"ted" wrote in message
om...
Is it appropriate to mention that you prefer/do not prefer certain
kinds of gifts in a birthday party? For example, is it okay to say in
the birthday invite something like "please bring only a small book as
a present"? In fact I would love to say "please donot bring anything
related to barbie" but I know that sounds off.

Like others, I would not mention what gifts not to bring (or to bring) in
the invitation. Usually, in RSVP'ing the parent of the invitee asks what
kinds of stuff does the child like. Also, when the kids are school-aged,
they generally know what the birthday kid likes. So, if DD likes Polly
Pockets and horses, she'll probably get Polly Pockets and horse things no
matter how I feel about itty bitty dolls and even ittier bittier
accessories.

Personally I detest
barbie dolls and I would be very disappointed if my kid(s) like barbie
stuff LOL. I'm not the pink and frilly kind and I don't want them to
be either.


Well, I usually buy what the child likes and wants, instead of what the
parents likes and wants.
You may not have a choice in what your child likes or how she will be. She
may be a pink girly girl although you're the tomboy type. DD loves to wear
dresses even though I haven't worn a dress since before she was born.
Lately, she has decided to wear her skirts and dresses with her workboots
(for horseback riding). It makes a statement that I personally wouldn't
make, but it's her choice and her statement.

Jeanne