Registry Freak Out

Sockgnome78 · July 2014

Not sure how to say this.
So here it goes. I am putting together my 2 registries. My problem comes at find things I like/want vs need in a decent price range. Every time I start to work on a registry (as the invites have already gone out for the shower and list where I am registered at.) I get over whelmed by the prices of things. I know not everyone is going to have the money to buy a $150 pack n' play or what have you. When I registered for my wedding/shower I had so much fun. Both scanning and not worrying about prices. But now I freak out about the prices. I have gotten to the point a few times to walk away. It is not fun for me at all.
So am I really just over thinking things here and having a freak out over nothing? Or am I just being normal and seeing that babies/kids are really expensive no matter how you look and it?

Short Version: freaking out about the cost of things for baby. Am I normal or just over thinking?

BreandMikewedding · July 2014

I think it's a combination of both. Babies are expensive but I would register for everything you want and need and your baby shower guests can decide what is in their budget. Sometimes people will buy you a larger present as a group. They can also look at your registry as a guide and then buy you something that they want to get you that is in their budget.

victoria+james · July 2014

When I started my registries, I just scanned EVERYTHING I wanted/needed when I was at the store. Then when I went home I logged in online to edit my lists by getting rid of duplicate items, changing quantities, checking ratings on items, and making sure I'd covered all aspects of baby's needs.

You're totally normal to be worried about the cost of items, but make your registry as though you would be the only one purchasing from it. The stroller I wanted is $500 and I don't think anyone coming to my shower would make that purchase. But its the one I wanted so I included it and then bought it myself. There are other pricy items on my registry as well, but I made sure that my registry covers everything big and small so there are also plenty of options even starting from $2...

Whatever you end up choosing to list on your registry, just make sure the overall list is well thought out. Nothing makes me more irritated than when I go to purchase off someone's registry and there are 3 different high chairs (Which one did you want!?), a ton of toys, and no necessities. It makes me feel like I can't trust that what I'm purchasing was actually wanted or needed by mom-to-be.

Sockgnome78 · July 2014

@victoria+james‌ I had 3 different car seats on my registry. But today I went with DH to help me decide which one. We ended up liking a combo carseat/stroller that comes as a unit and then you just need to buy the base. So I might need to do that a few more times. But I will leave the ones I really want on there vs the multiple choice. Thanks for the info. Just need a good reality check.

Cutiecruz327 · July 2014

I'm with you! It's crazy how expensive some things are. I was complaining to my mom how things are so pricey compared to when my friends did it 5-10 years ago. She reminded me, that lots of times, groups of people (aunts & cousins, coworkers, etc.) go in together for more expensive items. My mom, sister, & I chipped in and bought our friends stroller, we did the same thing for a cousin. It makes it much more affordable on the individual and you still get the items you need. People will always find a way to shop for what you need, but keep it in a range they can afford. That thought comforted me, hope it helps you.

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

Sockgnome78 said:

Not sure how to say this. So here it goes. I am putting together my 2 registries. My problem comes at find things I like/want vs need in a decent price range. Every time I start to work on a registry (as the invites have already gone out for the shower and list where I am registered at.) I get over whelmed by the prices of things. I know not everyone is going to have the money to buy a $150 pack n' play or what have you. When I registered for my wedding/shower I had so much fun. Both scanning and not worrying about prices. But now I freak out about the prices. I have gotten to the point a few times to walk away. It is not fun for me at all. So am I really just over thinking things here and having a freak out over nothing? Or am I just being normal and seeing that babies/kids are really expensive no matter how you look and it? Short Version: freaking out about the cost of things for baby. Am I normal or just over thinking?

There's a lot of similar advice in my thread from yesterday (because I, too, hated the idea of expensive things). Two things about that: 1) people will want to go in together to get the expensive things OR you can get them later with coupons/completion discounts, and 2) research and see if the $150 Pack 'n Play (your example above) is even worth it. I was talked out of it by the ladies here, maybe a month ago in another thread, and I ended up finding one in a consignment shop, good as new, for $35 anyway. So. Two approaches to the "This is too expensive" conundrum.

cmcookaln · July 2014

I went ahead and registered for everything that I needed and didn't worry about the prices. I remember somebody telling me at a department store when I was going my wedding registry that I needed a wide range of prices so that my guests could decide how much they wanted to spend. I figured the same rule applied for the baby. I am a FTM so I have absolutely nothing. I felt like it was important to put everything on there just in case somebody was feeling generous. Plus, some of my family members will usually go in together and buy a higher priced gift. Otherwise, I will be making a trip to BRU a few weeks before delivery and using that discount for what's left on the registry. Register for what you need and ignore the prices for now. Bargain shop later if you have to make the purchases.

Eastie156 · July 2014

So with DS, I did this. I went back and forth trying to find the best priced items that we liked at the stores so our guests could pay the best price. I drove myself crazy worrying about it. I also short changed myself by registering for a crap swing that DS hated (the graco travel swing that you pop his carseat into). I'd say unless you are registering for a $700 stroller, don't worry about it!

MissMandyD · July 2014

Don't worry about it. Guests will either use the registry and get something in their price range or will get something off registry and hopefully give you a gift receipt. Don't forget to register for the little stuff that is affordable too...bottles, bibs, onsies, blankets, swaddlers and diapers.

Hope this gets to be more fun for you!

ADH0906 · July 2014

PPs have you covered, but I'd suggest that it isn't so much that it's an issue of having too many expensive items, but rather: having a good mix of price points. I won't bat an eye at your $500 stroller, provided that I also have plenty of $5 and $20 options to choose from.

Gigimetz · July 2014

I was the same way but here is how I look at it...when you register, a lot of times you get a discount to "complete" your registry after your shower. So, even if it's a more expensive item, you can use the discount for it if you don't get it. People also like to just buy gift cards and you can use that to put towards it as well.

ss265 · July 2014

I find it less stressful to add things from online vs. in the store. That way I can research ahead of time and only add items I actually want/need. In fact, I never scanned anything at the store. Just make sure that you don't pick a bunch of things that are only available online though.