Is it rude to ask for something in particular for a baby shower gift?

I have a few friends who are all pregnant at the same time, including myself, so we have been discussing baby shower ideas. These babies are all 2nd babies for us, and were not really sure about what to do.

We all have things left over from our 1st babies, so we don’t need much. We also don’t want any of that generic baby shower stuff like powders, creams, etc and other useless crap we will never use.

Is it wrong to tell people what you want, ie on the invitation or something, or even request money or a gift voucher? What do you think?

With my first baby I did not know how the hole registry thing, and tons of people kept asking me "what do you want? what do you need?" so I told them all the same things and do you know what I got? 20 powders, tons of baby shampoo, lots of baby lotion, and it took me about 2 years to use all of it! (not complaining, just had to keep finding places to put them). then I got 2 bouncers, 2 play and packs, 2 swings. etc.

so with my second I made a registry and got stuff that i NEEDED, I love the fact that they have registries now because now you want get to much stuff you don’t need, and get what you really need.
and no it’s not rude! when ever I hear about a baby shower I find their registry.
and don’t be afraid to ask for money, that’s what my sister did, was not rude or anything.

8 Responses

  1. coerciblegerm Says:

    Just set up a gift registry. You can specify things you want/need without specifically asking people for particular items that way.
    References :

  2. Precious Says:

    Call it a celebration party and when people ask what you want, say you are hoping to receive enough monetary gifts to purchase the item(s) you really need this time around. Everyone should appreciate that. However, if people don’t ask, it’s a bit awkward to say "I want _____." If someone else is throwing the party, on the invitation, they could put on the invitation the 2-3 items you are hoping to get and people can buy that or give you money if they want. I don’t think I’m saying this quite right but I hope it helps. You don’t want to sound greedy or use "I" too much, so having someone else mention it for you is always helpful.
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  3. mommy of 2 boys Says:

    With my first baby I did not know how the hole registry thing, and tons of people kept asking me "what do you want? what do you need?" so I told them all the same things and do you know what I got? 20 powders, tons of baby shampoo, lots of baby lotion, and it took me about 2 years to use all of it! (not complaining, just had to keep finding places to put them). then I got 2 bouncers, 2 play and packs, 2 swings. etc.

    so with my second I made a registry and got stuff that i NEEDED, I love the fact that they have registries now because now you want get to much stuff you don’t need, and get what you really need.
    and no it’s not rude! when ever I hear about a baby shower I find their registry.
    and don’t be afraid to ask for money, that’s what my sister did, was not rude or anything.
    References :

  4. Claire4 Says:

    Might mention in the invitation "new baby" second go round mom. Here is a list of helpful gift ideas I was able to find out "Sara" could use…(list items of all values here). Just suggests. We all are looking forward to seeing you there.

    This would be from a third party and them
    N it is not rude. If you get gifts that you don’t need you might consider donating them to a local crisis pregnancy center or mail your donations to Lifetime adoption Foundation where it will be given to children and women in need http://www.lifetimeadoptionfoundation.org
    17860 Cattle Drive
    Penn Valley California 95975
    530 432-7373
    References :
    http://Www.lifetimadoptionfoundation.org

  5. Katy Themm Says:

    If you are going to give invitations, put in a second card listing your registry. That is the best way without it being tacky. I’ve heard that if you put the registry on the invitation, it’s like saying you have to get a gift from it.

    You could put "We’ve registered at _____, and are taking gift cards from there as well. We also accepting donations for ______. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated!"
    References :

  6. Caelum P Says:

    Something I’ve seen done is to just have a diaper party. Ask everyone to bring diapers, of whatever sizes, since you’ll need them all.
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  7. Vet's Daughter Says:

    It’s always rude to ask for a gift, no matter what the occasion.
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  8. tnk3181979 Says:

    Call me old school but unless there is a decade or more between the first child and the second child I would find it rude to have a baby shower at all. I think a party to celebration that their will be a new addition is fine, but I’ll be honest, I probably wouldn’t bring a gift. I’d get the baby something but not until the birth and it would be something like an outfit or a toy or if I was really close to Mom and Dad a handmade baby blanket.
    References :

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