10 Polite Ways to Say “Gifts Optional”

Everyone likes gifts, but sometimes we want to let our friends know they’re only optional. “Gifts optional” is good to include on an invitation to highlight this.

However, there are more polite ways to show that gifts are not expected. This article has gathered the best alternatives to help you.

• You do not need to bring gifts
• Gifts are not required
• I do not require any gifts
• Don’t worry about gifts
• No need for gifts
• Do not feel obliged to bring a gift
• I do not expect gifts
• No gifts, please
• I would appreciate receiving no gifts
• You do not have to bring anything other than yourself

Read on to find out how to say “gifts optional” on an invitation. You can choose from any of the above synonyms, and we’ll explain more about each one as we continue.

1. You Do Not Need to Bring Gifts

You need to pay attention to the wording when trying to say “gifts optional.” Something like “you do not need to bring gifts” keeps things simple without having to explain anything more to the invitee.

It’s a great way to let people know you do not expect gifts at a party. After all, gifts are the traditional way to thank someone for an invitation. So, saying “you do not need to bring gifts” is against the norm, but you can always use the phrase when you don’t expect them.

Also, here are some examples to show you how it works:

• You are invited to my birthday party. You do not need to bring gifts. Just bring yourself!
• Please accept this invitation. Though, you do not need to bring gifts! I just want to see you!

2. Gifts Are Not Required

A simpler phrase like “gifts are not required” works well in most invitations. You can use it to show that you do not expect a gift. It also suggests that you don’t mind if someone chooses to get you a gift, even though you said not to.

Generally, “not required” means someone does not have to bring a gift, but it’s up to them to choose to do so.

Perhaps these examples will be of use to use:

• Gifts are not required at my wedding party. Please, just come wearing your best outfit, and I’ll see you on the dance floor.
• Gifts are not required. You can bring them if you’d like, but I do not expect anything.

3. I Do Not Require Any Gifts

“I do not require any gifts” is a respectful way to show that you don’t expect gifts in an invite. Instead, it suggests that you just want the invitee to turn up and have a good time at your event.

Check out these examples to help you understand it:

• I do not require any gifts at my baby shower. I’m more than happy to spend time with my closest friends.
• You are invited to my birthday party. I do not require any gifts, though. Just bring a positive attitude!

4. Don’t Worry About Gifts

When you want to know how to politely say gifts are not necessary, “don’t worry about gifts” works well. However, it’s a very conversational phrase, so you should only use it for informal events (like meeting with friends or family).

It’s still a great option to show that you do not expect gifts from someone. We highly recommend it when you want to sound friendly in an invitation.

You may also refer to the following:

• Guys, don’t worry about gifts at my party. Just come along and have a great time with me.
• Let’s celebrate together on my birthday! Though, don’t worry about gifts! I’ve already got more than enough.

5. No Need for Gifts

You don’t have to be overly wordy when saying “gifts optional,” either. Something like “no need for gifts” is a short and sweet phrase that shows you do not need anything from the people accepting your invitation.

It’s quite abrupt, though. You will be better off using it when talking in slightly less casual settings because it comes across as a bit bossy.

Here are a few examples showing you how the phrase works:

• There’s no need for gifts at my birthday party. I hope you’ll come along and celebrate the day with me.
• No need for gifts, guys! I will be more than happy to see you all and have a great time with you.

6. Do Not Feel Obliged to Bring a Gift

A formal alternative to “gifts optional” is “do not feel obliged to bring a gift.” It’s a great option if you send invitations to work colleagues or people you have a more professional relationship with.

“Obliged” is the key here. It’s a very strong word that suggests you want to remain formal and polite.

You should also refer to these examples:

• You are cordially invited to my wedding party! I hope you can make it. Please do not feel obliged to bring a gift.
• Do not feel obliged to bring a gift. Instead, wear a nice outfit and bring along a few games to have fun with.

7. I Do Not Expect Gifts

Sometimes, you only need to make a simple statement to get your point across. A synonym such as “I do not expect gifts” works well to demonstrate this.

It lets the recipients know that you only want them to show up at an event. It makes it clear that you do not want any gifts. However, “expect” also allows the recipients to decide whether they still want to bring them.

These examples should help you understand more about it:

• Of course, I do not expect gifts at my party. I just hope you can come along and celebrate with me.
• I do not expect gifts. Simply come along and dress up nicely. I can’t wait to see you there.

8. No Gifts, Please

“No gifts, please” clearly lets people know you do not want gifts. It’s a definitive statement showing you do not want any gifts from event attendees.

“Gifts optional” and other synonyms so far have implied that you do not expect anything but would not mind if people still went ahead and brought gifts. Unlike most other synonyms, “no gifts, please” means you do not want a gift at all.

You can refer to the following examples if you’re still unsure:

• Guys, no gifts, please. I have already received more than my fair share! Let’s just have fun at my party.
• This is your invitation to my birthday party. No gifts, please! I hope I’ll see you soon.

9. I Would Appreciate Receiving No Gifts

You should try using “I would appreciate receiving no gifts” to make your stance on gifts clear. It lets attendees know that they should not bring gifts to the event. It’s a clear and obvious way to show them that bringing a gift would go against your wishes.

Also, these examples should help to clear things up:

• I would appreciate receiving no gifts at my party. As long as you come along and have fun, that’s enough.
• I would appreciate receiving no gifts, guys. Please let me know whether you can attend my party.

10. You Do Not Have to Bring Anything Other Than Yourself

If you’re writing an invitation to friends, it’s good to add a bit of fun and excitement to the phrase. A phrase like “you do not have to bring anything other than yourself” is a cute way to show your friends that you’re more than happy with their company.

It shows you do not expect any gifts from them. As long as they show up and have fun, that’s more than enough for you.

Why not refer to the following examples to help you:

• You do not have to bring anything other than yourself to my birthday party. I do not expect gifts.
• Of course, you do not have to bring anything other than yourself to this event! I just want to see my friends.