Is this the norm now?

I do think it is a bit crass tbh, but I know that some distant relatives used to gift me money as a child (in Guineas in those days) it was squirrelled away over the years and amounted to quite a lot of money when my parents let me have it at 21.

Money again in Guineas was gifted when I got married, although we didn’t ask for money.

We did the same for our children and my DD is doing the same for hers. They don’t know about it so will be a nice surprise when they eventually received it.

Of course distant relatives used to be more involved with families I think.

I’ve come across this on wedding invitations and it makes me cringe. I’ve not heard of it for children’s birthday parties but I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.

MeowWow you said you’ve only seen the baby once in the year since birth. So, I’m wondering why they’ve invited you to the party when they would normally have little to do with you. I can’t help being cynical and thinking it’s in the hope of a financial contribution.

I have no idea whether this is the norm, but much as I personally dislike the idea of giving money, I think I would deposit the amount I had considered using for a present into the child's account.

I see no reason why you should comply with the parents' request to add your name.

If you want to continue seeing your nephew or niece and their child then I don't really think you have any option.

I imagine the child will at some point get tired of not being given "a real present" - her parents may think money is fine, I doubt she aged five or six will.

They are very cheeky in my opinion considering you have very little contact with the family,I would enclose a gift card within the Christening card, Next gift cards always go down well as you can put them towards clothing/toys/nursery goods etc.

I think it is rather rude for a first birthday party. If you buy an item of clothes or a couple of board books it would cost £10-15 which is plenty. It does say if you wish to gift money , so maybe just buy a small suitable present and give with a gift receipt ( M and S) so it can be changed if surplus to requirements. Enjoy the get together

Seems to be the answer to the question what to give when someone has everything - money! I would think that deposits from parents/grandparents would suffice. Personally I would not bother. I have never heard of request for bank deposits, except for weddings.

how cheeky of your niece! no to the party and no gift would be for me.

Well it appears to be the norm for this couple so expect to receive the same every year for each birthday and each Christmas.

Seems a reasonable idea to me much better than the child receiving things they do not need
I would confirm the message was from your nephew ie not via what’s app or the like where scams can occur

I must say, I've never heard of this but it does seem as though the parents want to see who's give what.......a bit cheeky in my opinion. I'd be tempted to buy a gift card, yes I know the value would be evident, and I don't think you can go far wrong with Boots, they have just about everything for babies, clothes toys gadgets etc.
I definitely would not be adding my name to anyone's bank statement.

Bit mercenary, but better than all those rubbish soft toys people seem compelled to buy ?