Ofcourse there is nothing with having a baby registry like in any other traditional baby shower. That way, guests would know what the mom or parents-to-be needs. Plus, opening gifts is the happiest part of the baby shower, thus a time-honored tradition. It’s fun to hear guests say aaaaw…, swoon over the gifts, and pass them around to look at.
However, if you are not so much into gifts or is superstitious about opening gifts before the baby is born, then doing it is cringy and not fun for you. A word of advise though, in case you think of putting a note that says “no gifts” in your invitation, please don’t. When people see that, it’ll raise eyebrows and cause them to feel uncomfortable, and still decide get you gifts. Why? Because it is human nature to bring something when attending a party, it’s uncomfortable to come empty handed. Myself included.
Instead of saying “no gifts,” there are other choices for your guests to channel their good intention. Here are some gift alternatives that you may want to consider, and that you and your guests can be happy about.
1. Go for Books
This is something that the baby may not enjoy early on, but it will benefit them as they grow older. A book library is awesome as well as for that many bedtime story reading. These books can also later be donated and will be much appreciated.
Here are some favorite books:
a. I Kissed the Baby – by Mary Murphy
b. Goodnight Moon – by Margaret Wise Brown
c. Pat the Zoo – by LV Studio
d. Guess How Much I Love You – by Sam McBratney
e. I Love You as Big as the World – by David Van Buren
f. Time for Bed – by Jane Dyer
g. Counting Kisses – by Karen Katz
h. Look, Look – by Peter Linenthal
i. Everywhere Babies – by Susan Meyers
j. From Head to Toe – by Eric Carle
2. Baby or Mother Related Charity
It doesn’t have to be something grand or a charity that is loud. Choose something that speaks to your heart, something that you are passionate about.
Ask your guests to donate to this cause instead of buying you a gift, they will surely love to do something for a good cause too. Just remember though to choose something that is not politically motivated or religious in nature. Instead, go for a neutral ground work like non-profit organizations that help families in need or taking care of orphans.
3. Diaper Raffle
This one is not much of an alternative, because it is often a fun activity in baby showers. Seriously speaking, you can never have too much diapers, and this is also a great way for guests to enjoy something in return of gifting you packs of diapers.
4. Baby Gifts for Donation
This is another worthwhile alternative to baby shower gifts. Instead of buying you gifts, guests can buy gift items for those who actually need them. Ask them to donate gifts to your charity works or projects. It is actually a wonderful opportunity for your guests to do something special whilst doing good in your community.
So next time you think of putting a note that say “no gjfts, please” in your invitation, write something like “would appreciate for you to consider…” with the althernative of your choice. That way they won’t feel coming empty handed.
The thing is you cannot really ask and expect your family and friends to come to your baby shower empty handed. You may not like opening gifts in baby showers, and that is fine and understandable. But understand too that most people are not okay coming to parties, especially baby shower without something. And don’t get it wrong, it is not a burden to them but a real sweet gesture with genuine intention – to help you prepare for parenthood and join in your celebration.
So, no gifts but why not opt for the alternatives above? Hope you find them interesting and fun.