Is sending an invitation to a child's birthday with a gift registry at a...

[elia m]

...specific store proper etiquette? I received an invitation to a birthday party for a 5 year old and she was registered at Target, I thought it was a good idea for my daughter's birthday, but I don't want to be rude or tacky.

[abfabmom1]

No.

Sending ANY invitation with ANY mention of ANY gifts is exceptionally poor etiquette, and offends most of us.

The invitation is supposed to indicate that you want the invitee to come and celebrate an event. Whether or not they decide to bring a gift is up to them, as gifts are never a requirement. That said, most people with common sense and a smidge of manners would bring a gift anyway.

On top of that, if you do something like this, you're teaching your child that their birthday is about the presents. If that's their expectation, there's going to be some point in their life when they're significantly disappointed. It's much better to teach them that their birthday is about celebrating how special they are, and that gifts are an unexpected side-effect of being such a wonderful person.

[alex]

Rude and I would not show at a party that did that.

[OU812]

Oh my goodness! I would never in a million years think of doing that! I think it's really tacky!

[Felicity O]

Well, I suppose you have to get your children used to the material world sometime. Sounds absolutely disgusting. Had I been you, I think I would have politely refused the invitation on behalf of your daughter. I certainly wouldn't lower myself to do the same.

[lorbell]

Maybe a little tacky. Registries are typically for adults who are asking for specific things. 5 years old aren't really too picky and shouldn't need a registry.

[Belle]

OMG! That's beyond tacky! Do NOT do this for your child!


You register for baby shower/new baby gifts or wedding gifts at Target, not your child's birthday!


The parent that did this needs to have their head examined thouroughly. I'm sure if we see their brain scan, it'll be obvious they're delusional!


Buy the birthday child a gift NOT on that list, wrap it or gift bag it, then send your child to the party. Sit back smugly & know that the parent(s) of that child will be horrified that you dared to send a gift not on the registry.

[EvilWoman0913]

It's tacky. You might register and if someone asked, tell them you're registered at Target or wherever, but never refer to gifts on an invitation.