Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward wrote:
We've just been invited to a first birthday party in Somerville, MA,
and the parents said no gifts.

I feel silly going to a child's birthday party and not bringing a gift.
I wouldn't want them coming to my daughter's party and not bringing a
gift, even if I know it's likely to be something I don't want or need.
It's not about me, it's about the child.

What is the practice where you live?

The practice here in the western suburbs is to abide with the parents'
request.

I'm sorry for the semi-snarky reply, but your question seems like it's
about you, not about the parents and the birthday child.

I would frankly be happy to *not* bring a gift and instead write a
letter or note for the child. (I find it disturbing to see a birthday
party -- even for an older child -- where all 30+ guests have brought
presents, but I think I'm at the opposite extreme.)

Caledonia