Among Friends

[staciesmom]

DH and I are invited to a colleague's retirement party this Sunday, and the invitation states "No gifts please". He is very dear to both of us and I really don't want to go empty-handed. I thought about getting a nice card to express our congratulations, but it doesn't seem right. Any advice? TIA

[jackthebear]

No gifts means just that,

just take a card

they obviously don't want stuff

[Melvin-QVC]

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@staciesmom wrote:

DH and I are invited to a colleague's retirement party this Sunday, and the invitation states "No gifts please". He is very dear to both of us and I really don't want to go empty-handed. I thought about getting a nice card to express our congratulations, but it doesn't seem right. Any advice? TIA

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@staciesmom  IMHO I would think if they specifically stated "no gifts" they probably have all they need or want and your presence is their present.  However, I don't like to go anywhere empty handed and would atleast bring a bottle of some sort, just because.  

[Winkk]

I think a card is a great idea.  Why do you think it's not right?  It's not a gift.

[Eileen in Virginia]

I would honor his request. If he’s had a successful career, he probably has everything he needs and most of the things he wants. Get him a nice card, maybe tell him you and your husband would like to take him out to dinner after he retires. 

[Q4u]

I would make a donation to his favorite Charity (or yours if you don't know) and present that information in a very special card, I think he would be delighted with it....    

[jannabelle1]

"No gifts please" means just that....I'd choose a nice congraulatory card, write your sentiments and send it through the mail so he can read it privately when he receives it. Honor his request - your presence is what means more to him.

[sandy53]

Be sure to write a nice memory inside the card.  Think of a time when this colleague did something extra or meaningful for you.  Or a funny memory would be nice, too.  Thank him for all the significant work he did and that will mean more than any gift. 

[QVCkitty1]

 I'm with @Melvin-QVC, a nice bottle of wine isn't really a present, just a nice gesture.

[kitcat51]

No gift means no gift, respect your friend & do as asked. Buy a nice card & write inside about a special time you & your husband shared with him....expressing your friendship is more meaningful than anything you could buy.