Does 'No Gifts' on Invite Really Mean No Gifts?

The Evite to the birthday bash said, "No gifts, please." I complied. Everyone else brought a gift. Now I'm sorry I didn't. But should I be sorry?

At holiday and other parties across the land, it seems more and more hosts are asking guests not to bring presents. I welcome the gesture. I can save hundreds of dollars at a time of year when money's the tightest. And it reflects well on the party-givers, who add walk to the talk of wanting to celebrate for celebration's sake.