365 Manners Kids Should Know:

When your child recieves duplicate gifts
sweater isn’t your child style, the video is one he already has, or
the seashell clock is simply ugly. Unless the giver lets your child
know the sweater or video can be returned or exchanged (and even
then caution is urged), the best response is a sincere thank you.”
Tell your child to focus on the giver, not the gift. The giver put
time and thought into its selection, and certainly meant to please
your child.
There is no need for your child to lie when writing the note by
saying, for instance, that the dancing chihuahua was just what he
wanted. It would he better to say. Thank you for remembering
my birthday you have a talent for finding one—and-only gifts. I
will always think of you when I see the dancing chihuahua.”
Encourage your child to be creative and sincere and have fun
with dificult thank-you notes.
365 Manners Kids Should Know:
Games, Activities, and Other Fun Ways to Help Children Learn Etiquette

Manners & Etiquette

OCTOBER 15
“No gifts”
When an invitation says ‘no gifts,’ guests should honor the
request. On occasion a child will be invited to a “no gifts birth
day party, although children do love to get gills, so this is rare.
Such a patty may be planned if a child has birthday parties several years in row while his friends have them less frequently.
His parents may want to entertain his friends but don’t want
them to feel obligated to purchase a gilt every year. As with par
ties for adults, children should take the recommendation at face
value. They don’t have an obligation to take a gift. However, if
your child’s best friend is having such a party and your child has
already picked out the perfect gift, have her give it to her mend
when they arc alone.
No gifts’ should not he understood to mean "give money.’
Excerpt from 365 Manners Kids Should Know: Games, Activities, and Other Fun Ways to Help By Sheryl Eberly