What can I do instead of cards at a baby shower?
As you anticipate the arrival of your new baby, you’re probably thinking about what to add to your baby registry and how to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
While baby shower cards can be a beautiful way to express sweet sentiments, asking for baby shower books instead of cards allows your friends and family members to include a personal message while sharing their favorite childhood books.
Adding handpicked books to your child’s library is a great way to keep memories of your loved ones around for years to come. And it’s quickly becoming a favorite trend of new parents and well-wishers alike.
Check out all the different ways to ask for baby shower books instead of cards and some of our favorite book recommendations.
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What does it mean to bring a book instead of a card to a baby shower?
Known as “bring a book” baby showers, it is becoming more common (and a new trend) to request children’s books to start your baby’s library right from the beginning.
Instead of receiving a traditional baby shower card from each guest, you would receive one of their favorite books with a heartfelt message or words of wisdom written to your new arrival.
Is it okay to give books instead of cards at a baby shower?
Whether you are asking for baby shower books instead of cards or just wondering if you should gift a baby shower book, it’s a very special way to share your favorite children’s book with the new generation.
It has quickly become a favorite trend of new parents and guests in recent years, so it is perfectly acceptable to give books as part of your baby shower gift.
Why should you ask for baby shower books instead of cards?
There are so many benefits of books and reading to children at an early age that there is no reason you shouldn’t be asking for books instead of cards.
- Language Development
For babies to learn language, they need to hear people speaking. And it can be difficult when you have a baby to talk enough for them to absorb it.
Reading aloud to your baby allows them to hear more words, different words, and different speech patterns. And when your baby hears more words, they’ll be better equipped to start talking (source).
- Early Literacy
Just like with language development, the more words your baby hears, the more words they have available in their vocabulary.
Reading to children exposes them to roughly 290,000 words before kindergarten than kids who aren’t read to (source). And all those words mean they are more likely to pick up reading quicker and have an easier time understanding written concepts.
- Parent-Child Bonding
While reading to your child has many developmental benefits, it also strengthens the parent-child bond.
Not only are you spending time with your child, but with a small baby, you are holding them as you read and giving them that closeness they desire.
As your child grows older, reading with them teaches them that reading is fun and a way to learn about the world around them. No matter the age, you are making lasting memories with your child.
- Personal Library
Starting a collection of books for a new baby is a great way to keep them interested in reading. While there are free options out there (your local library), having classic children’s books in your own home means you always have something available to read.
Another great reason for adding books to your child’s library is that babies crave routine (and repetition) and toddlers crave control (source). Reading the same book to a baby over and over lets them hear those same sounds so they are more likely to practice them. For toddlers, it allows them to know what to expect in the story.
My little guy has his favorite books (that we read over and over) and at 3, can “read” a book simply from memory by knowing what words are associated with the pictures on the page.
- Long-Lasting Gift
Giving a book in place of a card is a much better idea as it is the more eco-friendly option. While some people find a unique way to preserve their baby shower cards, many end up collecting dust or thrown away.
A baby book is a gift the child will have for a long time and may even outlast many toys. Books given with a sweet message from the giver are sure to become a favorite storybook.
- Personal Touch
When giving a baby book instead of a traditional card, you can choose your favorite book, or even gift gently used books from your own collection.
You also get to include a personal message to the new baby or new parents, making it a treasured keepsake for years to come.
Related: What to Write in a Baby Shower Book
- Trendy
If you’re someone who is looking for the latest trend, requesting a book in lieu of a card is the new baby shower trend for all of the reasons listed above.
People are always looking for a unique baby shower gift, which is possible by writing a personal message. Guests and recipients can also help the planet with this sustainable gift option.
And since this is the latest trend for baby shower gift ideas, many of your guests will be aware of the idea and will be excited to take part.
How do I request baby shower books instead of cards?
There are three simple ways to ask for baby shower books instead of cards:
- Include books on your baby registry. When doing this you do not have to ask at all. Include some of your favorites and your guests can choose from them or purchase their own.
- Include a note in your registry welcome message. Your registry welcome message is found at the top of your online baby registry. You can simply add a short sentence that you would love to start your baby’s library early and books are a welcome gift.
- Include a note in your baby shower invitations. This is the most direct way to ask for baby shower books instead of cards. You can include book request cards with your invitations or simply state it at the bottom of the invite.
Cute Ideas for Requesting Books
If you don’t want to just ask for baby shower books instead of cards, you can use one of the following rhymes in your baby shower invitation or your baby registry welcome message.
We have one small request, we hope it’s not hard.
Please gift us a book instead of a card.
(Baby’s Name) will become very smart indeed.
If we begin early, (s)he’ll soon learn to read.
Instead of a card, we have a request.
We hope you’ll bring a book that you love best.
Whether pre-loved or brand-new,
Please write us a line or two,
So when we read it, we’ll think of you.
Tiny fingers, soon to explore.
A request we make, nothing more.
Instead of cards with wishes sweet.
Please gift a story for baby’s first heartbeat.
In lieu of cards, a special request we make.
Bring stories for baby, for joy’s own sake.
Choose a classic or a modern delight.
A book to read by day or cozy night.
Write your well-wishes within the cover’s space.
For a cherished gift that time won’t erase.
Instead of cards with wishes and rhyme,
A book for our baby would be sublime.
With pages filled with tales so sweet,
Our growing library will be complete.
A note inside, a special touch,
From you to our baby, we love so much.
Your words and stories will forever be,
A cherished part of our family tree.
So, bring a book, with love and cheer,
A gift that will last, year after year.
Your thoughtfulness we’ll forever hold,
In stories and memories, precious as gold.
What is a good book to give for a baby shower?
A wonderful way to share the gift of reading with a new baby is to give your favorite books, but if you’re looking for some book inspiration, here are a few that are enjoyed in our home and by many other families.
- Welcome to the World by Lucy Tapper
- On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
- God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren
- I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth
- Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
- I Love You Like No Otter by Rose Rossner
- Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
- Little One, God Loves You by Amy Warren Hilliker
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
- The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
- The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
- Oh, Baby, The Places You’ll Go! by Tish Rabe
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr.
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr.
- The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith
- See You Later, Alligator by Sally Hopgood
- Corduroy by Don Freeman
- The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
- The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Conclusion
There you have it: three ways to ask for baby shower books instead of cards, along with cute poems to include in your baby shower invites. Remember starting your baby’s library early not only helps their development, but it also allows for special bonding time with your child that will last for years.
How do you plan on asking for baby shower books instead of cards at your shower? Let us know in the comments.
Related Articles for Baby Shower Books Instead of Cards:
- Beautiful Baby Book Inscriptions
- How to Ask for Gifts on Your Baby Shower Invitation
- Welcome Messages for Your Baby Registry
3 Creative Ways to Ask for Baby Shower Books Instead of Cards
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