If you're pulling together a baby shower for a friend or family member, or if you're expecting a baby and a shower to go with it, a gift registry can make things easier. Very often, an expecting mother will receive dozens of identical gifts at her shower. A baby shower gift registry helps you to avoid that problem.
Using a registry is easy. Most chain stores and many online vendors offer this service. You can browse the store yourself and list the items you want, or ask for a little help.
Many stores that offer baby shower gift registries will have a list of popularly requested items. Ask for this list and check off items that apply to you. If you have your heart set on an item but you don't see it on the registry, ask whether the store carries it. Most of these lists are suggestions and you can include any item the store carries in your personalized registry selections.
Some popular baby shower registry ideas include:
Bath items: baby shampoo, soap, powder, wash cloths, brush
Baby bath tub
Baby carrier*
Baby sling
Blankets
Books
Bouncer
Feeding supplies: bottles, breast pump, food mill, etc.
Car seat*
Clothes: onesies, kimono shirts, sleepers
Co-sleeper*
Crib bedding: fitted sheets, bumper, comforter
Developmental toys: videos, blocks and balls
Diaper bag
Health items: ear thermometer, baby nail clippers, teething gel
Monitor
Nursery decorations
Play pen*
Stroller*
*NOTE: These items may run anywhere from $50-250. To make things easier on your guests, ask close relatives whether they would be willing to take care of some of these items early on, so that shower guests don't feel obligated to purchase them.
If The Shower is to be a Surprise
You have two registry options when planning a surprise shower:
1. Tell the mother-to-be that she can expect a shower, but don't tell her when. Ask her to sit down with you to talk about what items she's been wishing for to help welcome her new baby. You can open the registry yourself and they will be glad to help you choose the items.
2. Ask friends and family members what the mom-to-be wants and needs. Let them help you put together a gift registry list. You may want to ask those closest to her, such as her mother or sister, to come with you and help pick out items.
If you are opening your own baby shower registry, you're part of a new trend. Follow registry suggestions above, and be sure to include some lower-priced items.
Have fun, and happy shopping!
