5 Polite Ways to Ask For Birthday Gifts

How to Ask the Tricky Question

Here we are, at last, facing the problem. The question is tricky, we won’t deny it, but we do have some excellent tips on how to handle it. Check out the following suggestions:

Invitation

This is our favorite and most commonly used approach in general. You have to write birthday invitations for your guests, right? The best way to let them know you want gifts for a birthday is to include the request in the invitations. 

So, how to ask for presents on invitations? Write something funny, things that will make your guests laugh, and get the subtle hint. You can also write something like:

All I need is your presence, but if you want to bring something, I would appreciate…

You’re not obligated to bring gifts, but if you do want to bring something, the thing that would make me very happy is…

For more similar examples, you can take a look at the article How to Ask for Gift Cards on a Birthday Invitation. Here we included some useful tips on how to politely ask for gifts in different ways. The article also contains the answer to the question of how to ask for gift cards on an invitation.

Side Note

If you are not comfortable with writing a gift request on the invitation, you can avoid it by writing a side note. You can use the same wording as the one listed above, it will only go on a side note, following the invitation. It’s also a cute way to ask for gifts. You can write something funny, without the risk of being rude.

Ask Directly

The direct approach is sometimes the best one. Most people fear that it might sound rude, but it won’t if you do it properly. You only have to consider the audience. If you ask your close friends and family members, you can break down for them the reasons why you want a certain gift. In fact, they’ll probably appreciate you telling them what you want for your birthday. This way, they don’t have to waste time thinking about what to get.

If you ask for gifts directly from people you don’t know that well, things are a little different. You should let them know you don’t expect them giving something they can’t afford or do in any other way. Make sure they understand that’s not something you demand, but would enjoy if they can do it. This way, you won’t be misinterpreted and be perceived as rude.

Spread the Word

If you are uncomfortable with writing a gift request on invitations or asking directly, you can try a subtle approach. You can spread the word about what you want, and let people get the clue without having to tell them explicitly. For example, casually talk with your friends about how you always wanted to get that amazing coffee maker or other house appliances to complement your apartment. They’ll most certainly get the hint and talk to other guests. That will also give them more ideas on some other gifts they can get.

A Themed Party

Another polite way to ask for gifts is to throw a themed party. This way, you don’t have to say anything about gifts, your guests will figure out what to get right away. For example, if you want some tech things, you can throw a gadget party. You can call it any way you want, like Back to the Future, Science Fiction, or Geeks Party. Let your guests know there will be video and board games to play and maybe consider some costumes. It will be super fun and you’ll also get the gifts you want without even having to ask!

Commonly Asked Questions

We noticed a lot of questions regarding the topic of polite ways to ask for birthday gifts, so we made an effort to answer some of them. We think it will help you deal with this tricky task.

Is it polite to ask for birthday gifts?

Yes, it is. There’s nothing wrong with asking for birthday gifts as long as you do it properly. You should consider the budget of your guests and make sure your request is reasonable. Also, consider the audience when asking the question if you want to avoid being rude.

Are there any things I should avoid when asking for birthday gifts?

Avoid wording that will make you look demanding or too pushy. People should know that you’re not ignoring their financial situation and their wishes in general. Make sure to tell your guests they are welcome regardless of the gifts. Don’t say or write anything that starts with you should/you have to/I expect you to bring, etc.

Is it alright to ask for monetary gifts for a birthday?

Yes, but be reasonable with your requests and ask politely. A lot of people opt for monetary gifts these days, whether it’s for a birthday, Christmas, or a wedding. It turns out to be more practical for both guests and hosts.

If you are wondering how to ask for money instead of gifts for birthdays, you can take a look at the following article How to Give Hints About a Gift. It might give you some unique ideas and ease things for you.

Can I ask for experiences instead of gifts?

Absolutely! You don’t have to stick with traditional gifts. Just keep in mind all the tips we listed above. We said it too many times, but it’s crucial to think about your guests when asking for gifts, whether you opt for money, experiences, or material stuff.

Final Thoughts

Now you’re all set to invite your guests and throw a birthday party! With all these tips in mind, you should be ready to ask for gifts and celebrate a special day with joy. Don’t overthink it. You know your guests the best, and there’s no chance you can go wrong no matter the approach you choose. We included the 5 ultimate polite ways to ask for birthday gifts, so don’t worry, you’ll be just fine.