We received a graduation invite for the children of my DH cousin. Now mind you we hadn't seen his cousin in at least 8 years. No Christmas cards, no phone call, nothing. I threw it in the trash. I think it's rude to request ANYTHING. A gift is given from someone. A gift is NOT requested. If you want to make something for the child, by all means go ahead. But since they are rude enough to request GC, they probably won't send a thank you card either. Times are getting harder and for someone, anyone to tell you what to give is rude. I'd pass.