Do you think this is tacky?

Prinycesa07

The book post reminded me of something my mom said.

 For my shower, she wants to ask people to bring a baby book instead of a card and then they can write on the inside cover who the gift is from.  Not talking expensive books here, even ones from the dollar tree (which are cheaper than cards).

 Do you think its okay to ask people to do this?

purple_posies

I think it's a cute suggestion. I don't know that it's much different than people asking for diapers, or Wishing Well gifts.

But at the same time ... a lot of people don't like to be told what to buy.  If it's worded right, people might look at it and go, "Oh cute!!" and go out and do it for you.

MadameFancyPants

I don't know about requesting it for a shower, but I think it is a wonderful idea in general! 

I'm going to steal it and from now on people are getting books instead of cards with baby gifts!

Mrs. A.J. Martins

At my cousin's shower they hung a big clothes line in the living room with cute pink clothes pins and everyone had to bring a onesie or pair of socks or bib, etc. to pin on the clothes line.   I think asking to bring things like that is fairly common.

New Mrs

Sounds cute!

Cards usually sit in a box or get thrown away....and they are so expensive. I would rather buy a book than a card.

We are doing a diaper raffle and my sis put a really cute poem on the invite so it didn't seem as tacky - a pack of diapers for lil ole me would really help mommy and daddy to be. so bring a pack of any size, it could win you a really great prize.

j.h.mommy

I like it! Cute idea!

MattsWifey<3

I didn't read the responses, but in the past I've seen a lot of people say YES its tacky. Once, I might have agreed. But, a good friend of mine had a baby shower and they requested books and it was amazing! Surprisingly, they didn't get any duplicates.

I say go for it. It's sooooo cute. 

ngagne

My circle of friends are mostly teachers and we do book raffles all the time.  I can't wait to see what great books my little one receives.  I think probably better to do either/or with diapers or books for a raffle.

lovejonesy77

I don't think its tacky at all.  It's the same caliber as the diaper raffle, to me.  My girlfriend did it for her shower, but no one brought any books.  Well at least I don't remember seeing all that many.  If people don't want to do it, they wont, it's not a big deal. 

jessiecow

i think it's a super cute idea, but that doesn't mean everyone will like it or do it.

i may suggest it for when my shower roles around though!

SmallandNeedy

Just make it a book-themed shower and everyone will get in on it.?

We're asking people to bring a favorite recipe for me to try. I'm a terrible (TERRIBLE) cook, so it will be good for me.?

Brooke208

I've been to plenty of showers that did that and I think it's a good idea.  If someone finds it tacky it's not like they HAVE to bring a book.  It's all about wording it right I suppose

My step-mom did my shower invites and I was mortified when I learned that she had requested that everyone bring a package of diapers.  However, no one made any comments or got mad about it and I ended up with a closet FULL of diapers of all sizes.  I wouldn't do that myself, but in the end I was secretly glad she did, because it helped a lot!  If we couldn't use a package we never had a problem exchanging them.

octwed07

I don't think it's tacky at all -- i think most people would think it's part of the theme of the shower. Plus, books are always a nice gift! 

MewMew

SIL did this with her baby shower. (Or they did it for her, whatever.) They included a little poem about bringing a book instead of a card. I thought it was really cute. I love to read. They can get books from the dollar store. Cheaper than a card.

I definately want this at my shower too!

amos07

I think that it all depends on the type of people who are coming to your shower. None of my family and friends would find this tacky and none would be offended by it either. Some people on the other hand my find it offensive that you are asking them to bring a certain thing.  My registry info was put on my invites and while I know this is a big no-no, I also know that my family/friends would rather have the information.

Cooper81

That is a very cute idea.  My friend who just got married in Annapolis (where we are from) got a beautiful coffee table/picture book about the Annapolis area and had people sign any page they wanted as their guest book.  I thought that would be a cute guest book idea for a baby shower too, but this way you get a speicial book from each person. 

**cookie**

Absolutely...  I was just at a shower that did that.  It's such a great idea!!

 Here are a couple of sayings...

Although cards are nice with their sentiment
and prayer,
They're read once or twice then tucked away
with care.
A book is a treasure, words and pictures unite
Read over and over to teach and delight.
So instead of a card for Baby and
mother,
Please give a child's book with your thoughts in the cover.
Your book will be cherished; God will watch from above,
When it's read they will remember your
kindness and love.

We can't wait to see you at the shower
When (mom-to-be's name) will be the woman of the hour
We have one request we hope isn't too hard
Please sign your name to a book instead of a card
Then mom and dad will be ready when the baby arrives
To read to their darling for the rest of their lives

Bring a Book

As (Mother-to-be's name) due date is coming near,
We're inviting friends and family dear.
To choose a favorite story or fairy tale
That you would like Baby ________ to hear.
Instead of a card, please let (mother-to-be's name)look,
At your special choice of a book,
and then to Baby _________ she will read
With all the love a newborn will need.
So with a personal touch, please choose a book
And in it then your name do put.
It need not cost more than a card
Just pick a favorite, it shouldn't be hard.

MGauthier

I'm doing this theme for my baby shower ( well my sister is doing it for me) There are poems on the internet that spell this out on the invite! I think it's cute! We are doing mini book cakes for each table too!

cchill01

Not tacky at all.  We did this at a friend's shower.  I thought it was a great idea.  You might end up with some duplicates, but that's ok.  Better than a bunch of cards you feel bad throwing away, but don't really want to save.

smilelari

I went to a shower recently where they did this. Not tacky at all. But there were A LOT of duplicate books and none of them were returnable because they had all been written in

twinmommy13

I have been to 3 showers where a book basket is being filled for the new baby. The invited typically request a favorite book to help start the little ones library- very cute idea!!

ickasticka

I want to do this for my shower too.  I agree with some of the pp that it needs to be worded correctly on the invitation so that it is an option, not a demand.  I think people bringing their favorite children's books with a personalized note in it for the baby is so much more personal and special than a card that will be thrown away.  It will also be a great start for the baby's bookshelf.  I think it's a fabulous idea!

Prinycesa07

Thanks for the responses girls!  Im super happy that nobody would consider it tacky because i loved the idea! 

 And thanks for those poems, i just saved them to my computer!