Registry; how many items?

aec22

DH and I registered today (this is our first). But, I am worried we have too many things on there. I don't want to seem greedy/gift grabby. I obviously don't expect to recieve every item, but I wanted to give people a variety of items at a variety of price points so that they have a bunch of choices. My mom has mentioned throwing me a shower and I am assuming it will be the only one I have (which I am totally fine with) because I had one bridal shower, also thrown by my mother. And in my circle it is pretty much the norm to have one shower with both MTB and DH/SO's families and friends invited. So they are normally on the big side- usually 40-50 people sometimes more. I've been coming up with a guest list and am currently almost at 50. Plus, knowing my mom, she'll want to invite some of her friends, too.

BRU told us to register for 4-5 items per person, which DH and I both felt was really excessive. So, we just went around the store and registered for what we want/need without thinking about hitting a certain number. We don't want to put stuff on our registry just to hit some quota. But, my question is, how much is too much? Currently, we have 140 items on our registry. But about 25-30 are books. We put them on because we really want to build the baby's library but are uncomfortable with asking guests to bring a book instead of a card (although since my mom is planning my shower and she wants it to be a surprise I probably won't know if she does ask guests to bring them. I am planning on dropping hints that I don't like that idea.). We're hoping by putting some books on there that people will see them and realize that we want books. If you saw a registry with 140 items would you think it was gift grabby? Should I take some/all of the books off? Any tips/advice would be helpful. I just don't want to come off as tacky. Thanks!

FarmvilleLover

I think 140 items, with about 30 being books, is great.  I had a lot of books on my registry too (more than 20).  (I reg'd at Amazon and BRU) and I what I found was a lot of ppl got me a book AND a gift, it was really nice.

I'm with you, I didn't want any guests being asked to bring a book in lieu of a card, but in case they wanted to, at least a list of my preferred books was available if they needed some guidance.

I don't think you're coming off as gift grabby.  I think guests will appreciate a wide range of gifts to choose from if they go off your registry.

I had almost 50 ppl at my shower, with lots of others sending gifts that couldn't attend my shower.  I started with about 100 items on my amazon registry and the few days before my shower, I had to scramble to add more to both registries bc most things were bought off already. 

Alliebooberz

That doesn't seem excessive to me at all.

EastCoastBride

I don't look at how many items a person has.  I simply look for gifts that are in my price point.  What will hit me as greedy is if there are ONLY expensive gifts.  Past that.... I don't care.

Don't overthink this.  Just register for what you want and need and dont' worry about it.

aec22

Thank you, ladies!

rhubarb123

I think the number of items you registered for is pretty typical (even if it were without books).  The important thing is to try to hit each price point which is easy to do. 

ZAP12

Also remember that a lot of registries give a discount to complete your registry after a certain date. It really helps when you can buy one of your expensive items for a bit less. Obviously don't register just because of that, but it's better to register for more than you expect in my opinion!

kyethra

DH and I registered for anything we thought we might possibly want since we get the completion discount. We don't have to buy things, but we want the option of the discount.  I also registered for tons of clothes since I know people like to buy clothes and nothing I got at my shower was remotely similar to the clothes I registered for.  So I say don't waste the effort picking out clothes you like for that unless you are going to buy with the discount. 

I love books (I have a masters in library science and am a certified school librarian) and I was so happy to register for those and get any books as presents during my shower.  To me that was the best thing, especially when people gave me books that their children liked or that they like.

cmchristian

When I was doing my bridal registry, my mom told me that it is just a wish list.  It doesn't mean people will get it.  It will give your guests an idea of what you need or want.  I had a whole bunch on my wedding registry.  My hubby and I are going to do our baby registry the week before Christmas.

davisas2323

I thought 60 was excessive when I started mine, but then I added 30 books and a few more things and stopped feeling bad. It's all fine, people know that babies need stuff and a lot of it is little things like pacifiers, washcloths, etc.. It's not like you've registered for 140 big-ticket items, so I wouldn't sweat it at all. Plus, people like a wide variety to choose from. Have fun!

sphinx24

I would not worry about the exact number you register for. As long as you have a variety of price points and register for what you want/need I think you are fine. A lot of people use the registry as a guide or don't buy off it at all. You will get lots of baby clothes and such

SAHMommie

just lurking wanted to add my input...

First its really great that you thought to put different prices points! I did this as well when I was pregnant knowing that wallets are tight these days.

People often don't even buy off your registry which is why I used my registry as a way to keep up with things I still needed to get.  I printed it as well so when I went to BRU to buy something it would be marked as purchased and I could keep up with everything I have.

 

BallSox

I couldn't honestly tell you even a ballpark of how many things I had on my registry.  I know it was more than 5 and less than 1,000.  I don't even remember, does it say on there how many things you've registered for or are you guys actually counting? 

I just registered for what I needed, end of story.  

KikiCohen

EastCoastBride:

I don't look at how many items a person has.  I simply look for gifts that are in my price point.  What will hit me as greedy is if there are ONLY expensive gifts.  Past that.... I don't care.

Don't overthink this.  Just register for what you want and need and dont' worry about it.

beckybeth123

It's fine. I put a TON of stuff on mine that I don't actually expect anyone to buy for me because of the completion discount. Besides, babies need a ton of stuff. 

BallSox

beckybeth123:

It's fine. I put a TON of stuff on mine that I don't actually expect anyone to buy for me because of the completion discount. Besides, babies need a ton of stuff. 

Completely false, but thanks for playing.