Dolly I find that the next comment box allows me to add pictures and everything once I've done the title and subject. I noticed a lot of people do the introduction and then on the next comment box add a picture. I don't know if these things will ever be fixed. It appears not so far.

In my opinion it depends on the situation as to whether it is really a no gift scenario. It's great if you know the person very well so you can translate what they really mean. You could do something nice like in your card say in lieu of a gift I would like to take you and your partner out for brunch, lunch or whatever the case may be.

Have been invited to an anniversary party for acquaintance 25th. Invite states no gifts. Do people actually not bring gifts? Would a donation to a cause they support be appropriate? I think I feel odd not bringing something. What about wine or baked goods?

I think no gift means no gift. A nice card with a short hand written note is always nice.

Yes, no gift means no gift. If some bring gifts and and others don't, it's very uncomfortable. And, of course, those that don't are following the person's request.

Yeonassky, thanks for explaining. My problem is my words delete. So frustrating and tiresome!

I take it to mean nothing more concrete than a card -- including food. If you know what 'causes' they favor, you could make a donation to one of the organizations in their honor.

"No Gifts" relieves the celebrants of the task of noting who gave what and writing thank you notes. Win/Win.

No gift means EXACTLY what it says.

I have never understood saying no gift, and then people bring one. I actually find it a little insulting. Didn't they trust I meant no gift? I know they love me and want to give the gift, but it's preferred not to bring one. After all, don't we all think, I have too much junk and don't really need/want anything else (or prefer to pick it ourselves)? ;)

And please don't feel bad if another guest does does bring a gift, no matter how good the recipient acts at being delighted. They are the ones committing the faux pas, not you!

No gifts means no gifts. They just want you sharing in their happy time

I take no gift as "I got enough crap in my home as it is and I don't want no more" So when it says no gift I give a gift card to a restaurant or favorite store. Portable, small, and easily disposed of.

I agree that no gifts means no gifts, but a heartfelt personalized congratulatory card is always welcome.

I would take them at their word and not bring a gift. It certainly is awkward if some bring a gift anyway. The hosts certainly were trying to avoid that.

Mailing a card is a very nice gesture perhaps with a personal note telling them how much you enjoyed the evening and thanking them for including you.

No gift means no gift, why overthink this?. It's their choice, not your's. There's no reason to do or feel anything about it one way or the other.

Yes.

Added to the fact that this is an acquaintance, someone you don't consider a friend.

It looks like they want to share their happiness with many levels of people they care about. This could be another reason why they don't want a gift.

Thanks, everyone. I feel a little foolish for asking a stupid question. I was taught to always bring the hosts something. Time to change my ways.

Dolly, don't feel foolish. Most of us need reassurance on how to handle social situations just in case there's a pitfall that we might not have identified.

No worries, Dolly. You know what they say, "the only dumb question is the one we don't ask." There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be a good guest and wanting to do the right thing.

I don't see any problem with bringing a host/hostess gift to a party/dinner if the hosts don't specify one way or the other. It's just when they specifically say no gift that I'd honor their wishes and not bring anything besides myself.

Of course it means no gifts, but I usually bring a card with a message inside. We are invited to dinner at friend’s house for his 85th birthday. They are former neighbors and also requested no gifts. We will honor their request, but knowing the other probable guests, there could be a gag gift or two involved.

That said, a nice note to the hosts after a dinner or party is always appreciated.

For my father's 90th birthday card, "no gifts" was mentioned, but also people were requested to bring the funniest b'day card they could find. My dad, who quite a showman, made a great display of reading the cards out loud, to entertain the crowd. It was really funny.

DD is having a "say goodbye" party for her son before he leaves for college. She specified "no gifts" as she does not wish to appear to be doing this to get gifts. I have no doubt that many people will bring a gift - probably something they think he might find useful living in a dorm. It's certainly not expected but no one should feel funny if they would like to give him a gift.

It's a bit different when the people are older and trying to get rid of stuff, not accumulate more. If one is deeply fond of them, give a donation and the organization will send a card telling them it was given and who gave it.

No gift means just that. I've received a couple of invitations like that, both for weddings. One was a second wedding and one was where the couple had lived together for a number of years and didn't need more stuff.