Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

There are lots of kids on our street. All the parents and kids are always outside talking/playing. Our neighbors across the street have a DD same age as my DD. never once have they spoken to us in almost 4 yrs, in fact each morning we are both walking our dogs, I wave, and they go out of their way to look down and not acknowledge DH or I.

Last week we get an invitation to their DD 2nd birthday. I don't even think they know our names. Do I go? It's today.
I was thinking of just stopping there and dropping off a gift.
I need gift suggestions, don't wanna spend a lot. I don't know what she likes, what size she wears etc. lol it's so bizarre..

Re: Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

Maybe she is shy and using the birthday party to meet the people in the neighborhood. You might just want to get a Target gift card or a $20 gift with gift receipt at Target. I know that I didn't really talk to or meet my neighbors until I stopped working because I was always on the go.

Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

It's obviously their way of reaching out and trying to connect with you. I would NOT just go and drop off a gift - I think that would embarrass them! Show up with your DD for a little while and play it by ear for how long you'll stay. As for a gift, buy a little something that your DD would like. Perhaps a book and stuffed animal that compliments it (like Clifford or Spot).

Re: Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

Go!

We work full time in a neighborhood where most moms stay at home... So we may be those parents.

What does it help you to be rude?

Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

I guess I'll go. Honestly we aren't rude. I find them rude who can't even say good morning or interact with us in years. All of families work full time, not just them. Working full time is not an excuse to be rude. I'll let ya know how it goes. Thanks everyone.

Re: Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

I'd go because tj's nice for you dd to have a friend across the street- I also think like other pp said they may be shy and using the arty to reach out

Re: Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

If I were free I would absolutely go. I think it was really nice for them to invite you and obviously they are reaching out to try to get to know you. WHy wouldn't you go if you could? I mean I can't think of any motive for them to invite you to their DD bday party other than to get to know you better or so you won't feel bad when you see a big party across the street. Either way - I think their motives are good so, if you plan to live here for a while - why not meet them halfway?

I would spend the same as I would for a classmate I don't know - $25-$30 and buy a gift appropriate for a 2yr old and attach the gift receipt. If you don't have time to get a gift just go to your local rite aid/supermarket and buy a gift card for toys r us.

ETA: I would not just stop by and give a gift during the party - I think that is rude - it is obvious then that you are home and CAN attend so I would question why you wouldn't. If you are going to drop off a gift I would do so after the party and say you could not make it and be apologetic.

Message edited 3/2/2013 10:24:47 AM.

Re: Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

Maybe they are shy and this is their way of "breaking the ice"
I would go...maybe not for the whole time if you feel uncomfortable but def go!

Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

Sometimes I feel awkward waving to my neighbors so I put my head down. It's not because I don't want to get to know them, it's just me being shy and feeling weird. DH always goes out of his way to meet the neighbors and talk to them. He's always yelling at me to be nice to the neighbors, but I feel social anxiety when I'm faced with waving because I don't know if I should stay out and talk to them or just wave or if I'm going to be sucked into a half hour conversation... I think they're trying to reach out. I would love to get to know the neighbors and I think this is a great way to do it.

How did it go?

Re: Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

Re: Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

Well, I went... For like an hour and a half.
There was prob 40 people there and I did speak to the wife for a few mins which was nice. I again, said hello to the husband and he looked away, just like he does each morning for the last few years lol!

Re: Neighbor who we don't talk to invites us to their DC bday party

He sounds socially awkward.