The most polite way to say “no gifts” on an invitation is to use warm, appreciative wording such as “Your presence is the only gift we need.” Other gentle options include “We kindly request no gifts,” or “Please, no gifts — your company is more than enough.” Keep it friendly, simple, and sincere.

Of course, that’s just the short version. If you’d like wording that feels more personal, more formal, more casual, or even a little bit fun, there are plenty of thoughtful ways to express the same message.

Asking for no gifts can feel surprisingly awkward. You don’t want to sound ungrateful… but you also don’t want guests to feel obligated to bring something you truly don’t need.

The good news? With the right wording, you can communicate your wishes clearly and politely — without sounding rude, uncomfortable, or overly formal.

Whether you're hosting a wedding, birthday party, anniversary celebration, or a casual get-together, here are the most graceful and guest-friendly ways to say “No gifts, please.”

Short Answer

The most polite way to say “no gifts” on an invitation is to use warm, appreciative wording such as:

“Your presence is the only gift we need.”
or
“Please, no gifts — your company is more than enough.”

If you want something tailored to your event style — formal, casual, or playful — keep reading for a full list of beautifully worded examples.

Why People Choose a ‘No Gifts’ Celebration

More and more hosts are choosing to skip traditional gift-giving for reasons like:

• Preferring a meaningful experience instead of material items
  

• Avoiding pressure or financial strain on guests
  

• Already having everything they need
  

• Wanting a simple, stress-free celebration
  

• Celebrating a milestone in a minimalist or eco-friendly way
  

Whatever your reason, it’s absolutely acceptable — the key is how you phrase it.

Polite & Neutral Wording (Works for Any Event)

These options suit any style of celebration:

• “Your presence is the best gift we could ask for.”
  

• “We kindly request no gifts.”
  

• “Your company is the only gift we need.”
  

• “Please celebrate with us — no gifts, just good wishes.”
  

• “Your presence is present enough.”
  

• “No gifts, please. Your warm wishes mean the world to us.”
  

These are gentle, respectful, and universally appropriate.

Formal Event Wording (Weddings, Anniversaries, Galas)

For elegant or traditional events, choose more refined phrasing:

• “Your presence at our celebration is the greatest gift. We kindly request no gifts.”
  

• “In lieu of gifts, your attendance and well wishes are deeply appreciated.”
  

• “We gratefully request no gifts. Your presence is more than enough.”
  

• “We are fortunate to have everything we need. Please join us with no obligation to bring a gift.”
  

• “The honor of your presence is the only gift we ask.”
  

These feel polished, graceful, and perfectly suited to formal invitations.

Casual and Simple Wording (Birthdays, Gatherings, Parties)

Light, friendly wording works well for relaxed celebrations:

• “No gifts, please — just bring yourself!”
  

• “We’re keeping things simple. No gifts needed.”
  

• “Please, no presents! Just come for the fun.”
  

• “Let’s celebrate — no gifts required.”
  

• “Your time with us is the perfect gift.”
  

Effortless and guest-friendly.

Funny, Cute and Playful Wording

Perfect for hosts with a sense of humor:

• “We have enough stuff — just bring snacks and good vibes.”
  

• “Presents? No. Hugs? Yes.”
  

• “No gifts, please… unless it’s a lifetime supply of chocolate.”
  

• “We already own too many things. Please bring only your fabulous self.”
  

• “Save your money — spend it on dessert instead!”
  

These lighten the mood and remove the awkwardness.

Unique and More Personal Options

If you want something heartfelt or specific:

• “We feel incredibly lucky and don’t need anything more. Your presence is truly enough.”
  

• “We are trying to live more simply. We kindly request no gifts.”
  

• “We want this day to be about moments, not things. Please no gifts.”
  

• “Your friendship is the greatest gift — no presents, please.”
  

• “We’re focusing on memories over material items. No gifts, please.”
  

These feel intimate and sincere.

Here’s a fun casino-themed birthday invitation that works beautifully with simple wording like “no gifts, please.” You can take a closer look at the full design here: Casino Birthday Party Invitation.

What NOT to Say (To Avoid Sounding Harsh)

Some wording can come across as demanding or blunt.

Avoid phrases like:

• “Do not bring gifts.”
  

• “Gifts will not be accepted.”
  

• “No gifts. Seriously.”
  

• “We don’t want any gifts.”
  

Even if you mean well, these can feel a bit cold. Stick with warmer phrasing that expresses appreciation and gives guests clarity without pressure.

Where to Include the ‘No Gifts’ Wording

To keep things smooth and elegant:

You can place it:

• At the bottom of the invitation
  

• In a small note beneath the event details
  

• On a matching details card
  

• On your event website
  

For weddings and formal events, a details card is the most traditional choice.

For birthdays or casual gatherings, a simple line on the main invitation is completely acceptable.

If Guests Still Really Want to Give Something…

Some guests will bring a gift no matter what.

To avoid awkwardness, you can gently redirect them:

• Suggest charitable donations
  

• Suggest a handwritten card
  

• Encourage them to share a memory, message, or advice
  

• Let them know their presence is genuinely enough
  
  

You can even add an optional line:

“Your warm wishes mean more to us than anything wrapped.”

Soft, kind, and reassuring.

Saying “no gifts” doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable. With warm, thoughtful wording, guests will understand (and appreciate!) your intentions, whether you’re keeping your event simple, sentimental, minimalist, or stress-free.

Your celebration should feel joyful and meaningful, not cluttered with the pressure of presents.

And with beautifully designed invitations that match your event’s style, your message will come across clearly, kindly, and effortlessly.

You Might Also Find These Helpful

If you're planning your event and want guidance on other tricky invitation details, these posts will help:

How Do I Politely Say “Adults Only” on an Invitation?

What Should I Include on a Wedding Invitation?

How Do I Word My RSVP and Set a Respond-By Date?