Community Chat

[seaBreeze]

Gifts like "a cane with a rear view mirror" etc. are gag gifts I've seen for the 'Over The Hill' type parties.  Perhaps this is what the birthday person means.   Regardless, it is a little bold but then, our world is full of weirdos.

[Diva on The Q]

If I ever receive an invitation, telling me I must bring a gift...I won't be there. As far as I know, a gift is a gift not an obligation. 

[depglass]

It sounds like a joke.  If not, it is beyond tacky.

[JJsMom]

I don't know this person, but it's possible it was a joke. I guess I would have to know them and their sense of humor.

I would never throw myself a party or print that on an invitation even if I were joking because I would never know who would take it seriously, but I do sometimes say outrageous things sarcastically.

[Cakers3]

[faeriemoon]

I still think it's a joke.

[Trinity11]

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@Snowhite714 wrote:

Is it me or is this just wrong??? YOU are turning 60 and you decide to celebrate your 60 years by throwing yourself a party with lots of food, drinks, entertainment, etc.  And you are inviting upwards of 50 people.   Is it appropriate to say in the invitation Gifts Mandatory?  Is it me or is this just wrong?

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I would bet the farm that she is joking around. It sounds like it went over like the proverbial lead balloon with you but if any of my friends sent me such an invitation I would be laughing and figure they were just joking.....

[chrystaltree]

Gifts mandatory?  Omg, I have never seen that printed on an invitation.  However, perhaps she knows the people she invited well enough to know that they would show up empty handed.  People do give themselves birthday parties, just as they throw anniversary parties for themselves and house warmings.  Nothing wrong with that.  Of course, you bring a gift unless the invitation stipulates no gifts.  It sounds like this person doesn't want any confusion, she wants gifts for her birthday.  It's not wrong but it does come across as greedy and ungracious.

[Allegheny]

@Snowhite714 

Well she didn't say what kind of gift or list a registry; so...it could be anything, like a free pen you got somewhere or something picked up at the dollar store, a $10 Sheetz gift card.

[chrystaltree]

I think if it was a joke, OP would know it.  Presumably, she knows this person so she'd know that the woman has a quirky sense of humor.  Plus...where was the "ha ha ha".  There would be something there to indicate she wanted a bunch of tacky, cheap plastic stuff from 50 guests.  I don't think anyone in their right mind would solicit gag gifts from THAT many people.  The request is odd but I certainly would take it at faith value if I was going to attend her birthday party.  I wouldn't resent it as so many people here do because if a friend invited me to a birthday party and the invitation did not specify "no gifts", of course I would bring a gift.  It's a birthday party.