how to set up a registry, but not with a store...

margot209

Ok, so getting WAY ahead of myself here, but as soon as I told the families I was pregnant, they all told me I better not buy too much for the baby since they all want to help out (very sweet of them).

I am definitely going to seek out a lot of my baby gear second hand.  I would be thrilled to get second hand and hand me down stuff, and really don't want people to buy a lot of the way-overpriced stuff in stores.

So my question is: any way to set up a personal registry with things we'd like as baby gifts, without it listing things from any particular store, and be able to update it when I or someone else has purchased an item? I don't want to set up a whole website (I feel it would appear gift-grabby), but I would love to be able to point people who ask in the right direction, and so we don't get a lot of duplicates. (We have already been given certain items as hand me downs too, so there's already some things we don't need.)

Any ideas?

The_Jen626

I really like Amazon's registry, and you can add things from any website.  Like, I have some cute hats from Etsy, a diaper bag from Nordstrom, etc, listed on my registry.  Then you can add a note at the top that says something like "we would love gently used versions of these products if you can find them" just to give people an idea of what you are looking for.

BakerMommy

The_Jen626:

I really like Amazon's registry, and you can add things from any website.  Like, I have some cute hats from Etsy, a diaper bag from Nordstrom, etc, listed on my registry.  Then you can add a note at the top that says something like "we would love gently used versions of these products if you can find them" just to give people an idea of what you are looking for.

Exactly what I was thinking--people can check off items they buy elsewhere to avoid confusion.

However, people will spend their money how they want to, so you may end up getting new items anyway. 

morethancottoncandy

BakerMommy:

The_Jen626:

I really like Amazon's registry, and you can add things from any website.  Like, I have some cute hats from Etsy, a diaper bag from Nordstrom, etc, listed on my registry.  Then you can add a note at the top that says something like "we would love gently used versions of these products if you can find them" just to give people an idea of what you are looking for.

Exactly what I was thinking--people can check off items they buy elsewhere to avoid confusion.

However, people will spend their money how they want to, so you may end up getting new items anyway. 

All of this, but especially the bolded.  I would never in a million years give a used item as a shower gift and I can't imagine that anyone would really be comfortable doing so.  Also, be prepared for duplicates because people may go to a brick & mortar store to get your gift and most likely forget to check it off the registry.   

margot209

There's a very good chance I won't have a bridal shower, since my family (who'd be the people I'd direct towards this list) all live very far away, so I'd be happy with new/used, I just don't want anyone to feel like they need to go out and spend a tonne if they can find something second-hand.

I may try the amazon list, and just check off when I get similar items.

dufferoo

I really really didn't want to have a big shower or make a registry, but my MIL really wanted both, so we compromised. She hosted a shower for her friends and asked me to at least make her a list of things we don't have so that when people asked what we needed she could tell them. I had a few specifics on the list (ex. FP camo Joe Pack-n-Play) but mostly general stuff (ex. baby monitor). This way, people who asked for direction could still shop where they prefer and either know exactly what to buy or have a little input in shopping decisions. Since all the guests were her friends and family, MIL was able to coordinate this ok, and we ended up getting a lot of stuff we really wanted/needed plus a lot of other thoughtful gifts we didn't specifically ask for. We only got a few duplicates, which weren't too difficult to exchange for store credit at BRU.

mattscountrygirl

I really dont think most people mind spending money on showers, whether it be a baby or bridal shower.  Like others said, people are going to spend money if they want.  I wouldnt buy a second hand gift for a shower.  If you can get new stuff, why not?

sadsadie

I'm using this:

Babylist

https://babyli.st

 

That way I can link to anything from any store. You can also write additional information in, such as "available at these locations" or "second-hand would be fine!" so that your friends and family know they have options.