It’s not uncommon to go a party to which the invitation states “no gifts, please” and realize that you’re the only one who didn’t bring a gift.
People sometimes ignore the no-gifts request if they doubt the seriousness of the host’s request.
Guests also tend to disregard the appeal if they’ve been to parties where they’ve been embarrassed by being the only ones who’ve shown up empty-handed.
But if your host has expressly requested no gifts, just comply. Forget gifts.
When a host asks for no gifts, assume that she really does mean so. She must have her reasons. Bringing a gift after being asked not to seems rather discourteous.
Plus, you won’t discomfit other guests who’ll probably—hopefully—arrive with nothing.