Wondering how to politely ask for gifts on an invitation? It’s important to be clear about what you would like them to bring.
The best way to do this is to include a line on the invitation that says something like, “Gifts are not necessary but always appreciated.”
This way, your guests will know that they don’t have to bring anything if they don’t want to.
However, if they do choose to bring a gift, you’ll be sure to get something that you want and need.
Use these links to jump ahead:
- How To Ask For Gifts On an Invitation? Phrases and Wordings
- How To Politely Ask For Gifts On an Invitation?
- What To Include In Your Invitation?
- When To Send Your Invitations?
- How To Word Your Gift Request?
- How To Make The Request Less Awkward?
- How To Follow Up With Guests?
- How To Thank Guests Who Do Bring a Gift?
- How To Handle Guests Who Don’t Bring Gifts?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to say thank you for an unexpected gift?
- When do you send birthday invitations out?
- How to graciously accept an invitation?
- How to say no presents on birthday invitation?
- How to say no gifts on a baby shower invitation?
- How do you word monetary gifts are accepted?
- How to ask someone for their address to send a gift?
- How to ask for books instead of presents?
- How to politely ask someone to bring something?
- How to politely ask someone to bring food?
- How to ask for a christmas gift politely?
- How to ask for a gift from boyfriend?
- How to ask for a gift without asking?
- Conclusion
How To Ask For Gifts On an Invitation? Phrases and Wordings
When planning a special occasion, it can sometimes be tricky to communicate your desires for gifts without coming across as too forward.
It’s a delicate balance, but fear not!
Below, you’ll find some natural and convincing phrases that can help guide your guests on your gift preferences.
Also, stay tuned for seven additional tips on how to gracefully ask for gifts in your invitations.
But first, let’s dive into these phrases and wordings that are sure to work wonders every time.
“Gifts appreciated, but your presence is the greatest gift of all.”
“If you wish to gift, we have a small wish list.”
“Optional: Bring a gift to share joy.”
“Gift cards warmly welcomed.”
“Your presence and a present, if you please.”
“While your presence is the greatest gift, if you wish to contribute further, we have a small wish list.”
“We’re excited to celebrate with you! Gifts are not necessary, but if you’re inclined, we have a few ideas.”
“Join us for joy and festivity! Should you wish to gift, a guide is provided for your convenience.”
“Celebrating with you is our heart’s desire. For those wondering about gifts, we’ve prepared a small list.”
“Your presence at our celebration means the world to us. For those considering gifts, we welcome them warmly.”
How To Politely Ask For Gifts On an Invitation?
It’s that time of year again when party season is in full swing and you may be wondering how to politely ask for gifts on an invitation.
Whether it’s your child’s birthday, a holiday celebration, or a family reunion.
There are some tactful ways to request presents without seeming greedy or tacky.
Here are a few tips:
1. Be Specific About What You Would Like
Rather than simply writing “gifts appreciated,” try something like “Mom would love a new coffee mug” or “Gift ideas for Dad include gift cards to his favorite restaurant.”
This way, guests will know exactly what to get and they’ll be more likely to get something that the recipient will appreciate and use.
2. Give Guests a Range Of Prices
Not everyone is comfortable spending the same amount of money on gifts, so it’s important to give guests a range of prices that they can choose from.
For example, if you’re requesting gifts for a child’s birthday party, you could say something like “Affordable gift ideas include books or puzzles.”
Mid-range gift ideas include clothes or toys, and luxurious gift options include jewelry or an electronic gadget.”
By giving guests options, you’re more likely to end up with a few nice presents rather than one really expensive one that blows the budget.
3. Make It Clear That Gifts Are Not Required
Some people feel pressured into giving gifts when they receive an invitation, even if they can’t afford it.
To avoid this problem, make it clear on the invitation that gifts are not expected or required – something like “Your presence is the only present we need!” should do the trick nicely.
This way, guests won’t feel guilty if they don’t bring anything but will still have the option to do so if they want to.
4. Keep It Short and Sweet
There’s no need to go into great detail about why you’re asking for gifts or what specific items you’re hoping for.
Simply including a brief mention of gifts somewhere on the invitation should suffice.
5. Be Tactful In Your Wording
Again, you don’t want to come across as pushy or demanding when asking for gifts.
Phrases like “No gift is necessary” or “Your presence is the only present we need” are always appreciated by guests.
6. Let Guests Know Where To Find Registry Information
If you’ve already created a registry (or plan on doing so), be sure to include this information on the invitation itself or an accompanying insert card.
This will make it easy for guests who want to purchase a gift but aren’t sure what would be most appreciated.
7. Don’t Wait Too Long To Make The Request
Don’t wait until the last minute to make your wish list public.
When you do that, people will be bombarded with requests and will end up giving you items they didn’t want to buy.
Instead, try to set up a period in which to make the request, such as between two and three months before the wedding.
This gives people ample time to respond to your request and allows you to have a better idea of which items you might want to buy.
What To Include In Your Invitation?
Asking for gifts on an invitation can be a tricky thing to do.
You want to be polite and not come across as greedy or tacky, but at the same time, you don’t want your guests to show up empty-handed.
Here are a few tips on how to politely ask for gifts on an invitation:
1. Be specific about what you would like. Instead of just saying “no gifts please”, try something like “Your presence at our party is the only present we need”.
This way, you’re not demanding that people don’t bring anything, but you’re making it clear that you don’t expect them to.
2. If you are registered with a particular store or website, include this information on the invitation so that people know where they can purchase something for you if they choose to do so.
3. Make it clear that giving a gift is optional and not expected.
Something like “If you feel compelled to give a gift, we are registered at XYZ store” conveys this message nicely without sounding too demanding.
4. Avoid mentioning specific brands or items that you would like as gifts – this can come across as being too materialistic.
Instead, let your guests use their judgment in deciding what would make a good present for you.
5. Finally, remember to say thank you regardless of whether your guests bring a gift or not!
Related article:
How To Ask Someone What They Want For Their Birthday?
How To Politely Ask Someone If They Received Your Gift? [25 Phrases]
Wording For Giving Money Instead Of Gifts For a Birthday [13 Phrases]
When To Send Your Invitations?
A few months before you plan to give your event, you can send out your invitations.
By then, your guests will be aware of the event date.
You can also send out the invitations a week or two before the event.
This will allow your guests time to prepare gifts and make purchases.
If you don’t send out the invitations until after the event has already taken place, your guests will be less likely to be able to buy the perfect gift.
It is a good idea to send out the invitations a few days before the event. You can put up the announcements at this time.
Your friends and family can read these notices while they are getting ready for the event.
Related article:
Can You Ask For Housewarming Gifts? [13 Tips & Phrases]
29 Ways To Say No To Gifts Without Offending? [29 Best Ways]
29 Ways On How To Say Maybe To an Invitation
How To Word Your Gift Request?
When it comes to gifts, it’s always best to be specific.
That way, your guests can get you exactly what you want and avoid any awkwardness.
1. Be Direct
The best way to request a gift is to be direct and upfront about it.
Mention that you would appreciate a particular type of gift, or list some specific items that you are hoping for.
This will help your guests know exactly what to get you, and avoid any potential confusion or hurt feelings.
2. Use Subtle Language
If you’re worried about sounding too demanding, try using more subtle language in your request.
For example, instead of saying “I would love a new iPod,” try something like “It would be great if I could listen to my music on a new iPod.”
By phrasing it as a wish instead of a demand, you’ll come across as more gracious and appreciative.
3. Keep It Short
When requesting gifts on an invitation, less is more.
Keep your request brief and to the point so that your guests don’t feel overwhelmed or obligated.
A simple sentence or two should suffice; anything longer might start to sound like nagging!
4. Offer Alternatives
If you’re worried about appearing greedy or selfish, offer some alternative gift ideas that your guests can choose from.
This shows that you’re flexible and considerate, and allows them to pick something they know you’ll love and appreciate.
5. Be Thankful
No matter what kind of gift your guests end up getting you, always express your gratitude!
Thank them graciously for their thoughtfulness, no matter what the actual present is.
Remembering to say “thank you” will go a long way in making sure everyone feels good about the exchange – including yourself!
How To Make The Request Less Awkward?
It’s that time of year again when holiday parties and family gatherings are in full swing.
And while we all love getting together with our loved ones to celebrate, there’s one downside to the season: the dreaded gift exchange.
Whether it’s an office Secret Santa or a white elephant party with your friends, picking the perfect gift can be stressful.
But what’s even more challenging is finding a way to politely ask for gifts on an invitation without sounding greedy or entitled.
Here are a few tips on how to make the request less awkward:
1. Be Specific About What You’d Like
If you have your eye on a particular item, include it on your wish list.
This way, your gift-giver will know exactly what you want and can avoid the guessing game altogether.
Just be sure to include a few alternate options in case your first choice is unavailable.
2. Make It Personal
Avoid generic registry links and instead, hand-pick items that you know the recipient will love and use.
This shows that you put thought into their gift, and they’ll appreciate it all the more as a result.
For extra brownie points, try to find items that relate to their hobbies or interests.
3. Give Them A Chance To Say No
You shouldn’t be rude and pushy about the gifts that you would like.
You should respect the person’s wishes.
They may not want what you want.
If you ask for something, you need to be willing to accept the answer.
If they want to say no, then don’t argue with them. You should let them do their own thing.
4. Let Them Know It’s Their Decision
If they ask you directly, they’re probably just being polite.
But if they don’t, it’s okay to suggest what they might like.
Just keep in mind that it’s their final call.
5. Don’t Expect Too Much
It’s okay to wish for something big or small, but it’s not okay to expect too much.
If your wish list includes expensive items, you may not be able to afford them.
How To Follow Up With Guests?
It can be awkward asking guests for gifts, but it’s important to be polite and clear about what you want.
Here are some tips on how to follow up with guests:
1. Send a thank-you note after the event. This is a good opportunity to mention any gifts you received and express your gratitude.
2. If you didn’t receive a gift, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask if the guest forgot or if there was any confusion about what you wanted.
3. Be understanding if the answer is no – sometimes people simply can’t afford gifts, and that’s okay!
Just express your appreciation for their attendance and let them know that their presence was more than enough.
How To Thank Guests Who Do Bring a Gift?
It’s important to thank the guests who bring a gift.
They are the ones who will be remembered at the reception.
They are the ones who should be given special attention during the party.
This will show your guests that you care about them.
A great way to thank your guests who bring a gift is to send them an email thanking them for bringing one.
You can even say that they are the guests who will be remembered at the party.
Make sure that you write a detailed letter or email that expresses your appreciation.
This will make your guests feel appreciated. Send them an email and express your gratitude.
This will give them a chance to know that you value their friendship.
Read this next:
How To Deal With Bad Gift Givers? [9 Positive Ways To React]
How To Say Hope You Will Like The Gift [21 Beautiful Ways]
How To Handle Guests Who Don’t Bring Gifts?
You don’t want to seem like you’re demanding presents, but at the same time, it’s perfectly reasonable to expect guests to bring something if they’re attending your event.
One way to handle this is to include a line on the invitation that says “kindly bring a wrapped gift.”
This makes it clear that gifts are expected without being too blunt about it.
Another option is to include a registry link on the invitation so guests can easily see what you would like them to purchase for you.
If you’re worried about offending anyone, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and not mention gifts at all on the invitation.
You can always mention it verbally when inviting people or post something about it on social media leading up to the event.
Just remember that not everyone will bring a gift, and that’s okay!
Also, read:
How To Uninvite Someone Politely? [Phrases & Excuses To Use]
Frequently Asked Questions
How to say thank you for an unexpected gift?
Expressing gratitude for an unexpected gift is important. Simply say, “Thank you so much for this thoughtful surprise! I’m touched by your generosity and kindness.” Make sure to acknowledge the thought behind the gift. Personalize your thanks by mentioning something specific about the gift that you appreciate.
When do you send birthday invitations out?
Birthday invitations should be sent out 3-4 weeks in advance. This gives your guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements to attend. If it’s a significant event like a milestone birthday, consider sending invitations 5-6 weeks in advance.
How to graciously accept an invitation?
To graciously accept an invitation, you can respond with, “Thank you for the invitation! I’m honored and delighted to attend.” Mentioning your excitement shows appreciation for being included. Ensure to ask if there’s anything specific you should know about the event, like the dress code, or if you should bring anything.
How to say no presents on birthday invitation?
To say no presents on a birthday invitation, you can write, “Your presence is the only gift we desire. Please, no presents.” This politely conveys your wish to focus on enjoying the company of your guests rather than receiving gifts.
How to say no gifts on a baby shower invitation?
On a baby shower invitation, you can state, “We’re blessed with all we need for our little one, so please, no gifts. Your presence is the greatest gift we could ask for.” This respectfully communicates that the joy of their company outweighs the need for more items.
How do you word monetary gifts are accepted?
When indicating that monetary gifts are appreciated, you can say, “If you wish to celebrate with a gift, we kindly suggest a small contribution towards our future [specific goal, e.g., home, honeymoon].” This lets guests know your preference without making them feel obliged.
How to ask someone for their address to send a gift?
To ask for someone’s address to send a gift, say, “I’d love to send you something special. Could you share your best mailing address with me?” This communicates your intention and respects their privacy by asking for consent to send a gift.
How to ask for books instead of presents?
To ask for books instead of presents, include a note in your invitation that says, “In lieu of gifts, we would be delighted to receive your favorite book to add to our collection. Your literary treasure will be cherished.” This frames your request as an opportunity for guests to share something meaningful.
How to politely ask someone to bring something?
When asking someone to bring something, phrase it as a request and an option, not a requirement. For example, “If it’s convenient for you, we’d love for you to bring a dish to share. Your cooking always adds a special touch to gatherings!” This shows appreciation for their contribution and respects their autonomy.
How to politely ask someone to bring food?
To ask someone politely to bring food, say, “We’re organizing a potluck-style gathering and would be thrilled if you could share one of your delicious dishes. Let me know what you feel comfortable bringing!” This invites participation and leaves the choice up to them.
How to ask for a christmas gift politely?
Asking for a Christmas gift politely involves expressing a preference while showing appreciation. Say, “If you’re considering a gift for me this Christmas, I’ve been hoping for [specific item]. However, the greatest gift is spending time together.” This conveys your wish while emphasizing the value of shared moments.
How to ask for a gift from boyfriend?
To ask for a gift from your boyfriend, communicate openly about your desires. Say, “There’s something special I’ve been dreaming about, [item]. It would mean a lot to me.” Sharing your desires openly can strengthen your relationship by encouraging honesty and understanding.
How to ask for a gift without asking?
Asking for a gift without directly asking involves hinting at your interests or mentioning things casually. For example, talk about how you’ve been really interested in a particular hobby or item lately, or share a story about how something has caught your eye. This lets others infer your interests without making a direct request.
Conclusion
It’s always tricky to know how to word things on invitations, especially when it comes to gifts.
Some people are very specific about what they would like, while others prefer not to mention anything at all.
If you’re stuck on what to write, a good rule of thumb is to be as clear and concise as possible. For example, you could say “No gifts, please” or “Your presence is enough.”
If you would like guests to bring a gift, it’s best to be specific about what you would like.
For instance, you could say “Please bring a book for the baby’s library” or “Gift cards appreciated for the honeymoon fund.”
Whatever you decide to write, make sure it sounds polite and grateful.
Remember that your guests are under no obligation to bring a gift, so don’t put them in an awkward position by asking for one.
Related articles:
What To Say When Giving A Gift? [11 Good Phrases]
How To Ask For Housewarming Gifts? [13 Tips & Phrases]
12 Questions To Find The Perfect Gift For Everyone
How To Ask For Money Instead of Gifts For Birthday [My 10 Tips]