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I am not a big etiquette person but what about doing a donation party. We did one for his 1st birthday and will do another for his 3rd birthday. We are asking for donations in lieu of gifts to give to the children's hospital. Or ask for gifts to give directly to an organization.

Then if someone brings another gift we open them after the party and say thank you.

I've had friends say something like this:

LO has a good time with things at home, let's spread the love and collect stuff for this charity.

I'll try to find and invitation and tell you.

I don't think it sounds snobby to ask for no gifts, I will totally do this for my kids future birthday parties. I like what @MamaMagpie: said. Or something like "LO has everything she needs, we would be delighted to have you celebrate with us".

I'm in the camp that the simplest is the best, i.e. "No gifts, please!" Etiquette sticklers might object to mentioning gifts on the invite, and say that asking for none is rude b/c it assumes ppl would give one, but I disagree. I do however feel that while it's fine to ask ppl not to bring anything, it's a little rude to tell them how to spend their money, so I personally wouldn't be comfortable with the charitable giving alternative. But that's just me!

I'd leave it off the invite and spread it by word of mouth.

As a guest, I would at least bring a book. Would you be open to accepting that?

I used Your presence is the only gift Name needs for a 30th birthday party. People still brought gifts.

I am with @sunny: I feel really weird showing up to a party without bringing a gift. So expect some will still bring gifts.

"Your presence is your present."

I prefer no mention of gifts what so ever on invitations.