do you bring a gift

I'd try to at least make some cookies or something, but if I really didn't have anything, even that to give, I'd go anyway. I would hope they would know my situation, but if they didn't, I'd explain to them when I could get them alone for a few minutes. After all, they care more about the person than the gift.

I would go without a gift, surely my company is worth more than a gift

If the hostess knew I was broke and she still invited me then I would still go.

Hi winterose, If it's a potluck, I always bring some type of main course or dessert to contribute. I 'manage' to do this, even if I cut out a few items from my own groceries, because I feel I 'should' contribute. As for a hostess gift apart from the potluck item, no, I don't normally bring anything. I feel that since it's a potluck, everybody is contributing to the meal, and that's all that should be expected. For a housewarming, there usually is a gift of some sort provided for the new home owner. If it's a group gift, I'd have to explain to the person in charge, that I have limited funds to contribute. I'd give as much as I was able, even if just a couple of dollars, and my friends would understand. If everyone is bringing individual gifts, then I'd just pickup a small candle, or even a pretty notepad, perhaps with a pen. I'd look for something on sale, or even put together a small homemade gift, if I was creative enough. I know 'we women' tend to worry about these things, and my budget is very tight all of the time. Since you've been invited, I'm sure your friend(s) will understand, whatever you decide to do. They just want you to be a part of the gathering.

With the hostess knowing I had no money for a gift and was invited to go anyway I would probably go and let the hostess know that I really did appreicate the invitation and when I could I would take them out to eat or invite them over for a meal or lunch. I would feel bad about not having a gift and I know the hostess would not say anything about it to anyone and I am sure no one would even know that I did not come with a gift.

Hehe sometimes I bring a little something as a sign of grattitude, and sometimes I don't because sometimes I don't got anymoney to buy things. But they don't really mind inviting me to their dinners since they did invite me. As long as you just don't drop by other people's place eat their food and leave. Now that's a free loader. XD My cousin's one so I'd know. " But I occasionally bring some food, presents, or just be their company when I'm at a host or hostess's home.

I know I would feel bad about not being able to get her a gift,but I would try to contribute to the food if I was able. If I could I would try to buy a candle atleast. We have a place called Discount Dollar where everything in it is a dollar or less. They have some great things in there that would be a good housewarming gift. If I was having a housewarming party I would ask each person to bring a few recipes wrote down that they enjoy. If your friend knew about you not being able to buy a gift and still invited you that means she wants you there regardless of gifts. Gifts are a nice touch but the company is even better.

I would go anyway knowing the hostess knew my situation. I would go to the dollar store and buy a packet of paper doilies, or a pretty jar or tin for a dollar. Then at home I would bake a small tray or cookies or brownies and put them in a washed styrofoam tray that I lined with a doily or in the jar or tin and put a small note card with it with my wishes. On entering the hostess's house I would quietly leave them on the table in the kitchen. Remember, you are invited because of you and not because of a gift.

She invited me, not my gift. Of course if I knew it was a pot luck I'd bring something for the table, but anything beyond that is extra. In this day and age people expect others to expect too much. I am not going to be shamed into thinking that my best is not good enough. As it is, this year I may not be able to affoord Christmas presents (either not at all, or not up to my usual standard because thee are so many people). I've always believed that one's presence is considered the best presents. I would hope that those who know me and love me will understand that concept.

As long as she asked and know ya cant bring any thing go any how she wants your company!

Perhaps, I may do either of the way, depending upon the closeness with the host. I may make some excuse and not attend the party, if host is not so close or just go with some inexpensive token gift, if the host is close one.

Hi Winterose, I have been in that position myself in the past and it was to attend my friends 40th birthday party. I wouldn't have missed it even if I had to hitch it there, although I did have enough money to either get there or send a pressie. I chose to be there and the fact that I was attending made her night. It was YOU they invited, not for the pressie, I say go and enjoy. My friend never did get a pressie but she got a big hug for real instead of a conversation over the phone a a parcel in the post. Sometimes that means so much more. Huggles. Ellie :D

There's always something you can bring, even if it's a little "certificate" that you made yourself that would say something like, "Good for one day of just hanging out" or "Good for one cup of sugar and some great conversation". Those types of gifts are often accepted with more warmth than store-bought things! As far as food goes, there are plenty of things that don't cost a lot. Egg salad, potato salad, things like that. Sugar cookies don't cost much at all to make. The very best gift I ever received from a neighbor was from a little 7-year-old girl who lived up the street from me. It was my birthday and she came down with a plastic water bottle that had flowers in it that she had picked from their yard. To me, that was sweeter and more personal than anything else that anyone had given me! If the hostess understands that you don't have any money to spare, then they will accept that fact and not expect a gift. On the other hand, I can certainly understand where you're coming from. It makes you feel bad when you can't bring something when everyone else does. But, like I said, you can always create a certificate like I mentioned. Everyone has a piece of paper and a pen they can use if they don't have a computer! I'd definitely want to go and enjoy the atmosphere. The hostess invited you so you would be very welcome, no matter what!

There are gifts you can give that cost only time. How about an IOU to mow lawns, unpack something, or just do daily chores around their new home. There are always things that need doing in a new home.

I would find a way to bring some thing, even with out money you can always find some thing either in your home like a book, that does not look junky or badly used, or make some thing a jar of jam or a empty jar that you can put some bath beads in and then decorate the jar or some thing..But no, I would never use the excuse that I didn't have money....

I would take a gift. If I could not afford one, I would make one, or take clippings from a plant in the house or out side the house. Or bake something yummy. Write out favorite recipes on index cards and make a little cook book. These are great gifts for a house warming. I like to take a gift even if I have just been invited for a regular dinner. I would NEVER show up to a potluck with out a dish to pass. If I was that strapped, I would say I was under the weather and stay home.

If I wanted to go, I would get a card or better still make a card that says I owe you one evening at my place to see a movie. Or I owe you a dinner. Something you can do at a future date, when you have the money. If she is a real friend, she rather enjoy your company than miss you because of lack of money.

What about getting a nice looking coffee cup and make a quick homemade mix of hot chocolate and put it in a plastic bag, but have it go to a corner of the bag and put a few marshmallows onto the top and tie with a ribbon and short instructions on how to make it. I feel that this is small and homemade and doesn't cost much at all. Good Luck

well i do bring dessert for that is the only thing i can do. I like to contribute food in my own little way, if i dont have something to bring i would rather not go to the party and tell them i cant go for i am not feeling well, a little white lie is also effective sometimes. But if the hostess is very rich and verything is already set , well i go on without worrying even if i dont bring something for the presence is more important than the food itself.

id try and make one to take