How do you ask guests for gifts for a baby shower?
Beginning your journey into motherhood with your first child is a thrilling adventure, filled with countless moments of joy and anticipation.
And one of the more cherished moments of pregnancy is your upcoming baby shower.
As you begin planning for this big event, you may start to wonder how to ask for gifts on a baby shower invitation, especially if you want specific types of gifts.
By balancing baby shower etiquette, sentiment, and practicality, you can create meaningful connections with your guests while getting everything you need to care for your new baby.
Check out all the different ways to ask for gifts on a baby shower invitation to get exactly what you want!
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What information should be included on a baby shower invitation?
Before asking for any gifts, you want to make sure you have all the other important information available to the members of your guest list. The following information should always be included when you are sending baby shower invites:
- Guest of Honor’s Name (include last name if some guests may not know right away)
- Location (with address)
- Date and Time
- RSVP Date, Name of Contact and Phone Number (include if texting is permitted)
You also want to make sure mom and dad have set up (and mostly finished) their baby registry before sending out the invitations. And make sure to include all the places they have registered, as some parents choose more than one store.
How do you politely ask for gifts on an invitation?
The right way to ask for baby shower gifts on an invitation is by not asking for gifts on an invitation.
Now, you’re saying “that makes no sense!”
And you would be absolutely correct, but that is invitation etiquette. It is more proper to have a close friend or close family members share the registry information.
And here is where we throw etiquette out the window!
The whole point of a baby shower is to shower the new parents with everything they will need to take care of their new baby.
Simply adding the places mom-to-be is registered at the bottom of your invitation will get the job done.
For more polite ways to include this information and allow the new parents to send a personal message to their guests, include a little note along with the invitation with any of the following phrases.
- Your presence is the best gift we could ask for, but if you’d like to help us celebrate with a token of love, here are some items that would be appreciated.
- We’re excited to welcome our bundle of joy! Should you wish to shower us with gifts, we’ve created a registry with items that will make baby’s arrival even more special.
- As we prepare to welcome our little one, your warm wishes are all we truly need. However, if you’d like to bless us with a gift, we’ve compiled a wish list of tiny treasures that would be adored.
- Join us in celebrating our upcoming addition! Your presence is the most precious gift, but if you’d like to bring a little something, here are some gift ideas to make baby’s first days even sweeter.
- Your love and support are the greatest gifts of all. If you’d like to contribute in another way, here’s a list of items that will help us give our baby all the care and comfort they deserve.
- We’re thrilled to invite you to our baby shower, where your presence is the real gift. Should you wish to bless us with a material token, we’ve assembled a list of items that will help us on this exciting journey.
- We’re looking forward to sharing the joy of our growing family with you! If you’d like to lend a helping hand, we’ve put together a registry of items that will assist us as we welcome our little one.
- We’ve curated a baby shower registry filled with items we’d love for our little one. Your presence is the greatest gift, but if you wish to bring something, the registry is here to inspire you!
- As we prepare our nest for the arrival of our little one, any gifts you’d like to bring will help us feather it just right.
- We’re excited to share this joyous occasion with you! If you’re considering a gift, here are a few gifts from the heart that would mean so much to us.
How do you ask that guests only buy gifts listed on the registry?
This question is a little tricky, as some gift givers love to give special gifts that they have created themselves.
Things like homemade baby blankets or hats and booties may not be items you need, but they will hold sentimental value later when your baby is grown, and the giver is gone.
At the same time, you put a lot of time and effort into researching the items you want to use for your baby, so you should be able to ask for the stroller you picked, the swing or the set of bottles you think is best.
When asking for specific items, it is best to be polite and convey gratitude that your guest will be celebrating with you.
Try something like:
“As we await the arrival of our little one, we are truly grateful for your love and support. Your presence at our baby shower is a gift in itself, and we can’t wait to celebrate this joyous occasion with you.
In order to make our preparations as easy as possible and ensure that we receive items that would be the most helpful to us, we kindly ask that if you plan to bring a gift, please select something from our registry. We’ve carefully curated this list to include items that we truly need and will cherish as we embark on this new journey.
Your thoughtfulness means so much to us, and we can’t wait to share this special day with you!”
You may still get some gifts that you weren’t expecting, but it’s the thought and the time you get to spend with your guests that counts.
How do you politely ask for monetary gifts for a baby shower?
You may have multiple reasons for asking for monetary gifts for your baby shower.
Maybe you’re setting up a college fund. Maybe you have to purchase furniture for the nursery. Maybe you already have the physical items you need, and you want to cover the costs of groceries while you’re on maternity leave.
Whatever the reason, you can ask for only monetary gifts on your baby shower invitations. However, realize that some people will make a big deal out of asking for money gifts outright.
Again, be polite, convey gratitude, and in this case, you could even tell them what the money will be used for (if you feel it is necessary).
Try something like:
“We are thrilled to celebrate the upcoming arrival of our little one with you. Your presence and warm wishes are the greatest gift we could ask for.
As we embark on this new journey, if you would like to contribute, a monetary gift would be truly appreciated. Your support will help us prepare for the baby’s arrival and ensure we have everything we need.
Please know that your love and company are what truly matter to us. We can’t wait to share this special day with you!”
How do you ask for gift cards on a baby shower invitation?
Another possibly touchy subject is just asking for gift cards, instead of traditional gifts.
Personally, if I need to buy stuff for my baby, I’d rather not have to do the shopping. Give me the gifts and let me just sort and organize them.
But gift cards can be great if you’re looking to make a big purchase, such as a crib, nursery furniture or a fancy stroller. It’s much easier to collect gift cards and get exactly what you want.
Try something like this when asking for gift cards:
“We are excited to invite you to celebrate the upcoming arrival of our little one with us! Your presence at our baby shower would make this day even more special.
If you’re considering a gift, we have a small request. Gift cards would be greatly appreciated. This will allow us to choose items that are most needed and practical for our growing family. Your thoughtful contribution will help us prepare for this new chapter in our lives.
Thank you for your understanding and support. We can’t wait to share this joyous occasion with you!”
You could even include the big-ticket items that you are hoping to purchase to allow your guests feel like they had a hand in setting up your nursery.
How do you say gifts are optional for a baby shower?
First, why would anyone say gifts are optional at a baby shower?!
- You don’t want to burden your guests with a registry. Maybe you know they can’t afford any extras right now.
- You are a minimalist and don’t want (or have room for) all the extra items you may receive at a baby shower.
- You already have everything (or at least some of what) you need. Maybe you’re having a baby sprinkle.
- You would rather everyone make a donation than buy another receiving blanket.
Your reasons are your own, and it is up to you whether or not you want no gifts or fewer gifts at your baby shower. Try these ways to decline gifts at your baby shower:
No Gifts (optional with a donation)
“As we anticipate the arrival of our little one, we’re excited to celebrate this special time with you. Your presence at our baby shower would mean the world to us, and we’re looking forward to sharing joy and laughter together.
In lieu of gifts, we ask that you bring your warm wishes and good company. Your love and support are the most valuable gifts we could hope for as we embark on this new journey as parents. If you’d like to make a contribution, we’ve included information on how you can support a cause that’s close to our hearts [optional: insert information about a charitable organization].
Thank you for your understanding. We can’t wait to spend this special time with you!”
No Baby Clothes (or other specific item)
“We are eagerly looking forward to celebrating the upcoming arrival of our baby with you. Your presence and well wishes are the most treasured gifts we could ask for.
In consideration of our current needs, we kindly request that, if you choose to bring a gift, you focus on items other than baby clothing [optional: other baby items]. Our nursery is already well-stocked in that department! Instead, we would greatly appreciate other essential items like [specific item you need] or contributions towards larger items we are saving for.
Your understanding and thoughtfulness mean the world to us. We can’t wait to share this special day with you and introduce you to our little one!”
How do you ask for a specific gift for your baby shower?
You may also want to consider asking for specific gifts on your baby shower invitation.
Many moms hold a diaper raffle to stockpile diapers for the first year or two. And knowing just how many diapers babies use, it’s not a bad idea for you to do something like this as well.
Another cute idea is to ask for books instead of cards to start your baby’s first library. While there are some unique ways to preserve the cards from your baby shower, you may end up just throwing them in a drawer somewhere (or the trash). Books can be used for many years to come.
Diapers
Hold a diaper raffle to stock up on diapers through baby’s first year (or even longer). You could also include wipes in your diaper raffle. Ask for a diaper/wipe combo to receive a raffle ticket.
“We have decided to hold a diaper raffle to add some extra fun to the day.
Here’s how a diaper raffle works: For each pack of diapers (or wipes) you bring, you’ll receive a raffle ticket for a chance at an extra special prize. The more packs of diapers you bring, the more chances you’ll have to win!
We appreciate your participation and can’t wait to see you there!”
You can also hold a raffle for any item you feel you need in bulk. I had a friend hold a book raffle with the same rules as above.
Books Instead of Cards
“In place of a traditional baby shower card, we have a unique request: please bring a children’s book with a personal message written inside. Your well wishes and advice, tucked within the pages of a beloved story, will be cherished by us and our baby for years to come.
Let’s build a library of love and imagination for our little one as they grow. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful journey with us!”
Another clever way to ask for books is by using a cute rhyme:
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.
Conclusion
There you have it: how to ask for gifts on a baby shower invitation in many polite ways and get what you really want. Whether it’s gift suggestions, cash gifts, gift cards, or even no gifts at all, you have a lot of options for how to ask for gifts on a baby shower invitation.
Just remember not everyone follows the gift registry, but the gifts are not what makes a successful shower. Take in the good wishes and enjoy this time with your family and friends.
Related Articles for How to Ask for Gifts on a Baby Shower Invitation:
- Ultimate Checklist for Planning a Baby Shower
- Perfect Locations for Your Baby Shower
- Beautiful Maternity Dresses to Wear at Your Baby Shower
How to Ask for Gifts on a Baby Shower Invitation in 2024 and Get What You Want
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