DEAR ABBY: This letter is for "Invited but Can't Always Go," who is reluctant to allow her daughter to attend all the birthday parties to which she is invited because she can't afford to buy the gifts.
I suggest that the girl create a scrapbook of the event. She can take photos and collect memorabilia such as napkins, ribbons and wrapping paper for the scrapbook. She might use pieces of the wrapping paper as borders or corners for the pages, or "frames" for the photos she'll mount inside. She could also have each guest write a special note or birthday wish for the party child and include them.
In her card to the birthday child, she should include a note that says her gift will arrive in a week or so. I have done this for shower gifts, and they always become treasured keepsakes. -- ON THE CHEAP IN KENTUCKY
DEAR ON THE CHEAP: Treasured? I'm sure they are priceless! Thank you for a terrific idea.