No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I have seen on here and from friends that many kids get duplicate or undesired toys for 1st (and other) birthdays. I had started (for myself) a Registry/Wishlist at TRU for my MIL and SIL who will ask me 1001 times what Troy wants (I try to tell them Troy and I don't speak the same language yet).

I want other's opinions on passing the word (NOT PUTTING ANYTHING ON?IN INVITATIONS) about the wishlist. I know as his party approaches and people RSVP, I will be asked what he wants/needs.

TIA. And please, no flames.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I think its a good idea, And I might do it as well for Ds 1st B-day

I was actually going to start a post if it would be untasfull or not to put on the invitatiosn NO cloths...

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I didn't do it, but I personally see nothing wrong with it. If anything, it would make it easier for people to know what to get your DC. I wouldn't give it out to everyone though, just the people who specifically ask what to get him.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I can see the dilema.

If you are planning a "real" party with lots of people then it's probably a good idea and you could tell people about the registry as a suggestion if they ask what you want for Troy.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I know that for almost every party I go to - I ask the mom what their child needs.

One friend just told me summer clothes - so that's what I did.

One said either BRU GCs or a bond. So I got a GC.

I think that you can make a list and try and do it that way.

If you want clothes for the coming winter - tell them that. I think it's great to tell people what you want for him - it makes their lives much easier. I don't know how I feel about a wishlist though. I think if I was told about a wishlist for a party I would be like this: . Not that it's a bad thing - just a little out of the ordinary - that's all.

Message edited 3/31/2008 5:24:32 PM.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

Posted by Diana1215

I know that for almost every party I go to - I ask the mom what their child needs.

One friend just told me summer clothes - so that's what I did.

One said either GCs or a bond. So I got a GC.

I think that you can make a list and try and do it that way.

If you want clothes for the coming winter - tell them that. I think it's great to tell people what you want for him - it makes their lives much easier. I don't know how I feel about a wishlist though. I think if I was told about a wishlist for a party I would be like this: . Not that it's a bad thing - just a little out of the ordinary - that's all.

Message edited 3/31/2008 5:29:34 PM.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I say make a list of things you want for him & if any one asks than tell them you have a wishlist so you can keep track of everything, but anything is fine.

This way post-party, you can get him anything he didn't get.

As a guest, I personally find it helpful.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

Posted by MsKitty1274

Posted by Diana1215

I know that for almost every party I go to - I ask the mom what their child needs.

One friend just told me summer clothes - so that's what I did.

One said either GCs or a bond. So I got a GC.

I think that you can make a list and try and do it that way.

If you want clothes for the coming winter - tell them that. I think it's great to tell people what you want for him - it makes their lives much easier. I don't know how I feel about a wishlist though. I think if I was told about a wishlist for a party I would be like this: . Not that it's a bad thing - just a little out of the ordinary - that's all.

If it were as simple as clothes or GC (which is not a bad idea, but DH's family doesn't "do" GC ) But for Xmas, I told MIL and SIL one thing I/Troy and they did not get it. Fine. But they DID get a toy that my other SIL got for Troy-so now he as two of the almost identical toy. I am fine with Troy getting toys, but I'd prefer not getting the same/similar items. I was recently shopping for a friend's 1st Bday and there are SO many options out there.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I would say that it would be tacky if you included something in the invite but I think that its a great idea. I might do something like that myself for DD 1st b-day!!

Message edited 3/31/2008 6:08:28 PM.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I WISH registries for birthday parties would become the norm. It would be so much easier to buy presents for kids that they need and the parents want. I would mention it to family, but not friends.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

in theory it' a a good idea, but i think if i rec an invite w/a registry or the invite for a b-day party that said, "no clothes" i would think it was tacky.(someone else mentioned this)
however making the wishlist on your own like you said case people ask.

Message edited 3/31/2008 6:25:36 PM.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

Holy C r a p!! I had no idea ppl do this! This new mom has a lot to learn!!!

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I used and still use a gift registry for my kids. I don't send out the cards with the invites - but when people (and they ALWAYS seem to ask when they RSVP) what to get them I just say "A gift is not required, but if you would like to get something for him he's registered at TRU". I also tend not to register for anything more than 25-30 dollars.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I think it's a good idea. It's so helpful! People WANT to give something that is actually desired/ needed.

I would go via word of mouth

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I think it's a really good idea - no one likes to get something they can't use or don't want, which has nothing to do with not appreciating a gift. I always think it's a shame for everyone including the gift giver since they spent money on it. And for this reason I always give gift receipts. But not everyone does (unfortunately for everyone but the store.) I like the idea of a gift wish list but I guess it might not go over well with some people. I'd love if someone said to me "check out her Amazon wish list" when I ask. I usually just buy something and then with the receipt, they can go change it.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

Ok, here's my strange answer. Would I do it myself? No. Would I totally love that someone else did it so that I knew what to get their child? Yes! So go figure. I wouldn't make one, but I'd be glad to use one!

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

IF people ask what your child would like for his/her birthday, THEN I would offer to email them the list. We use www.thethingsiwant.com and it worked out great for DD's first birthday. I would not just spread the word-too presumptuous, I think.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I personally wouldn't do it, but it does make things easier. However I have very simple parties and I tell my family what I want for ds and they get it, and if any friends ask I usually just throw something small at them like a dvd or something.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I wouldn't do it. A gift is a gift in my eyes. If you get duplicates or things you don't want, bring them back or donate it. Yes, when family asks I do tell them if my kids want something. Otherwise I tell them no gifts or if they really want to know I tell them to surprise us.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

Oddly enough, out of all the gifts DS got, we didnt get any doubles.

I dont know that I would do a registry, maybe just mention to people things you would like and if you get doubles, you can exchange/return them. Besides toys, DS actually got a lot of money and a few gift cards.

ETA: People are generally pretty good about giving gift receipts these days too. I think I got a gift receipt for almost all of DS's gifts incase I needed to exchange them.

Message edited 3/31/2008 9:28:43 PM.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

before i had kids, I would have said no way.

That said, Steven had an Amazon wishlist for his b-day and for Christmas.

Sometimes things change.

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

i would not have thought about this, but with all the questions i am getting about DS's 1st birthday I should have done it

Re: No flames please-Poll about gift registry for 1st bday?

I had a registry (basically I converted one of my baby registries to a birthday registry). I only told my friends, I didn't include it in the invite. I liked it and I think my friends did too. Especially in our case where Christmas had just past and we received SO many toys.