Parents' 'Demanding' Invitation To Baby's First Birthday Goes Viral

Parents' 'Demanding' Invitation To Baby's First Birthday Goes Viral

In the simpler days of yore, baby birthday gifts were merely kind gestures from friends and family. But as this viral invitation to a 1-year-old's first birthday indicates, those days are over.

Redditor razz32 posted the email on April 17 with the heading "Most demanding 1st birthday invite ever" after a co-worker, who was one of the original recipients, printed it out and shared it around the office, the user explains in the comments.

The email from the baby's parents begins:

With [name redacted]’s birthday coming up, we thought we’d ask for 4 items that he will really get a lot of use out of in the coming months. I provided my mom and sister-in-law [name redacted] with a list of 4 other items [name redacted] would like for his birthday so that they can buy from their list and avoid duplication. We're asking for gifts only from grandparents and the direct aunt/uncle for [name redacted]'s birthday party, and similar to Christmas, would like to restrict it to 2 items total per household.

The parents then go on to list the four specific items (with links) -- a water table, play tunnel, play tent and “Fill in the Missing Cheerios” book.

But the demands don't end there. The email continues with a few more "important items":

- If you choose to get [name redacted] something that isn't on this list, anytime regardless of birthdays or holidays, please be sure to always include a receipt going forward. When we return items without receipts, we only get about 50% of the value, so it is like throwing money away if you don't include a receipt with the gifts. With formula costing us $80 a week, it is always nice to be able to return items that he doesn’t need to get formula instead.
- We would suggest no more books beyond the one Cheerios cited above. Right now, [name redacted] has 32 board books on his shelf, and 25 additional books waiting for him in storage once he is 3+ years of age. (And at this point, he hates when we try reading to him.)
- Please refrain from any personalized gifts that would be used outside of the house. Clothing with names is the #1 thing that leads to kidnapping, so we don't need to broadcast [name redacted] name on clothing or toys.

The parents conclude the letter, "Please let us know if you have any questions about any items not on this list that you are considering purchasing and we can let you know if we already have it or if it is in storage waiting for him. By the way, a formal invite from [name redacted] will be arriving in your mailboxes soon…"

Best of luck to the party attendees.

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