Question Please Dont Flame Me
I have talked to my family recently and they said they really want to get us presents that we are going to use and help us with what we need. However while planning our wedding I got pregnant and am due right around the time of our wedding. We really don`t need anything for our house , but we do need baby clothes, crib, etc. Should I register for the baby essentials instead of traditional wedding gifts?
If those are the items we will really need and our friends and family were adament about getting us items that we will use and won`t get stored or never used. It was my cousins suggestion but I didn`t know if other people in my family will be put off. Plus it will eliminate the feeling from my family to feel they have to purchase a wedding gift and a separate baby gift as well. Which I know they would but they are not rich by any means and have not much more than us. I want them to feel honored at our wedding not broke. Of course if they are not able they do not have to send a gift at all but I know they will so I am trying to eliminate also recieving gifts that won`t be used or returned because of duplicates. Also could I register for some baby and some household for those who absolutely want to buy a traditional gift. Again please keep in mind that I am pregnant and easily upset. Any stress right now puts my baby in danger, so please don`t flame me I am looking for honest opinions.
Amanda (soon to be Mrs. AT2, USN)
Angel mommy to Isabel and Carolina 10/13/98 and Conner 11/24/00
Mommy to be (Hopefully) to Baby Johnson
Due 01/15/05
Posted by Amanda; updated 05/23/04
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Amanda, I don`t think there is a right or wrong answer to this question. You know your family and friends best. I can only tell you what I might do in that situation. I would NOT do a registry of only baby items. I think I would register for traditional wedding gifts and household items. The list can include (but should not be limited to) baby items as well. Afterall, the baby items will be for your new home too. However, I would leave out baby clothes and toys and rather choose things like small furnishings and accessories for the baby`s room, and perhaps a stroller, car seat etc. It just seems funny to me (notice I said "TO ME" only) to put baby clothes and baby toys on a wedding registry. It makes it more like a baby shower registry. Besides, whether you want them to or not, your friends and family WILL buy outfits and toys and blankets, etc after the baby is born.
Whatever you decide though, I think your family and friends will be okay with it. Congratulations!
Posted by Linda; updated 05/23/04
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Just register at one of those baby stores, like Babies R Us, for your wedding gifts. There is no set rule about where to register for presents.
Posted by Bride; updated 05/24/04
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I think that a wonderful idea. Why register for household items if you don`t need them? This will take pressure off of people to buy a baby shower gift as well as a wedding gift. Your request is extreamly practicle, not tacky or selfish at all. Think of all the people who register for their honeymoons or ask for cash. This is an opportunity for your family and friends to take care of another soon-to-be family member. Go ahead and register for what you want. Good luck with the baby and wedding!
Posted by Emily; updated 05/24/04
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Though I have never heard of this being done, I too think this is very practical and un-selfish of you. You are putting your baby`s need first, and what a welcome concept. I also agree with previous posts, try to do a little of both. Register for some household items, as well as stroller, carseat, etc....I for one would not mind shopping for a bride-to-be`s baby:) Good luck and congratulations.
Posted by Beth; updated 05/24/04
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If you think about it, baby items are household items as well. Cribs, changing tables, ect. Are furniture. There is also a bunch of baby gadgets that go right in the kitchen. After many many years of them telling moms not to put bottles in the microwave, they now make microwaves for the nursery. That is what my FH and I got as a graduation gift, since I was pregnant when we grad. High school. I have had it for over 8 yrs and it is still running!
I think it is a great idea, especially those that have lived together first and plan on having children right away!
Congrats and good luck!
Posted by brandy; updated 05/25/04
