Party Planning
How to Word a Gift List on an Invitation: 20 Polite Examples
By Claim A Gift · Published
To mention a gift list politely, keep it short, optional and warm. Thank guests for coming first, present the list as help, and add one guest link. Avoid demands, minimum amounts and the word “required”. These 20 examples cover weddings, birthdays, baby showers and other gatherings.
The five rules of polite gift list wording
Many guests appreciate a clear idea of what to give. The wording should offer help rather than make a request. Replace [link] with your guest link; [charity] is a placeholder for your chosen organisation.
- Presence first: begin with “Your presence is the best gift” or a similar line.
- Make it optional: “if you would like”, “for those who asked”, “a few ideas”.
- Use one link and do not set a minimum budget.
- Ask guests to reserve what they choose to help reduce duplicate purchases.
- Keep it to one or two sentences.
Wedding invitation wording
For group gifts, the list records a pledge, not a payment. Explain separately how any money will be transferred and who will buy the gift.
Traditional
Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift. Should you wish to honour us with a gift, our registry can be found here: [link]
Traditional, for those who asked
We are so grateful to celebrate with you. For those who have kindly asked, we have put together a small gift list: [link]
Modern and casual
Having you there is all we want! If you would like to get us something anyway, here are some ideas: [link]
For a couple who already lives together
We have been living together for a while and have most things, so we made a short list of what we would really use: [link]
A bigger gift for the home
Instead of many separate gifts, we are hoping to put together something bigger for our new home. If you would like to pledge a contribution, the idea is here; we will arrange payment separately: [link]
Honeymoon focus
We would love help with one special thing: our honeymoon. You can record a pledge here if you would like; we will arrange the transfer separately: [link]
Help avoid duplicates
Our gift list is here: [link]. Please tap Reserve on what you choose to help everyone avoid buying the same gift.
Birthday invitation wording
Need the list first? See how to make a birthday registry.
Kids' party, no pressure
Please do not feel you need to bring anything! If you would like ideas, Mia's wish list is here: [link]
Kids' party, for parents who asked
Many parents asked what Tom would like, so we made a short list. Please reserve a gift before shopping to help avoid doubles: [link]
A child's bigger wish
Tom is saving up for a bike. If you would like, you can pledge a contribution instead of a separate gift; we will arrange payment separately: [link]
Adult birthday, gifts optional
No gifts necessary, really. But if you insist, here are a few things I would genuinely enjoy: [link]
Milestone birthday and experiences
For my 40th, I would love experiences more than things. A few ideas are here: [link]
A light-hearted invitation
The best gift is you being there. For the determined ones: [link]
No gifts, with a charitable alternative
Please, no gifts! If you would still like to give something, a donation directly to [charity] would mean a lot.
Baby shower invitation wording
Warm and simple
We cannot wait to celebrate our little one with you! If you would like to bring a gift, our list is here: [link]
The things still needed
Baby is coming, and we have made a list of the things we still need. Please reserve what you choose to help us avoid doubles: [link]
Bigger items as group gifts
A few of you asked about bigger items, so we have included the stroller and car seat as group gift ideas. You can record a pledge if you would like; payment is arranged separately: [link]
Christmas and family gatherings
Create separate lists for family members and share their guest links. Claim A Gift does not run the Secret Santa draw; arrange it separately before sharing each assigned list.
For a useful family timeline, see how to make a family Christmas list.
Family Christmas
To keep Christmas simple this year, everyone has a wish list. Here is the link for this person: [link]. Please reserve before shopping to help avoid doubles!
Secret Santa
Secret Santa this year! Now that the draw is arranged, your person's wish list is here: [link]
Leaving party, retirement or colleague
A farewell gift
We are organising a farewell gift for Sarah. You can see the idea and record a contribution pledge here; we will arrange the money transfer separately: [link]
What to avoid
| Avoid | Why | Better |
|---|---|---|
| “Gifts required” or “Please bring a gift” | Sounds like an entry fee. | “If you would like to bring something…” |
| “Minimum €50” | Puts pressure on guests. | Offer gifts at different prices. |
| Several links in one invitation | Can be confusing. | Use the relevant guest link. |
| Registry details on a save-the-date | May feel too early or transactional. | Use the invitation or event page. |
| “Cash only” | Can feel impersonal. | Explain a specific group gift and separate payment arrangements. |
Where to put the gift list line
Read the birthday registry guide for the list workflow. Guests reserve an intention to buy; the list does not confirm a purchase or collect money.
- Printed invitation: a small line at the bottom or on an insert card, optionally with a QR code pointing to the guest link.
- Digital invitation or event page: a link below the event details.
- Messaging app: a short follow-up after the invitation can keep the event information clear.
FAQ
How do you politely say you have a gift list?
Thank guests for coming first, make the list optional and add one guest link. Keep the wording to one or two sentences.
Is it OK to put registry information on a wedding invitation?
Consider the expectations of your guests. A discreet, optional line or an insert card can offer useful ideas without setting a gift requirement.
How do I ask for money instead of gifts politely?
Explain a specific purpose, such as a honeymoon or one bigger gift. A contribution on Claim A Gift is a pledge, not a payment; arrange transfers separately.
How do I help guests avoid buying the same gift?
Ask guests to reserve before shopping and cancel if plans change. This helps coordination but cannot guarantee there will be no duplicates.
Practical next step
If you want to turn these ideas into a list guests can actually use, open the related guide or create a shared gift list.