How do you feel about the book instead of card poem?

edw2353

I'm debating on having this included in my invite but my sis thinks it's a good idea. As a guest how do you feel about getting such a request? Would you feel obligated?

KMK51

I've been invited to a couple showers with this and I don't feel obligated because there are many books for the same price as a card. (maybe a couple dollars more)  I personally don't want to because the last shower I went to she received a lot of the same small books.  So I'd rather just put a few on my registry. 

RoxyLynn

I feel like it's asking a little too much of guests.  I would do a regular card or gift tag like I always do.

mrsmegs06

I love the idea. I agree with PP cards are sometimes as expensive as books.  If you buy a paperback book that is  I'd much rather buy something that lasts a long time like a book, I know people would just throw the card away. 

EastCoastBride

Honestly?  I wouldnt' do it only because you're going to get a ton of books anyhow.  Trust me.  And it hasnt' really been until the past two months or so that DS has actually REALLY taken an interest in books. 

And I'm still always getting books from people. 

RachandJer

For me, there would be a big price difference between a book and a card.  While I think a book instead of a card is a very practical idea, I wouldn't feel comfortable telling my guests to bring one.

RaphSandra2005

I love this!  My sisters and mom did this for my baby shower last year and I got so many books.  Most people also included a card, which surprised me.  And out of all the books I received, I only got one duplicate!  DS loves his books.

barnwife

RachandJer:

For me, there would be a big price difference between a book and a card.  While I think a book instead of a card is a very practical idea, I wouldn't feel comfortable telling my guests to bring one.

Ditto. Maybe I'm just a savvy shopper (thanks, mom), but I can't think of a card I've purchased that cost as much as a book. Unless of course you count second hand books from rummage sales.

You are already asking for a gift from guests (that's the point of a shower). Asking for 2 seems like overkill to me.

Stellar1

We did it for mine and it turned out great. Most people bought a gift and a card. We got so many awesome books and we actually had a bunch of guests tell us what a great idea it was.

I went to a good friend's baby shower three years ago when it was done and I thought it was a fantastic idea and was not offended at all.

court1703

Just went to a shower about a month ago and they did this.  At first when I got the invitation I was like are you serious??(Thinking books would be way more expensive then a card)  Then after I saw the price of books I thought it was a great idea.  If someone throws me a shower I'm definetly doing this.  B/c honestly a card is a waste of money.  (IMO)

marriedinaugust

My MIL is doing this at my shower.  She is just putting in lieu of a card we would like people to sign a book to start the baby's library.  (Of course it will be worded better than that.)  We put some board books on our registry but welcome any books that come our way. 

hopefulmom

Personally I dont care one way or the other.  A lot of people get upset over it because they have to purchase yet another gift.  You CAN find a book for the price of a card (unless you get your card at the dollar store...but you can even find books there!).  I have gone to a couple of showers that requested this.  I got a book AND a card for two reasons.  1st, I saved ALL my kids cards they got from birth until their 5th birthday.  It's fun going back to look at how different they were 25 years ago.  Books get destryed eventually.  The 2nd reason is that some books are "hard to sign"...like there really is no place to sign it.  On top of that...you actually address the card to the mom-to-be not the baby since normally the baby hasn't arrived yet.  Obviously it would look silly to address a book about nursery rhymes to an adult...kwim?

charlies-angel

I personally hate it. For my shower, I will specifically make a request that the host does not do this for me.

northtamarack

Meh, while I wouldn't be offended, it feels weird to be told what gift to give.  If so many people think that it is such an awesome idea, why do people need to be told/requested to do this when they go to a shower?

 

soonerqt

I think it's a great idea! I don't think many people would object to wanting to buy a book for a baby.

nooniesgal

I personally feel like books are pricey and cards are cheap.  I think it is a lot to ask but then again, I am pretty cheap sometimes!

Nay#1

I recently co-hosted a shower for a friend of mine and we did this. We included the following poem:" Just one last request and we hope it not hard, please bring baby a book instead of a card". But believe it or not some people were confused and asked if they should bring a book instead of a GIFT. If you think your guests might get confused then leave it out. I asked for my family to leave it out for my shower although my friend ended up getting a lot of great books....we had to do too much explaining.