She says if the invitation says “no gifts” you are not obliged to bring a gift and should not feel badly about it, even if others do bring gifts.
Whether you have limited space in your home or simply don't need any more stuff, it's perfectly acceptable to decline gifts at your next event. But when that gathering is one where guests typically bring a present, like a wedding or a baby shower, you'll want to give everyone a heads-up about your no-gifts preference.
“Please do not feel obliged to buy us a gift, all that we are expecting is you. If you would like to give something, a contribution towards our honeymoon would be greatly appreciated.”
Here's how etiquette experts handle this common conundrum. If the invitation says no gifts, “it's most polite to follow their request,” Gottsman said. This applies to any celebration, not just kids' parties. “Bringing a gift will make others feel uncomfortable.
Many couples may not wish to receive physical gifts from their guests, whether it's because they have everything they need, they may not have space for extra gifts, or there are other preferred ways to put funds to use. And that's perfectly okay!
DON'T EXPLAIN OR MAKE EXCUSES.
Doing so only opens the door to a discussion and prompts your friend or family member to try to overcome your objections. Say, “I'm sorry, but I can't give you a loan.” When the person asks, “Why not?” just repeat your statement. Eventually, your friend or family member will stop asking.
I'm so sorry to say we will not be able to invite you. As much as we really wish we could celebrate with you, we're afraid that due to [budget limits/capacity/etc.], we've got to keep our guest list really small.
A hurt or a pain from the past makes it difficult to receive a gift -- whether it's a compliment or a present. A person who has trouble receiving a gift has likely been betrayed, struggles to feel worthy of someone's goodness, or they don't want to feel like they're a burden and owe someone a favor.
Here's how etiquette experts handle this common conundrum. If the invitation says no gifts, “it's most polite to follow their request,” Gottsman said. This applies to any celebration, not just kids' parties. “Bringing a gift will make others feel uncomfortable.
No presents please, just your loving presence. Your good wishes are the only gifts that we wish to receive. As appreciated as your gifts may be, they are not needed as you will see. The presence of our family and friends will do, and make our day special too.
So if no gifts are expected at your party, it's pretty much necessary to say so. And if you are the recipient of an invitation asking you not to bring a gift, it's polite to honor the wishes of the host. Don't bring a gift. In this case, doing so is impolite.
You could also say, “My finances are tight" or, "I'm on a tight budget.” Even saying something simple like, “I'm not sure I can afford it” sounds so much better than saying, “I don't have money.”
Be honest - "it was nothing", "you don't owe me anything", "I did it because you're a friend", "I'm sure you would do the same for me", etc. If they insist, then you could simply suggest a minor alternative - "buy me a beer" or whatever is culturally appropriate.
Yes and no. Whether it's a 30th birthday or a wedding, if you're invited to a celebratory party, it's customary for a guest to bring a gift. But if you don't bring one, you aren't breaking any laws. More than likely, you won't be called out for your social faux pas, but it will probably be noticed.
Nonetheless, when no wedding gift is received from a guest, it's an awkward (not to mention hurtful) situation. Giving a wedding gift is the right thing to do (although there are some exceptions), it's in good form, and the vast majority of wedding guests will give a gift—but some won't.
Garringer advises spending as much as you would if you attended the wedding — which would mean around $100 for a close friend or $150 and up for an immediate family member. For more distant relations, a smaller gift is acceptable (or, as we mentioned earlier, a simple "Congratulations!" will do).
"We kindly request no gifts for our wedding. Your journey to celebrate with us is enough of a gift." "We would prefer that our guests don't bring gifts. Making memories in this beautiful destination together is more than we could ask for."
Specifically, narcissists give gifts with an eye to maintaining a relationship with the giver and to maintaining control in that relationship. You don't get expensive gifts from a narcissist because they think you are awesome; you get valuable gifts because they want you to continue to think that they are awesome.
We often give gifts to re-confirm or establish our connection with others, which means that they're a reflection of both the giver and the receiver, as well as their unique relationship. Giving a gift to someone we care about allows us to communicate our feelings and appreciation for them.
Narcissists don't have emotional empathy. So they don't feel your joy when you receive gifts. Meaning they NEVER buy a gift solely for your benefit. All the narcissist enjoys is what the gift gives them.