Dear Annie: I am invited to a birthday party for my niece's 1-year-old son. The problem is, my husband and I have 25 nieces and nephews and 13 great-nieces and nephews, with the potential for many more.

I send a card on each birthday, but not a gift. If I attend this party, I will have to bring a gift, and this doesn't seem fair to the ones who don't receive anything. My sister, who is the grandmother of this boy, never bothers to send anything to my grandchildren for their birthdays.

I am happy to continue buying presents for my nieces and nephews, but would like to stop there. I spend enough on family members without buying for the offspring of offspring.

I don't plan to attend this party, but was wondering whether I should be honest about the reason or just make up an excuse and send a card. -- Had Enough

Dear Had Enough: Has it occurred to you that your niece may simply want the pleasure of having her son's great-aunt at his first birthday party? You don't have to give a reason for turning down an invitation, but if your niece should ask, you may tell her that you worry the other great-nieces and nephews would feel slighted.