What to bring to a "no gifts" children's birthday party?

A)  Nothing.

B)  A favorite children's book!

Many parents feel anxious over "no gifts" birthday parties, feeling unsure whether it's really OK to not bring a gift.  While I feel it is perfectly fine to honor the party host's request, a great alternative to showing up empty handed is a gift of a favorite children's book.  

Children's books are my gift of choice for many occasions, and a child's birthday is a great time to add to the birthday boy or girl's reading materials.  There are many wonderful books available, and birthdays are a great time to choose something special, like a beautiful pop-up book, a book with great illustrations, or one of your family's special favorites.

Need inspiration to help find the perfect book for a birthday gift? Consider the birthday child's interests, and check online for some great kids' books blogs and Web sites. Have fun!

UPDATE:  Here's another great option for a no-gift party -- a musical greeting card.   They are a lot of fun!  

What Mommy is Reading -- The Read Aloud Handbook

While purchasing children's books online, I came across The Read Aloud Handbook (2006-2007 edition) by Jim Trelease.  It just arrived and I'm sitting down with it. I was torn whether this would be a good book or not.  The message is rather obvious -- reading to your kids is good for them.  Duh!  So I was worried whether this would have any value at all, and I considered returning it and saving approximately $10.

I decided to take a look and I can't resist the book.  Sure, reading is important, this book is going into details and research that supports reading to kids.  I'm still in the introduction and hooked. 

The Read-Aloud Handbook: Sixth Edition (Read-Aloud Handbook)