While you want guests to bring a baby shower gift of their choosing, it is also important to encourage them to bring something that will make the parent’s life easier.
Especially to use right after the birth of the child. Therefore, let each guest know in person or via the invitation that if they would like to bring a frozen meal or coupons for baby products or even their services, it would be greatly appreciated.
Tips To Buy The Perfect Baby Shower Gift
As a baby shower host, you need to consider the people that will be on the invitation list.
Sometimes, finances are tight and buying gifts tough. You have a couple of options. First, you could set the tone on the invitations advising that while gifts are appreciated, they are not mandatory.
This way, people know they can attend the shower but not feel embarrassed if they come without a gift.
Another option for a baby shower gift is to purchase a few extra, inexpensive but nice baby shower gifts from the funds collected. As the host, if you know someone who is on a tight budget, you could tactfully let them know that you had extra gifts purchased so if they need one.
They are certainly more than welcome simply to take one to give the couple. This way, that individual could choose a gift to give without feeling bad.
Sibling Baby Shower Gifts
For siblings, a new baby in the home can be a stressful and insecure time. After all, they are used to getting all the attention and now, everyone who comes to the door is offering something to the new baby, completely looking past them. To ensure siblings are included, we would highly recommend the following:
Always speak to the sibling before making over the baby. The sibling will know what is going on while the baby has no idea. Therefore, when you enter the home or place of the baby shower, take just a moment to greet the child.
Instead of saying, “Do you like your new sister/brother” put the focus on them. Something as simple as, “How are you, you look so cute! I bet you are the best big sister/brother in the world.”
You would be amazed at how such a small gesture can make such a big impact. Not only is the child getting the recognition needed but also, the parents appreciate this since they too understand the insecurities occurring with the sibling.
Bring a small, inexpensive gift for the sibling. Although the purpose of the shower is to celebrate the life of the newborn baby, a small $2 gift is important. You can take a plain brown lunch bag, draw pictures or paste cartoons or stickers on it, and inside, add a granola bar, a coloring book and crayons, book, toy car, etc.
All these items are inexpensive and can make the baby shower more enjoyable for the sibling.
Baby Shower Gift Registry
Just as with weddings, couples today can now register in person or online at most of their favorite stores. This provides the couple an opportunity to determine the baby shower gifts they will receive, specific colors, sizes, and so on.
Additionally, with so many companies offering online baby shower registers, both high end and affordable stores can be chosen so every guest can choose their price range.
Interestingly, some people still consider baby shower gift registers as cold and impersonal. You want the guests to know that the gift is their choice since it is something that comes from the heart. To ensure no one is offended, wording is very important so the recommendation of using the gift registry is not seen as offensive.
Remember, you do not want to include the information about the gift registry in the invitation. Now, some people will add this information on a separate piece of paper slipped inside the invitation but etiquette experts state this is an incorrect way of handling it.
Instead, when the guests reply with the RSVP, you can then send them a note in the mail or via email, providing the gift registry information.
This message could say something like
Thank you for your confirmation for attending John and Sue’s baby shower. We look forward to you joining us for the celebration of life and enjoying this time of fellowship among family and friends.
Although baby gifts are welcomed, they are not mandatory. If you are unsure what the couple needs, they have registered at a few stores to include…
With this, you are advising people that gifts are not necessary and that if they do not have an idea of what to buy, they can check out the registration if they like. By giving people options, they do not feel obligated to buy something specifically chosen by the couple.
After all, some people may prefer to make homemade gifts and they should have the option of doing this if they wish.
The great thing about baby shower registers is that the couple eliminates the potential of receiving two of the same thing. Therefore, rather than direct people what to buy, it becomes a practical approach to gift giving.
A Baby gift registration is also a time saving tool. Since most couples are tired and the mother-to-be may not be feeling full of energy, the option of choosing items online is a huge benefit.
While there are a number of excellent options, we have provided links to some of the more popular gift registers.
These are just some of the baby shower gift Ideas we offer in our free e-book Baby Shower Moments A to Z . If you would like a complete guide to purchasing your baby shower gifts download our Free Baby Shower e-book Today.
So where’s the risk make your best friend and expectant mother happy to today with one of our many fantastic baby shower gift ideas.
We would really like to hear your thoughts and ideas about hosting a baby shower party so please leave share your tips and ideas below…
I do like the registry thing. How about you make a list of all the things you want them to give you and then post it in Facebook. Whenever someone liked the image(supposedly someone who accepted your invitation) he/she will be the one giving it. But when you ask me what I want for the baby shower of my baby, I would tell them a 3 year supply of milk and diapers. Hahaha just kidding.
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Great idea on the registry idea! Never even occured to me! I like the low key way its worded as well so people don’t get offended too.
Great tips, my sister is having a baby shower soon and I’ll let her know about some of these tips. I like the idea of a register so actually get stuff you need!
Really you can’t go wrong with baby clothes. Even if they are a little too big, the little tacker is likely to grow into them extremely fast