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The thing that I REALLY don't get about the book thing...

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Re: The thing that I REALLY don't get about the book thing...

  • lakreuzlakreuz
    imagePunkyBooster:

    Because, honestly, it's not about building the child's library because everyone cares sooo much about his literacy.

    It's simply about greed. 

    I can see how you would think so, but what's the difference between a $3 card and a $3 book? Honestly, a lot of the books I saw were way cheap. I went to a shower last year - her invite said 'a favorite child's book may also be used instead of a card!' which I didn't feel was tacky, it gives you the option. I just thought the idea was so cute I wanted to do it at mine also. Not sure if my host is incorporating the idea or not yet, but I don't see a problem with it.

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  • lakreuzlakreuz
    imageCranang:
    imageKaitie910:

    I haven't read every response to this thread, so I may be repeating what someone's already said, I just figured I'd throw my opinion out there...

    Some people may like the idea of giving books instead of cards, because it gets your library off to a START. My husband and I were both read to throughout out childhoods, and he is still an AVID reader - goes through 2 or 3 books a week, easily. We plan on reading to our little munchkin from day 1, because it's something that's important to us. Yes, I'm sure we'll be given lots of books over the years, but at least we'll have some to start off with. I know the baby won't know the difference between the books at 2 weeks old, but that doesn't matter. It'll make it a little easier for us to have options to read from :)

    Yes, maybe if there are going to be 20-30 people at a shower, you'll end up with a lot of books. But they're BOOKS! People end up with tons of onsies and outfits that the kid wears maybe 2 or 3 times... Books don't ever get too small. And when they grow up, they'll love to read the notes that people wrote for them in the books they chose for them before they were even born! 

    I agree that it shouldn't be a required thing, but maybe a suggestion, and if the parents don't WANT it, it shouldn't be mentioned on an invitation. I wouldn't be offended if I saw something like, "___ and ____ are anxious to build up their little one's library, so if you're so inclined, please give a book instead of a card!" If money was tight and I couldn't afford an extra gift, or I was dead set on a specific gift that was x dollars and didn't want to look for something a little cheaper instead to get a book with it, I just wouldn't do it - no pressure either way.

    That's fine if you don't understand why people request this at showers, but you shouldn't completely criticize the idea, because lots of parents-to-be think it's great. If you have friends repeatedly requesting this for showers that they throw, and they REQUIRE a book, maybe you should talk to them? I can't imagine a parent-to-be being upset for NOT receiving a book... They should appreciate any of your love and generosity, whether you give them a book with a loving note for baby or a card.

    *Sigh*

    Listen, you're new here, so I'm going to go easy.

    If it's such a great idea, then a "request" shouldn't be necessary.  It's not like books are something new that no one has ever heard of.  "Oh wow, what are these things with pages with words and pictures on them?  Oh, hey, it tells a story.  These are great...did they just invent these??"  People know that that books are good for children.  People know that parents like to receive books for kids.  If they are so inclined, they will get a book for the kid.  Put books on your registry.  That's fine.

    But requesting an extra gift is tacky.  End of story.

    Just a question - why does it matter if you're *new* here? Like your responses or questions should be respected more than anyone else's because of how many posts you have? And skip the "I tell it like it is" and "why does everyone care about feelings" stuff. You know your remarks are occasionally inflamatory, so it shouldn't come as a surprise when sometimes comes back at you. End of story.

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