy	Dec 2014	#22
It was my husband's idea	sarge43	Dec 2014	#25
flowers	Kali	Dec 2014	#21
Shoot I don't have any flowers as beautiful as those......will have to buy some.	a kennedy	Dec 2014	#23
Oh I love zinnias! nt	DawgHouse	Jan 2015	#31
It means...	NV Whino	Dec 2014	#24
Oh my, I guess that is one way of looking at it.....	a kennedy	Jan 2015	#27
It means (translating here) : I HATE being OLD and HATE you for being younger.	UTUSN	Dec 2014	#26
I hope she doesn't actually think that.....she's such a sweetie....	a kennedy	Jan 2015	#28
Depends.	MissB	Jan 2015	#29
SCHEDULING MISSB FOR ASS KICKING	Skittles	Jan 2015	#30
Oh, now that is funny......Depends...ha ha ha	a kennedy	Jan 2015	#36
"Don't Be Cheap, Though, If You Insist." Oh, wait; that's me.	WinkyDink	Jan 2015	#32
It means there is no obligations -- just show up. However. . .	Paula Sims	Jan 2015	#34
When I say no presents that's exactly what I mean	lunatica	Jan 2015	#35
I like the idea of donating something (maybe a cause they are especially interested in) N/T	nirvana555	Jan 2015	#37
Why?	lunatica	Jan 2015	#38
A nice card with a personal note	oldandhappy	Jan 2015	#39
I take a gift card to a nice restaurant	LynneSin	Jan 2015	#40
It means, they have been on this earth for 60 years and there is nothing you can bring	dilby	Jan 2015	#41

Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 09:26 AM

bigwillq (72,790 posts)

1. I take it to mean "no presents"

so I don't give them anything. I just show up and party!

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Response to bigwillq (Reply #1)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 11:20 AM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

8. sounds good to me.....

I might just give a her a card......hate to show up, and NOT give something.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 09:27 AM

eShirl (18,127 posts)

2. a very nice card with a short handwritten note

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Response to eShirl (Reply #2)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 11:21 AM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

9. Yah, this is what I'm kinda thinking about doing.....

thanks.

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Response to eShirl (Reply #2)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 05:55 PM

Paper Roses (7,327 posts)

33. A card with a nice note.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 09:28 AM

Major Nikon (36,207 posts)

3. Whiskey

Seriously though as long as the hosts imbibe, it's not bad form to bring a bottle of wine or spirits to any sort of party or dinner. So that's what I would do. There's a good chance many, if not most of the guests will ignore the no gift request.

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Response to Major Nikon (Reply #3)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 11:22 AM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

10. ha ha, they're Irish too.....so a good ol' Irish Whiskey would do the trick....

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Response to a kennedy (Reply #10)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 11:37 AM

Major Nikon (36,207 posts)

15. You never know, they might prefer bourbon

But I've never known anyone who was Irish that didn't have a bottle of Jameson in the house.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 10:47 AM

Scuba (53,475 posts)

4. Donation in their name to a food pantry or animal shelter.

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Response to Scuba (Reply #4)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 11:23 AM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

11. That's a great idea, thanks Scuba

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Response to Scuba (Reply #4)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 06:11 PM

Laffy Kat (15,523 posts)

20. This is what I do. nt

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 10:49 AM

femmocrat (28,389 posts)

5. They want your presence. Not presents.

Go and have fun!

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Response to femmocrat (Reply #5)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 11:25 AM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

12. Thanks, but kinda hate to go empty handed......

might just bring a card with a personal note, like eShirl suggested.

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Response to a kennedy (Reply #12)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 12:24 PM

femmocrat (28,389 posts)

17. Good idea!

Lots of good suggestions in this thread.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 10:52 AM

MrScorpio (73,509 posts)

6. BYOB!

If anything, bring ice.

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Response to MrScorpio (Reply #6)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 11:26 AM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

13. Hey, that's a great idea......thanks MrScorpio.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 11:13 AM

hollysmom (5,946 posts)

7. it means they have too much stuff. You can donate to charity in their name if you feel

you need to give something, find out their favorite charity.

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Response to hollysmom (Reply #7)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 11:27 AM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

14. nodding yah probably do have enough stuff......

love this idea of giving to their charity. Thanks.

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Response to a kennedy (Reply #14)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 01:48 PM

hollysmom (5,946 posts)

19. You are welcome - being over 60 myself.

people hate having to shop for a gift for me, I have enough stuff and am giving half my stuff away. I have suggested people give to a charity instead and gave them a list - never happens though, people still buy me pierced earrings - I don't have pierced ears or scented candles - I am sensitives to artificial scents and perfumes. See a pattern here?

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 12:08 PM

riderinthestorm (23,272 posts)

16. I usually bring a card and something tasty - wine, homemade jam, local honey

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 12:42 PM

sarge43 (28,691 posts)

18. Bring something everyone could enjoy, like ice cream. n/t

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Response to sarge43 (Reply #18)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 09:09 PM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

22. OMGOSH......everyone loves ice cream......

Bring a couple of different varieties, that is a wonderful idea. Thank you for the suggestion.

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Response to a kennedy (Reply #22)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 09:26 PM

sarge43 (28,691 posts)

25. It was my husband's idea

He said the same thing. Everyone likes ice cream and it's perfect for a birthday party.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 08:27 PM

Kali (54,155 posts)

21. flowers

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Response to Kali (Reply #21)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 09:11 PM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

23. Shoot I don't have any flowers as beautiful as those......will have to buy some.

But that's a good idea also.......thank you.

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Response to Kali (Reply #21)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 01:42 PM

DawgHouse (4,019 posts)

31. Oh I love zinnias! nt

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 09:25 PM

NV Whino (20,886 posts)

24. It means...

No fucking presents. I already have all the junk I want or need, and you don't know my tastes anyway.

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Response to NV Whino (Reply #24)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 12:13 AM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

27. Oh my, I guess that is one way of looking at it.....

And thanks for your input.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Wed Dec 31, 2014, 10:45 PM

UTUSN (67,333 posts)

26. It means (translating here) : I HATE being OLD and HATE you for being younger.

Also: I don't need any more material crap, just YOUTH.

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Response to UTUSN (Reply #26)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 12:16 AM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

28. I hope she doesn't actually think that.....she's such a sweetie....

And really, who doesn't want youth for a present, although personally? I don't

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 01:14 PM

MissB (15,507 posts)

29. Depends.

No, really.

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Response to MissB (Reply #29)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 01:21 PM

Skittles (148,695 posts)

30. SCHEDULING MISSB FOR ASS KICKING

EGREGIOUS; yes INDEED

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Response to MissB (Reply #29)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 10:11 PM

a kennedy (27,206 posts)

36. Oh, now that is funny......Depends...ha ha ha

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 05:48 PM

WinkyDink (51,311 posts)

32. "Don't Be Cheap, Though, If You Insist." Oh, wait; that's me.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 06:46 PM

Paula Sims (877 posts)

34. It means there is no obligations -- just show up. However. . .

Flowers for a lady and booze for a man are always appreciated (I too, hate to go empty handed). Also gift cards to their favorite place. The denomination? $60+$1 of course!!

When I threw a 60th luncheon for my husband, that's what I said -- no gifts please. Most people brought wine, gift certificates to Home Depot (he's an avid woodworker) and one person got an old-fashioned tool from somewhere. Of course everyone brought treats for our kittens!

Nope, you don't HAVE to do anything, however, it's always nice. Good to see your Mother (or partner) raised you right.

Paula

Edit: A card is a no-brainer-of-course-you-must inclusion.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 06:53 PM

lunatica (53,410 posts)

35. When I say no presents that's exactly what I mean

I haven't celebrated a birthday, a Thanksgiving or Christmas in over 25 years. It's not for everybody but for those of us who do it it's incredibly liberating. It means that if you get together with people it's because that's what you want to do.

The problem for you may be that you are still thinking that you 'must' do something. That for some reason you feel your hosts are tricking you into guessing what you should take. Just take yourself. Some people find that to be all they want. Your company. It's a guilt trip that your hosts want you to be free of, because they are free of it. It's pretty nice to do something you don't have any 'obligation' to bring anything but yourself to.

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Response to lunatica (Reply #35)

Thu Jan 1, 2015, 10:41 PM

nirvana555 (448 posts)

37. I like the idea of donating something (maybe a cause they are especially interested in) N/T

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Response to nirvana555 (Reply #37)

Fri Jan 2, 2015, 02:09 PM

lunatica (53,410 posts)

38. Why?

Don't you think they donate on their own? Why do you have to do it for them? I have my favorite causes that I donate to. No one needs to donate in my name. I prefer my friends donate in their own name and just accept my invitation and end up having a good time. I consider my friends as very special people who add richly to my life. Being in a relaxed get together will bring me even more riches as we enjoy each other, especially in conversations regarding our interests, be they political, or personal. I especially like having conversations with my progressive friends regarding the state of the world.

Give yourself some credit for being invited because your hosts want you there.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Fri Jan 2, 2015, 02:56 PM

oldandhappy (6,719 posts)

39. A nice card with a personal note

is always correct. Maybe a single flower. The invitation is reminding all of us that we have all we need and are trying to pass things along to family or Good Will. I always believe 'em! No gifts means they do not need anything and do not want to deal with the whole presents things. But personal good wishes and personal stories are appreciated. If there is an open mike where people are invited to say something, be prepared to say something. If you really want to do something, write a story about your friendship with the person and include it in the card. Personal rather than things is the key.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Fri Jan 2, 2015, 02:58 PM

LynneSin (95,337 posts)

40. I take a gift card to a nice restaurant

Always a nice thing.

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Response to a kennedy (Original post)

Fri Jan 2, 2015, 03:26 PM

dilby (2,273 posts)

41. It means, they have been on this earth for 60 years and there is nothing you can bring

that would make them happier than yourself. Now if it were me and I said no presents and you brought something that everyone can indulge in, I would chide you by saying I told you not to bring anything but then I would open it and begin sharing it with all the guests and give you the credit. Not sure what your friend likes but for me it's good Irish Whiskey.

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The DU Lounge (Forum)

When they say "no presents please", for a 60th birthday party....what do they REALLY mean??

1. I take it to mean "no presents"

8. sounds good to me.....

2. a very nice card with a short handwritten note

9. Yah, this is what I'm kinda thinking about doing.....

33. A card with a nice note.

3. Whiskey

10. ha ha, they're Irish too.....so a good ol' Irish Whiskey would do the trick....

15. You never know, they might prefer bourbon

4. Donation in their name to a food pantry or animal shelter.

11. That's a great idea, thanks Scuba

20. This is what I do. nt

5. They want your presence. Not presents.

12. Thanks, but kinda hate to go empty handed......

17. Good idea!

6. BYOB!

13. Hey, that's a great idea......thanks MrScorpio.

7. it means they have too much stuff. You can donate to charity in their name if you feel

14. *nodding* yah probably do have enough stuff......

19. You are welcome - being over 60 myself.

16. I usually bring a card and something tasty - wine, homemade jam, local honey

18. Bring something everyone could enjoy, like ice cream. n/t

22. OMGOSH......everyone loves ice cream......

25. It was my husband's idea

21. flowers

23. Shoot I don't have any flowers as beautiful as those......will have to buy some.

31. Oh I love zinnias! nt

24. It means...

27. Oh my, I guess that is one way of looking at it.....

26. It means (translating here) : I HATE being OLD and HATE you for being younger.

28. I hope she doesn't actually think that.....she's such a sweetie....

29. Depends.

30. SCHEDULING MISSB FOR ASS KICKING

36. Oh, now that is funny......Depends...ha ha ha

32. "Don't Be Cheap, Though, If You Insist." Oh, wait; that's me.

34. It means there is no obligations -- just show up. However. . .

35. When I say no presents that's exactly what I mean

37. I like the idea of donating something (maybe a cause they are especially interested in) N/T

38. Why?

39. A nice card with a personal note

40. I take a gift card to a nice restaurant

41. It means, they have been on this earth for 60 years and there is nothing you can bring

14. nodding yah probably do have enough stuff......