2nd hand gift baby shower
We trying to reduce our carbon footprint, and save everyone money by encouraging people to bring gently used items instead of new. I found a great website/registry that allows you to list things you want used and also put links for traditional registries to get some new things too.
We are registering for new cloth diapers, car seat and some other things you can't/shouldn't get used. I figure this registry for new things might work better for some of our friends who prefer to buy new stuff anyways.
I am stuck though on how to word it on the invite.
Should I just list the website on the invite and have it all explained to them when they go to it?
Or should I put on the invite "2nd hand baby shower" and make a side note that we are also registered at Target for some things too?
Or just write on the invite that we are registered at this particular website and that used gifts are preferred/encouraged?
Re: 2nd hand gift baby shower
I wouldn't try to explain anything on the invite, just list the places where you are registered. If people go to the 2nd hand site, they will get the idea. No explanation needed. Hopefully the people invited to your shower will know you well enough to know your preferences.
Your hostess can always mention to gusts when they RSVP that you will always appreciate items that have been gently loved. (Please don't say used). But, otherwise, you cannot and should not dictate the kinds of gifts your guests should buy you. If they want to buy new, let them buy new.
As for the invitations, let the hostess worry about it.
In regards to used items, don't be surprised if you don't get many at your shower. I'd be happy to stop by a friend's house with gently used items I know she wants, but I'd feel very awkward giving them as a shower gift.
What she said.
Ditto.
I am also hoping to receive hand-me-down items, but that's not going on the invite or registry. I've told MIL (who's chomping at the bit to host a shower) that when the time comes, I'd appreciate her passing the word along that we'd be thrilled with hand-me-down toys, swing, bouncer, clothes, books, etc. I told her I'll give her the password to the registry so she can delete items from it if she knows someone's found a used item that will suffice.
My husband doesn't think it'll work, but I really hope it does!
On my Target registry, there is a space to write a message, so I put in there for people to please use this is a wish list for us, but to feel free to purchase things used, or elsewhere if they are cheaper. I also put that we love hand-me-downs. People can choose to buy second hand or not. We aren't too particular on everything matching or being a specific style/color, so people can find something similar.
I've already had my sisters call and tell me to mark something as purchased on my registry because they got one for me already (like craigslist, rummage sale, hand-me-down). Yes, I know that kind of ruins the surpise, but I don't actually get the item or get to see what it actually looks like until the shower.
Ok, so I'm in the mood for a nice poem.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue
Please let the baby
Be the only thing new!
New toys, swings and such are really quite swell
But already loved is awesome as well
It's not so bad, it's not so wrong
To find some used things and pass them along
There are a few things, such as diapers and wipes
Must be bought new, they can't be used twice
For those things and others, we must find them new
We've started a registry if you'd like to view!
.......and a fun one.
Some people like new things
Some people like old
We like them both
If they're clean with no mold
Feel free to buy old stuff
Feel free to buy new
Whichever is fine
It's all up to you
So clean out your closets,
Garage Sales, and more
Don't rush off to Babies R US
or some pricey store!
He's the single greatest thing I've done in my life and reminds me daily of how fun (and funny) life can be. He's turned out pretty swell for having such a heartless and evil mother.
Glad I could assist. I forgot to add, however, I think poems are stupid and it should be word of mouth. Or you could do like I did, spend the 30-odd weeks before your shower buying the your own stuff when you find it used. Then you only put what you haven't gotten (which for us, was actually very little) on your registry and let your hostess spread the word of mouth that comparable items (used or new) were more than welcome.
He's the single greatest thing I've done in my life and reminds me daily of how fun (and funny) life can be. He's turned out pretty swell for having such a heartless and evil mother.
BFP #1 9/7/10, EDD 5/14/11, Violet born 5/27/11.
BFP #2 4/9/12, EDD 12/16/12, M/C Rory 4/24/12.
BFP #3 10/6/12, EDD 6/16/12., Matilda born 6/17/13.