NWR: Old friend's bday party

beachyone15 · July 2014

I was invited to a surprise party for a friend I knew back in high school (his wife invited me). We haven't talked in several years but I was thinking about attending and hopefully seeing other old friends to catch up with. My question is, do you think I should bring a gift? Just a card? Like I said, I haven't spoken to him in years so I have absolutely no idea what I'd get him.

[Deleted User] · July 2014

Is it a big numbered birthday? Maybe a gag gift? Maybe a bottle of something? Maybe an inside joke kind of gift? Like, if I was invited to my high school friend, Shannon's 40th birthday party, I'd bring her a box of pink Bic lighters. She'd open the box and laugh and laugh and nobody would understand except for us, and they still wouldn't understand if we explained it to them.

beachyone15 · July 2014

I think he may be turning 30 but I'd have to double-check.

A bottle of something is a good idea!

[Deleted User] · July 2014

if you can do a little facebook stalking, you might get an idea. I'd stick with something that might be considered a Host Gift; a bottle of something, a plant. But, like, if you found out he really was into cooking, I might pick out a small basil plant. Or if he posted pictures of lots of martinis, i might buy a bottle of gin AND a jar of olives.

RebeccaB88 · July 2014

Honestly, I wouldn't bring anything. I don't consider adult birthday parties to be gift giving occasions, and if the guest of honor was expecting them, I'd roll my eyes so hard I saw my brain.

lc07 · July 2014

Where will the party be taking place? If it's out at a bar, I would not bring a gift. The birthday person would have to carry it around or do something with it. If it's being hosted at someone's home, I would bring something along the lines of a host/ess gift like a bottle of alcohol (if you know they drink).

mysticl · July 2014

I like the idea of a host type gift. Since you haven't spoken in years I would avoid a gag gift since it could come off as rude because you obviously don't have a relationship where you are constantly joking with each other.

Also, I personally hate gag gifts.

beachyone15 · July 2014

Yeah I probably wouldn't do a gag gift for the reasons @mysticl mentioned.
The party is at a casual burger joint. Initially, I was thinking about not bringing a gift since it sounds like more of a get-together, but I wasn't sure if that would be seen as rude.

lc07 · July 2014

You could always throw a card with a gift card in your purse and play it by ear.

Edited to fix spelling.

tigersgirlgv · July 2014

^^ This. Just pick somewhere you like, too, in case you end up keeping it

[Deleted User] · July 2014

I'm with them. If you're going out somewhere, it would be weird to bring a bottle of tequila into a burger joint.

For my 30th, I had to carry around a pound of coffee along with the cards and giftcards a few of my friends got me. While the coffee was nice, it was kinda a hassle by the time we got to the second bar.

mysticl · July 2014

adk19 said:

I'm with them. If you're going out somewhere, it would be weird to bring a bottle of tequila into a burger joint.

For my 30th, I had to carry around a pound of coffee along with the cards and giftcards a few of my friends got me. While the coffee was nice, it was kinda a hassle by the time we got to the second bar.

And a restaurant might have an issue if they see outside alcohol come in.

beachyone15 · July 2014

Thanks guys! I think I'll bring a giftcard (just in case) and we'll see how it goes.

mysticl · July 2014

scribe95 said:

Don't you find it weird that you were invited to a birthday party for someone you haven't talked to in years? Just odd.

Maybe he expressed an interest in reconnecting with old friends to his wife.

beachyone15 · July 2014

I did actually ask another mutual friend if he had been invited too, and he said yes. I know they haven't seen each other in years either.

NWR: Old friend's bday party

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