Congratulations!
You are about to welcome a child… and oh boy is that going to require a lot of new items in your life!
Just kidding, of course it’s wonderful, but we are not kidding about the number of things you will need. Luckily, it’s a happy event and your friends, family, and maybe colleagues will be very excited for you and will want to contribute.
If anyone in your surroundings has had a baby, you know that you’ll end up with a lot of cute onesies in newborn size and possible some plastic toys that are cute for five minutes and then just make a lot of noise. (Thank you so much for the xylophone, we love hearing it all day long and first thing in the morning!)
The solution is to make a registry, just like you would for your wedding, and share it widely. Everyone knows it’s expensive to get all the basics so no one will judge you for mentioning it and sharing a link.
Here are a few tips to make sure people will actually follow your list of chosen gifts and not go rogue:
1. Introduce your registry
No one wants to feel like a personal shopper, so welcome your guests to your page, talk about how excited you are, and then get into the nitty gritty:
Tell them what your ideas are for you child; talk about colours and styles you like and don’t like. Now is the time to say what you have already or don’t need and be clear about the seasons: Remind your friends and family that you are expecting a winter baby but by their six months we’ll be heading to the beach (translation: we really don’t need a winter coat size 6 to 9 months, thanks!)
This is also when you can say whether you would like second hand or new items and guide them to websites you find helpful (remember not everyone, especially the generation of parents and grandparents may not be very comfortable with the virtual side of things).
2. Give instructions and guidance
Without being condescending, explain the research you have already done into bigger items so everyone understands that it’s this-one-or-nothing. And explain how to the registry works (more on that below).
3. Option to contribute
Choose a website that allows for a few important features: One is the introduction mentioned above, but also has an option to contribute to a gift; meaning they’re able to donate towards a more expensive item.
Why is this important? Well, everyone can spring for a few cute clothes (which baby will outgrow quickly and which you may want to pick yourself) but most of your friends can’t buy a crib or car seat.
Wishsite for example has this option, with an additional option for participants to comment and interact with each other. (e.g., “if others want to participate, I am happy to pick it up and deliver it to the parents”). This is ideal if you have friends who know each other a little and would like to join forces (or funds). They may have met at your wedding and got on well.
Things to get me has a similar option and there is a “reserve” button meaning people can show this item will be gifted, without buying through the link you provided. (This works well for people who prefer shopping in person or who buy second hand).
4. Rank items
Put an order to your gifts! Say in your intro that they are sorted by necessity and how much you want them (most people like to give an item themselves rather than contribute to a big one, so making them aware what is most important to you can be the key to getting them to contribute to a pricier item).
It also means you can add a few fun items (swimming lessons for example, or something less urgent) to mix it up so people have a choice, without ending up without the necessities at the end.
5. Include big and small items
Everyone has a different budget, so include individual items as well as bundles and pricier items. The small ones are great so people can add something “cute and pretty” to an otherwise practical gift for example.
6. Make your list very varied
Most items on your list will be items you can put a link to, but think consider what else may make a good gift for your little one. For example, you can include experiences (baby massage, pool sessions…), gift cards, or even food deliveries (we mean a real food service with meals/prepared meals, not a quick takeaway). Or include an offer to bring freezer meals, no payment needed. The last two options will be lifesaving when you don’t want to go out shopping with a baby and have to cook, but you need energy to care for this human.
7. Comment and explain
Any comment to personalise an item will make it more likely to be bought. If you write “apparently it’s magic” below a cream that soothes toothache, your friends will feel much better giving you something practical instead of a cute outfit.
Anything that may be new to the older generations, explain the benefits so they understand and contribute (osteopathy for babies, a bath session with a professional “will make them feel the way they felt in utero”).
Personalising in any way possible is like interacting and expressing your wishes in person, which is so much more pleasant for those browsing your list.
