Should I register my baby for his first year?

Question

Hi,my baby's first year birthday will be on october 5th,we are very happy since he is going to turn one,it will be a small party with family and some friends since the economy is bad. The theme is baby einstein so I got the invitations that you write on,I was thinking in gift registry from babies r us,how do I include it on the invitation? on a separate card or just write on the invitation,and what am I supposed to write? I've never registered for anything before so I don't know,I will appreciate any help,plus best answer gets 10 pts. Thanks!

Answer 1

"how do I include it on the invitation?"

You don't. That would be in extremely poor taste.

I don't think many people would think that registering for gifts for a small party for a one-year-old is a good idea.

Answer 2

yes, sorry, I'm with the rest...you don't register for gifts for a 1st birthday or any birthday for that matter.  If anyone asks (which usually happens) feel free to verbally clue in to what you need.  You may end up with gifts you can't use, but you can always exchange things or donate them to less fortunate kids.

Answer 3

you just said it, the economy is bad, dont register yourself at a store when you dont know if they will be able to afford anything you want for your child. Let them choose their own gifts because more than half the time most people dont even use a registry.

Answer 4

I agree with everyone one, definitely  poor taste. I don't think i even agree registering for a shower (baby or wedding) etc let alone a birthday.

Don't make your guests feel that they have to by something specific for a price they may not be able to afford. In my opinion, it looks kind of greedy.

Answer 5

hmmm, I think registering for a first birthday really depends on the crowd you run with.  I think the appropriate events that one registers at are weddings and baby showers...but a birthday does seem a little.. sorry but tacky to me.  Also...remember since you are recognizing the sucky economy that your family is experiencing, at the same time your turning around and saying to others... oh but hey, this is what we want/need.  =(

As a matter of fact, us and all the people WE know say "no gifts please" at the first 2 birthdays only because the babies don't know one way or the other..AND it relieves stress from friends who really just might not be able to affored a birthday gift over milk for thier own kids...

Answer 6

I have never heard of registering for a baby's birthday party.  I think it sounds kind of presumptuous actually.  If you want to, just write in on the bottom of the invitation, "Registered at ___________"

Answer 7

Honestly, it is your friends and family so you know best whether or not to give them a registration for your child.  If you know they are all going to ask you what to get anyway, I'd go ahead and do it.  

If you're woried about proper ettiquette then honestly gift registration was started for brides to be to pick out their China/dinner ware.  It just sort of branched off to everything, but I think it's great for first time parents b/c then they get what they need like at the baby shower.

I would suggest that if you have all your essentials, let them get whatever they want to get.  You can always take it back for store credit.  Also, you'll be surprised the cool stuff you never saw in the store.  If there is a dvd set or something specific you'd like let the grandparents or whoever is your baby's "sugar mama"  is know as they usually want to spend a fortune on the kids.

Registry ideas:

1. If you want to register just do it, but only tell people if they ask you what you want.

2. If you do include with the invitation (I would not write it on the invites) just put something on the lines of gifts not required, but if you want to get one and need some ideas check out our registry_______. We're planning on getting all this stuff in the next few months anyway.

3. Or write something like: due to the overwhelming # of questions of what to get the baby we've created a registry at:____ Please do not feel obligated to get anything as your presence is the best gift. However if you feel so inclined and need an idea feel free to visit the registry.  This way it sounds kind of open.

Just keep in mind that of who you are inviting.  Are these your gal pals you can just just say hey, I'd like these dvds or do you need to beat around the bush a bit?  Some people may find it rude that you're expecting gifts even though they'd probably all bring one anyway so for those people find a way to do it that is subtle.

Good Luck with the party.  Congrats on the 1 yr Old!  Dang they grow up fast!

Answer 8

I could be wrong, but I don't think you're really supposed to register for gifts for your child's 1st b-day.  I've been to some pretty extravagant 1st b-day parties and none of the parents registered for gifts.  I suppose if it's something you really want to do, go for it, but I'd just be sure it was appropriate to do so first.