Miss Manners: Do I have to buy gifts for all the kids at our group party?
Cleveland
Last updated: May 12, 2026
A group of parents is organizing a graduation party for four fifth graders, inviting family and friends. The parents are seeking advice on managing guest behavior and expectations, particularly regarding gifts and attendance.
- Parents are planning a graduation party for four fifth graders. Invitations have been extended to family members and friends.
- A key concern is the potential for guests to assume they can bring unregistered plus-ones, which could strain party resources.
- The organizers are also contemplating the appropriateness of guests bringing gifts for the graduates.
- Questions have arisen regarding whether gifts should be expected or if a monetary contribution would be more suitable.
- There is also uncertainty about whether to explicitly state that attendance is limited to invited guests only, to manage numbers effectively.
- The parents are seeking guidance on how to navigate these social etiquette challenges to ensure a successful and smoothly run event for the graduating students and their guests.
- Consideration is being given to the overall guest list and whether to enforce a strict "invitation only" policy to control the number of attendees.
