Diaper Raffle- Opinion Please- Clicky Poll

Sunshine5489

So I wanted to do a diaper raffle at my baby shower.  If you don't know what it is it's when whoever brings a pack of diapers get's a ticket and are entered into a raffle to win something throughout the shower.  If you bring more than one then you get more tickets. 

Well my sister and my mother are throwing me the shower and when I told my sister she said she would absolutly not do it because that was so stingy and greedy.  I didn't think it was that big of a deal, but she made me feel like I am so selfish to want to do it.  It's not like you have to bring diapers to get in or anything.  It's just if you want to be in the raffle.  It's not a requirement.

So what do you women think?  Is it greedy or selfish to do this or does she just not know what she is talking about?

[Poll]

Simply Fated

I'm not sure I'm understanding this concept... who ever brings you diapers, gets a raffle ticket?

So, how will your guests know to bring a diaper for a raffle ticket?

Sunshine5489

You put it in the shower invitation.  It would just say something like

A pack of diapers for lil "ol" me, would really help mommy to be, so please bring, a pack of any size, did I mention it could win you a really great prize?

Bring a pack of diapers, any shape or size, to enter a raffle, and win a great prize!

 

Simply Fated

Sunshine5489:

You put it in the shower invitation.  It would just say something like

A pack of diapers for lil "ol" me, would really help mommy to be, so please bring, a pack of any size, did I mention it could win you a really great prize?

Bring a pack of diapers, any shape or size, to enter a raffle, and win a great prize!

 

 

Sorry, that sounds kinda... gift grabby to me. I mean, don't get me wrong diapers are really important for parents, so I would definitely be okay with parents-to-be registering for a lot of them or making a note of them in the registry... but requesting them directly in the invitation is just a no-no in my book. A cutesy poem doesn't make it all better.

And of course there are those who don't bring a diaper, either by choice or they forget. Now, they miss out on the game all party long. I think you're better off registering for them or putting a note on the registry for them.

You can still do a raffle, just give each guest a ticket when they come in regardless if they bring you an extra gift or not. This way, you have a good chance of getting diapers and you get to do a raffle! win-win!

WishLuckyStar

it's asking for an additional gift.

Not ok. 

RoxyLynn

Raffles, really, are for non-profit organizations - not private individuals.

EastCoastBride

I voted "not sure".

While I know it's not "required", it IS asking for an additional gift, which rubs me wrong.  And it will make some people feel like they "have" to.  The whole peer pressure, they don't want to be the only ones who dont' participate, thing.

 

aleana18

I think it depends on who you are inviting to the shower.  In some families they might see it as gift grabby, but in others it might be something they do at every shower.  I was debating to do one at mine, but we aren't since I am not sure how it will go over with my family.

caden

I voted not ok. I don't necessarily think it's selfish, I just think asking for a specific gift is tacky. That said, I don't even think it's all that practical. You'll probably end up with a bunch of newborn diapers (not diapers of different sizes) in all sorts of super cheap brands. And also, your guests will buy you less of a shower present to compensate for the money they're spending on their "cheap" diapers. Is that really what you want?

ETA: Even though it's not a "requirement" everyone is going to feel like they have to participate. It's on the invite and no one will want to be the only one showing up with no diapers. So they'll feel guilt tripped into this "non-requirement." 

K.a.T.e

You want diapers?  Register for them. 

UnderAtree

aleana18:

I think it depends on who you are inviting to the shower.  In some families they might see it as gift grabby, but in others it might be something they do at every shower.  I was debating to do one at mine, but we aren't since I am not sure how it will go over with my family.

This. Its something normal with my family. People would bring diapers all the time and one of my cousin's came across the raffle idea so it kind of just stuck. But the gift that was always bought for the raffle would always be twice as much or more then the other gifts.

deltagirl79

I voted 'no'. I don't know that I think it's selfish per se, but I agree that by asking for an additional gift it just doesn't come off very well. I think that people will want to buy you the gift that they like and being told what to bring takes the fun out of it for a lot of people. You'll probably get a bunch of diapers from the gals who like to do the "butt pack" as my girlfriend calls it (diapers, wipes and butt cream). I'm guessing that since your sister was the one that said no initially that your family doesn't normally do it so it would not go well with your family.

mrs07c

My counins did this at their's and I did it at mine it was a HUGE hit! No one was forced to participate and we had 5 baskets for 50 people- if it was 100 diapers in the pack the person got a 100 tickets.

Even elder attendee's great aunts and grandparents thought it was a nice idea, just make sure you have a variety of prizes/baskets so it's not all towards the "younger" generation  

mr&mrswelch

I would not do something like this. HOWEVER, I think if the prize was worth more than the value of a pack of diapers it seems reasonable. Primarily because it is optional.

mrs07c

MR&MRS I agree completely- and again it is optional- the baskets for mine were done by people who offered- IE my mom and I each did one for my cousins and they did the same then my mil, sil, and a friend did the others- *one was 2 big bottles and 4 small bottles of wine (about $70)- (my two cousins went in on it).

*A pampered chef basket,

*a Mary Kay basket (each about $50),

*a dinner and movie package (included 2 movie passes, + $15 cinema dollars, $40 gift card towards dinner, $10 cash towards tip)

* a gift card basket, $10 gas, $10 dunkin, $10 Barnes and nobles, $10 car wash, $10 walmart

dmd3026

We did it at our shower and got a ton of diapers. It was actually a win-win situation for us because we had season tickets to our local baseball team and knew that after the baby came there were some games that we wouldn't be able to go to. We raffled off two pairs of tickets, so the value of the prize was much more than what people paid for the pack of diapers. The winners got free tickets, and we didn't have to worry about trying to sell them- WIN-WIN! Most people are going to get them for you anyway, so why not reward them.

RoxyLynn

mrs07c:

*one was 2 big bottles and 4 small bottles of wine (about $70)- *A pampered chef basket,

*a Mary Kay basket (each about $50),

*a dinner and movie package (included 2 movie passes, + $15 cinema dollars, $40 gift card towards dinner, $10 cash towards tip)

* a gift card basket, $10 gas, $10 dunkin, $10 Barnes and nobles, $10 car wash, $10 walmart

Couldn't you have just bought your own diapers with that kind of money?

Simply Fated

mrs07c:

if it was 100 diapers in the pack the person got a 100 tickets.

You rewarded people based on how much money they spent on you?

 

What the hell is wrong with people?

Ivana_Stolichnaya

It screams 'Gift Requirement' and seems really tacky.  I'd be turned off if I saw any sort of plead for a pack of diapers in an invite. Why don't you put the money that would have gone into the raffle prizes and go buy some diapers...that or just register for them.

AmF818

I went to a shower that had this. As a guest I didn't think anything of it. I thought that it was a cute way for the mom to be to get diapers. It helped that I ended up winning that raffle

That being said, if it was my shower, I don't think I'd want to ask guests to bring me diapers cause I'd feel like I was being greedy.  

So I guess my opinion is torn on the whole thing.  

Josie22

My SIL did this for her shower. It was a huge hit. She got BAGS of diapers.

I also had a friend who's shower had an extra request. The girl that threw her shower asked for everyone to bring a book to start the babies library. 

I would have loved if either of these had been done at my shower. I'm really surprised by how many people on this board think this is so bad. You're asking for something you need. It may not be done on your registry, but it's asking just the same. Half the people that came to mine didn't buy off the registry anyway.

Simply Fated

Josie22:

My SIL did this for her shower. It was a huge hit. She got BAGS of diapers.

I also had a friend who's shower had an extra request. The girl that threw her shower asked for everyone to bring a book to start the babies library. 

I would have loved if either of these had been done at my shower. I'm really surprised by how many people on this board think this is so bad. You're asking for something you need. It may not be done on your registry, but it's asking just the same. Half the people that came to mine didn't buy off the registry anyway.

Ok, first of all... you don't "need" a book. Food, clothes, and shelter. Those are needs.The way you wrote that, you clumped diapers and books together, so that is just confusing, lol.

Second of all, the very fact that you reward those who bring a specific gift, but not those who don't, singles people out and makes them feel bad that they didn't bring the right gift. You don't reward people for bringing diapers and not those who brought something else.

 

"Oh here, you get a gold star for bringing diapers!

Oh, you only brought a really cute gift? Pssh, here's a blue star for you.

Awww, you brought me baby food! My baby needs that, but since it is not what I specifically asked for on the invitation, you only get a silver star.

Only gold stars get a raffle ticket! The rest of you have no chance of winning this game because you don't get to play. Now sit there in your Chair of Shame and watch the rest of us play this game!"

 

Sunshine5489

Wow some of you ladies are really harsh!  I can't believe it!  Totally not what I expected.  Thanks to those of you who tastefully left your opinion.  To the rest of you...  you are ignorant and if it was your baby shower I would not feel obligated to get the gift because I don't need to "fit in" and be like everyone else.  Plus with your attitude I don't think I would bring you anything nice at all.  Just because someone asks for your opinion doesn't mean you can be a biotch about it!

Simply Fated

Sunshine5489:

Wow some of you ladies are really harsh!  I can't believe it!  Totally not what I expected.  Thanks to those of you who tastefully left your opinion.  To the rest of you...  you are ignorant and if it was your baby shower I would not feel obligated to get the gift because I don't need to "fit in" and be like everyone else.  Plus with your attitude I don't think I would bring you anything nice at all.  Just because someone asks for your opinion doesn't mean you can be a biotch about it!

You're the one alienating your guests by not allowing them to participate in party games if they don't buy you what you ask them to. That would make you the biitch.

kiarox2002

I think this is totally tacky.  Please don't do it.

Josie22

Simply Fated:

You're the one alienating your guests by not allowing them to participate in party games if they don't buy you what you ask them to. That would make you the biitch.

Where in the post did she say this was the only party game? I read a few posts and you just come off as a supreme know it all. I'm extremely glad I don't know you IRL. Or maybe you just order internet strangers around?

NewFamily09

Do you mean they bring you diapers in addition to a gift or as a replacement to a gift.  If in addition to bringing you gifts, then yes, that is too much.  If you are asking for diapers in place of gifts, then I think it's fine to do. 

caden

Sunshine5489:

Wow some of you ladies are really harsh!  I can't believe it!  Totally not what I expected.  Thanks to those of you who tastefully left your opinion.  To the rest of you...  you are ignorant and if it was your baby shower I would not feel obligated to get the gift because I don't need to "fit in" and be like everyone else.  Plus with your attitude I don't think I would bring you anything nice at all.  Just because someone asks for your opinion doesn't mean you can be a biotch about it!

Instead of getting defensive because people disagree with you, you should realize that a certain percentage of your guests will react just like the "biotches" in this thread. If you're fine with annoying them and assuming they're ignorant then I'm surprised you bothered to ask for opinions in the first place.

Akilah C

Most people who reply on these boards are very blunt. I personally would not have a diaper raffle because on another poll most people voted they would subtract the cost of the diapers from the cost of a gift. The downside of diaper raffles is most people will get you very cheap diapers in newborn sizes which you don't use long at all. Consider registering for some. I will say that I like the idea of bringing a book to start the babies library. Most showers I've been to where people bring books are a huge hit and people still get a nicer gift because they can always by a small book for a dollar or two and sign it instead of buying a card. Consider this instead. What was going to be your raffle prize?

Simply Fated

Josie22:

Simply Fated:

You're the one alienating your guests by not allowing them to participate in party games if they don't buy you what you ask them to. That would make you the biitch.

Where in the post did she say this was the only party game? I read a few posts and you just come off as a supreme know it all. I'm extremely glad I don't know you IRL. Or maybe you just order internet strangers around?

Even if she plays fifty games, one game is one game too many to not allow all guests to play.

I am not a know-it-all, but it doesn't take a genius to know that it's rude not to let your guests participate in a party game just because they didn't fulfill a specific gift requirement.

New_MrsP

I'm not a fan of any requests for "additional gifts" like the diaper raffle or asking for books instead of cards. I say, if you want diapers or books, register for them. The guests should choose what they choose to buy you, not feel obligated to add on a package of diapers or a book to their gift.

The diaper raffle is, in my opinion, only a small step above selling tickets on a door prize or charging admission to the shower. And nobody would consider doing either of those.

Sunshine5489

First off I wasn't even talking about your comments but after this you are the ***!  It was to leave your opinion not be obnoxious and rude.  Sorry I am a little more tasteful than that.  This isn't the only game that they can participate in and if they wanted to just bring a pack of diapers that would of been perfectly fine.  By the way I did register for them! 

Sunshine5489

Lol thanks for having my back! 

Sunshine5489

So to answer the questions...  It would be fine if diapers were the only thing that they brought and I did register for them.  I asked for opinions not ignorant distasteful people.  I have no problem with blunt people as I can be blunt myself.  I guess I am just respectful about it!  Also, the raffle prizes were going to be
- 1 hour massage
- Spa day w/me
- Basket full of baked goods
- $40 gift card to Applebees
There prolly would be one more but wasn't sure what that one would be yet.  However, I wasn't really set on the idea I had just heard of a couple people doing it and I wasn't sure if I really liked the idea or if I thought it would be a little tacky.  That's why I asked for some opinions.  So I am not going to do it after all, but thanks to those of you who were decent in answering to this post.  I appreciate it!

I'mAcrossThePond

Sunshine5489:

However, I wasn't really set on the idea I had just heard of a couple people doing it and I wasn't sure if I really liked the idea or if I thought it would be a little tacky.  That's why I asked for some opinions.  So I am not going to do it after all, but thanks to those of you who were decent in answering to this post.  I appreciate it!

Just making sure I'm reading this correctly...you WANTED people's opinions...and when they gave you their honest (albeit sometimes blunt) opinions, you got upset? In that case, you should have asked only for opinions that matched your opinion, then you wouldn't have gotten upset. 

Anyway, to answer your question...a baby shower is not a fundraiser or carnival...raffles don't seem appropriate to me if you are asking guests to spend extra money on you. 

erin033

AmF818:

I went to a shower that had this. As a guest I didn't think anything of it. I thought that it was a cute way for the mom to be to get diapers. It helped that I ended up winning that raffle

That being said, if it was my shower, I don't think I'd want to ask guests to bring me diapers cause I'd feel like I was being greedy.  

So I guess my opinion is torn on the whole thing.  

This. I've seen lots of showers do this and I have brought diapers to them all. However, it's not my thing so I have asked we do not do one at mine. Totally torn too, so I guess this isn't really that helpful

msashleychime

I know TONS of people who have done this. Just a few weeks ago my cousin had her baby shower and had this. She got 28 things of diapers in all different sizes! It's a great idea and if people think its being greedy then they don't have to bring a package.

 

I say you should have them do it if you really want it!

trombagn

i think it sounds like a really cute idea if you wernt registered, like if its ur 3rd baby or somthing but not ok for your first

linareagan

Ok well I am going to reply as a preson who did do this, I have not had my shower yet it is in a couple weeks but i sent out my invites with this saying about 4 week prior to the shower and have had so many compliments about it. Everyone is saying what a great way to help the new mommy and daddy out. They all think its a great idea and cant wait to see what they can win. I know someone who did this and shes glad she did, she didnt have to buy diapers for a few months and thats where i got the idea. So tell sis that its such a great way to help the new family out and if she dpnt like it then too bad its your shower and its sumthing you would like for it. And she will see in the end what a great idea it is!! Anyway, just do it, you will be glad you did they will not see it as selfish or greedy they see it has helping : )

Akilah C

Sunshine5489:

So to answer the questions...  It would be fine if diapers were the only thing that they brought and I did register for them.  I asked for opinions not ignorant distasteful people.  I have no problem with blunt people as I can be blunt myself.  I guess I am just respectful about it!  Also, the raffle prizes were going to be
- 1 hour massage
- Spa day w/me
- Basket full of baked goods
- $40 gift card to Applebees
There prolly would be one more but wasn't sure what that one would be yet.  However, I wasn't really set on the idea I had just heard of a couple people doing it and I wasn't sure if I really liked the idea or if I thought it would be a little tacky.  That's why I asked for some opinions.  So I am not going to do it after all, but thanks to those of you who were decent in answering to this post.  I appreciate it!

 

Bath and Body works is having a 75% off sale this week one a TON of stuff! You could by somethings and make it in to a gift basket! That's what I'm doing for shower game prizes. I don't want you to feel as though I attacked you. From what others said it can be a huge success! I try to give positive feedback on board post even if I disagree. I think you should still do it because I'm sure you can always exchange diapers for other sizes

RustyGirl3

Sunshine5489:

Wow some of you ladies are really harsh!  I can't believe it!  Totally not what I expected.  Thanks to those of you who tastefully left your opinion.  To the rest of you...  you are ignorant and if it was your baby shower I would not feel obligated to get the gift because I don't need to "fit in" and be like everyone else.  Plus with your attitude I don't think I would bring you anything nice at all.  Just because someone asks for your opinion doesn't mean you can be a biotch about it!

Didn't you know that Baby Showers are right up there with Politics and Religion...very serious stuff.  

I say go for it...Getting an invitation doesn't mean you are obligated to show up, "wishing well" doesn't mean you have to bring something for it and if you don't want to bring a book or a package of diapers you don't have to.  Everyone has choices in life.  It's a Baby Shower...its supposed to be fun. 

I think it's a cool idea, and I would want to participate if I got an invitation that said that and I would not think it's greedy or selfish at all.