Baby sprinkle: Is this too strange to "request" second-hand gifts?

JenChrisBabyH · March 2013

For many reasons (I believe its eco-friendly, cheaper, supports local charities, and has an element of excitement in the hunt)- I buy almost everything second- hand- especially kid stuff. That said, I know friends of mine are planning a informal baby sprinkle once my baby is born (I don't know the gender and I have 2 girls already, so I'm thinking they are holding out in case its a boy).

Needless to say, is it strange that I'd ask if any gifts are given (in either case of gender) that they come from a second- hand store? I know many of my friends buy garage sale/second hand stuff for their own kids but I've never heard of doing this for a shower, but I think it would benefit me (someone's $25 budget would go further) plus all the other altruistic reasons.

Am I not thinking of something that would make this effort a fail?

botanicalbliss · March 2013

I think it's weird to make a request about what kind of gifts you get at a party someone else is throwing for you. Just let them get you what they want and be grateful for the gifts. I've felt kind of torn with this issue, too, but your fri

watermellens · March 2013

Maybe your hosts could put on your invites "Second hand gifts are welcome and appreciated" instead of registry info?

botanicalbliss · March 2013

watermellens:
Maybe your hosts could put on your invites "Second hand gifts are welcome and appreciated" instead of registry i

grace_smith03 · March 2013

I think a great idea in theory...here's the issues I see:

Too old, safety issues

Cleanliness/condition of item is subjective

you could get duplicates, and how do you keep track, let alone return stuff?

I do love the idea, h

Gabbabridge · March 2013

I definitely would NOT do this or have my hosts request it. If I were to be one of your guests, it would a lot more convenient for me to pick something out on Amazon or at certain stores than to find a secondhand store, go there, weed through all of their

mrs.birdie · March 2013

I do not think you should specify anything regarding gifts. It sounds like people just want to celebrate your new LO regardless. Let people spend their money how and where they want.

PansyPants · March 2013

We let our family and friends know that we were opern to second hand gifts and hand me dfowns shower gifts. Theory were all surprised but very excited, people hate wasting and my family has a lot of kids older thgasn my son. We outfitted him from 0-3T

Lolalipsy · March 2013

Whilst a lovely idea in theory, I would suffice with saying second hand gifts are welcome as other posts have said. It's a lot more difficult for people to go around second hand stores rummaging through items to find something that would be suitable

fivefeetsmall · March 2013

Just. No.

MmW36 · March 2013

Joy2611:
JenChrisBa

runningyogimama · March 2013

1) It's a sprinkle, not a shower, for your third child, so no mention of gifts or registries or anything should be made on the invitation. If someone asks, you or your hosts could let them know that you are not opposed to second-hand.

2) BUT, you

Disneygeek77 · March 2013

I wouldn't say anything. I personally feel uncomfortable telling people how to spend their money.

ordinary1 · March 2013

watermellens:
Maybe your hosts could put on your invites "Second hand gifts are welcome and appreciated" instead of registry info?

ordinary1 · March 2013

You can't tell people how to spend their money. Bottom line. No matter how well you mean, you can't tell people how to spend their money.

rm2013 · March 2013

Register as normal if you want, or not at all. Most folks will just get you diapers or clothes anyway since its not your first. Tell your friends that you know frequent the second hand shops that those are cool via word of mouth. I think you'll confuse ev

Snapdragon750 · March 2013

I think mentioning gifts in any way on an invitation beyond where you're registered is considered tacky. I would tell whoever is throwing your sprinkle that second-hand gifts are welcome and appreciated, and she can tell people word of mouth if s

oliversmom03 · March 2013

I am a volunteer coordinator/site supervisor for a non profit in my area, and we have a thrift store! I love your reasons for shopping second hand, and I think it's a great idea. It could totally help someone that is on a budget as well. THUMBS UP!

MzCurnett8886 · March 2013

I would never include gift information on an invitation, it looks gift grabby in my opinion. Here are my reasons for not buying second hand for a friend:

1. It's very time consuming to go to a store or a few hoping to find a good&n

babyalex124 · March 2013

I personally don't think it's tacky at all. It's your 3rd child so for people to be buying you things for the 3rd time may get tiring so this is a nice idea.

Perhaps a good option is if people already have clothes stored away from their chi

Stina2012 · March 2013

You'd be lucky if I felt like buying you a gift for the third time. But then you have the nerve to tell me what kind of gift to get you? Puh-lease!

BLT20051 · March 2013

Strange? Slightly. Rude? Absolutely.

nyki06 · March 2013

I live at second hand stores but some of my friends won't step foot into one. Because everyone has different preferences I wouldn't make a request like that. You could maybe say you were open to getting second hand gifts.

stkmw02 · March 2013

I'm a FTM, so it's not exactly the same situation, but I understand where you're coming from. We registered for new items, but also mentioned in person to our close friends and family that we'd be happy to accept "previously loved" items. S

nikip6454 · March 2013

I would only mention it if someone asks you if you are registered. You could also let the host know that if anyone asks for registry info to let them know that you aren't registered anywhere and you like second hand things. I would not put it