5 year-old's birthday party - when RSVPing, is it okay to ask what sort of presents are okay?

[NewJeffCT]

We had a small birthday party for my daughter back in February when she turned four years old. A couple of parents asked what would be a good present for her. I wasn't sure if that was okay or not.

I ask because now my daughter has a birthday party to go to on Sunday, and the birthday boy is Muslim, so I want to make sure I don't commit any sort of religious faux-pas with a gift.

[AllegroRondo]

1. It shouldnt hurt to ask

Im not familiar with any possible religious mistake you could make with a child's gift, but it wouldnt hurt to ask what kind of things this boy might be into. are Power Rangers still popular? Buzz Lightyear? but you can never go wrong with toy cars and trucks at that age.

[Gormy Cuss]

2. I take it that you don't know the parents, in which case asking the question in terms of

the sort of toys the boy enjoys gives them the opportunity to say "well, we're X and we'd prefer that he didn't get Y toy because it's against our faith." If they don't say it and you can't figure it out from asking other Muslims, then you have done your part in trying to bring a thoughtful gift and will need to go with your best instincts.

[seemunkee]

3. Sure

It happens all the time with little kids.
I would worry about getting the wrong kind of action figure over making a religious faux-pas.

[NewJeffCT]

4. well, I would normally know what to buy for a boy that age

Anything related to Spider-Man or to Pirates of the Caribbean would probably go over well with most kids.

The boy is in my daughter's preschool, so my interaction with his parents is not much more than "good morning" in the morning, or "hello" in the evening.

[bleedingheart]

5. Yes...it is...

I give gift certificates to local toy stores typically...so many kids have so many toys...that sometimes it is best to give them something that they can pick out...or perhaps get accesories for toys they already have...


but you can never go wrong with legos...

[AlCzervik]

6. totally ok. i always ask.

[XemaSab]

7. I would totally ask

If you were a pacifist, would you want your 5 year old getting war toys, or would you prefer other parents call and ask what's okay? :shrug:

[Zookeeper]

8. Yes, that's fine....

I always ask for some "hints." But, art supplies, Legos, Playmobile, stuffed animals, or Magna Doodles are usually pretty safe choices for a four or five year old.

[Bunny]

9. I second the suggestions for art supplies and Magna Doodles.

Those are pretty safe bets for kids that age, of either gender. Play-Doh stuff is good, too.

[bigwillq]

10. I would ask

esp. if they are muslim...I am not sure of all their customs..so some gifts could be offensive (not sure which ones but since I know nothing about that faith, it couldn't hurt to ask

[xmas74]

11. Nothing to do with religion

and everything to do with what the parents like.

It's fine to ask what the child is interested in or what would be an appropriate toy. Just ask them what their son likes and let them know that it's so you know what to get for his birthday.

BTW-too late for the subscription card now but IMO a magazine subscription is perfect for kids of all ages. There are so many good ones out there for all ages and it's a present they receive all year 'round.

[NewJeffCT]

13. That's how I'd probably ask the question

I wouldn't ask about their religion - just what sort of presents they think would be good for their son.

[xmas74]

14. And it is quite helpful for the parents.

Sometimes they have toys that grandma and grandpa or a well-meaning aunt has mailed to them hiding in their bedroom closet, waiting for the party. If you ask what they like then they can steer you away from a duplicate present.

[hippiechick]

12. Absolutely!

:applause:

[SmokingJacket]

15. It's great to ask, imho.

They're just kids, it's not like an Emily Post situation or whatever.

[dembotoz]

16. ask away

not so much on religous terms but to find out what the heck the kid likes.
Isn't is always a shock to get a present that you actually like???!!!???
Also handy to get to know parents better. always good to know your kids friends folks.

[Kali]

17. of course its ok to ask, but leave the religion out of it

art supplies are always good, toy cars are timeless - those old fashioned red rubber balls are still a great toy too, if you can find them

[dropkickpa]

18. I always give a gift card to a bookstore

Can't go wrong with that!

[Left Is Write]

19. Yes, it's fine to ask.