When sending out invitations for an event, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a wedding reception, or a casual get-together, it’s customary to convey to your guests that their presence is what truly matters, regardless of whether they bring a gift.
Here are 20 polite ways to express that gifts are optional on your invitation, along with scenario examples for each:
List of Polite Ways to Say “Gifts Are Optional” on an Invitation
- Your company is all that we request.
- No gifts required, just your delightful presence.
- Your attendance is the only gift we seek.
- Your presence is the greatest present.
- We’re honored by your presence alone.
- Your presence is gift enough for us.
- Your presence is the perfect present.
- Your company is the greatest gift.
- We only ask for your presence, not presents.
- Please join us, no gifts necessary.
- Your presence is the only gift we desire.
- Your attendance is the most cherished gift.
- Your presence is the ultimate gift.
- Your company is the only gift we need.
- The pleasure of your company is our only wish.
- Your presence is more than enough.
- We only ask for your presence, no presents required.
- Please grace us with your presence, gifts optional.
- Your presence is the best gift of all.
- No gifts necessary, your presence is our joy.
1. Your Presence is the Most Treasured Gift
Scenario: Dear Royal,
We are thrilled to invite you to our annual holiday party! Your presence is what makes our gatherings truly special, and we would be honored to have you join us for an evening of merriment and cheer.
Looking forward to seeing you soon, Oscar
2. Your Company is All That We Desire
Scenario: Hi Royal,
I hope this message finds you well. We’re hosting a small dinner party next Saturday and would be delighted if you could join us. Your company always brings joy to our gatherings, and your presence would truly make the evening memorable.
Best regards, Oscar
3. Gifts are Not Required but Appreciated
Scenario: Dear Royal,
You are cordially invited to our baby shower next month! While gifts are not expected, your thoughtfulness is always appreciated. We simply wish to celebrate this special moment with our loved ones, and your presence would mean the world to us.
Warm regards, Oscar
4. No Presents are Required, Just Your Presence
Scenario: Hi Royal,
I hope this email finds you well. We’re hosting a barbecue next weekend and would love for you to join us. Please don’t worry about bringing a gift – your presence is all we ask for. Let’s enjoy good food and even better company!
Take care, Oscar
5. We Do Not Expect Gifts
Scenario: Dear Royal,
We’re throwing a housewarming party next Saturday and would be thrilled if you could come. Please know that we do not expect any gifts – having you there to celebrate with us is what truly matters.
Warm regards, Oscar
6. It’s Up to You if You’d Like to Bring Gifts
Scenario: Hi Royal,
We’re hosting a game night at our place next Friday and would love for you to join in on the fun! Feel free to bring any games you enjoy, but please know that bringing gifts is entirely optional. Your presence is what makes our game nights complete.
See you soon, Oscar
7. The Pleasure of Your Company is Gift Enough
Scenario: Dear Royal,
You’re invited to our engagement party next weekend! Your presence would mean everything to us – no gifts necessary. Let’s celebrate this special occasion together and create lasting memories.
Warm regards, Oscar
8. We Are Not Asking for Gifts
Scenario: Hi Royal,
We’re hosting a movie marathon at our place next Saturday and would love for you to join us. Please know that we are not asking for any gifts. Your presence and your popcorn choices are all we need for a fantastic movie night!
Take care, Oscar
9. Do Not Feel Obliged to Bring a Gift
Scenario: Dear Royal,
I hope this message finds you well. We’re throwing a potluck dinner next Friday and would be delighted if you could attend. Please do not feel obliged to bring a dish or a gift – your presence is what matters most to us.
Warm regards, Oscar
10. Your Presence is the Ultimate Gift
Scenario: Dear Royal,
We’re hosting a picnic at the park next Sunday and would love for you to join us. Your presence is the ultimate gift, and we’d be delighted to spend a relaxing day together. Feel free to bring any snacks or games you’d like to share, but please know that your company is what we cherish the most.
Best regards, Oscar
Read More: Professional Ways to Say “I Will Do My Best”
11. Your Company is the Only Gift We Need
Scenario: Hi Royal,
I hope you’re doing well. We’re organizing a backyard barbecue next Saturday and would be thrilled if you could make it. Your company is the only gift we need – let’s enjoy good food and great conversations together!
Warm regards, Oscar
12. We Only Ask for Your Presence, Not Presents
Scenario: Dear Royal,
You’re invited to our holiday gathering next month! Please join us for an evening of festivities and cheer. We only ask for your presence, not presents. Your company is what makes our celebrations truly special.
Looking forward to seeing you, Oscar
13. Please Join Us, No Gifts Necessary
Scenario: Hi Royal,
We’re planning a beach day next weekend and would love for you to come along. Please join us, no gifts necessary. Your presence is all we need for a day filled with sunshine and laughter.
Take care, Oscar
14. Your Presence is the Only Gift We Desire
Scenario: Dear Royal,
You’re invited to our game night next Friday! Your presence is the only gift we desire – let’s enjoy some friendly competition and good company. Feel free to bring your favorite snacks, but your participation is what matters most.
Warm regards, Oscar
15. Your Attendance is the Most Cherished Gift
Scenario: Hi Royal,
I hope you’re doing well. We’re hosting a potluck dinner next Saturday and would love for you to join us. Your attendance is the most cherished gift – let’s share delicious food and delightful conversation together.
Best regards, Oscar
16. Your Presence is More Than Enough
Scenario: Dear Royal,
We’re planning a hiking trip next weekend and would be thrilled if you could join us. Your presence is more than enough – no need to bring any gear or gifts. Let’s enjoy the beauty of nature together!
Warm regards, Oscar
17. Please Grace Us with Your Presence, Gifts Optional
Scenario: Hi Royal,
We’re hosting a wine tasting event next month and would love for you to attend. Please grace us with your presence, gifts optional. Your company would make the evening truly memorable.
Best regards, Oscar
18. Your Presence is the Best Gift of All
Scenario: Dear Royal,
You’re invited to our backyard barbecue next Saturday! Your presence is the best gift of all, and we’d be delighted to have you join us for some delicious food and good company.
Looking forward to catching up, Oscar
19. No Gifts Necessary, Your Presence is Our Joy
Scenario: Hi Royal,
We’re planning a movie night at our place next Friday and would love for you to join us. No gifts necessary – your presence is our joy. Let’s relax and enjoy some great films together!
Take care, Oscar
20. We Only Ask for Your Presence, No Presents Required
Scenario: Dear Royal,
You’re invited to our family reunion next month! We only ask for your presence, no presents required. Your company is what makes these gatherings truly special, and we’d be thrilled to have you there.
Warm regards, Oscar
Pros and Cons of Saying “Gifts Are Optional” on an Invitation
Pros:
- Promotes Focus on Relationships: Emphasizing the value of presence over presents encourages guests to prioritize relationships and shared experiences.
- Reduces Pressure: Guests may feel relieved knowing that they’re not obligated to bring a gift, making the event more enjoyable for everyone.
- Appreciates Thoughtfulness: Acknowledging that gifts, if brought, are appreciated demonstrates gratitude for guests’ kindness.
Cons:
- Misinterpretation: Some guests might feel unsure about whether to bring a gift or not, leading to potential confusion.
- Social Expectations: In certain social circles, not bringing a gift could be perceived as impolite, regardless of the invitation’s wording.
- Cultural Differences: Customs regarding gift-giving vary across cultures, so what is considered optional in one may be expected in another.
conclusion
Communicating that gifts are optional on an invitation is a thoughtful way to prioritize the presence of loved ones while appreciating any gestures of kindness. It fosters a warm and inclusive atmosphere where everyone can feel welcomed and valued.
Dariel Campbell is currently an English instructor at a university. She has experience in teaching and assessing English tests including TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG. With over a decade of teaching expertise, Dariel Campbell utilizes his knowledge to develop English lessons for her audience on English Overview.