My in-laws have generously offered to host a baby shower for us, and my MIL has specifically said she'd like to help with the big ticket items, crib, dresser, etc. I know we can get quality pieces on Craigslist for half of what she would pay in a store, but I'm not sure how to communicate this to her without it seeming like an ask for money. Has anyone recommended to their guests that Craigslist items are welcome, as long of course as they are in safe working condition?
Thanks for the advice!
Re: Craigslist registry?
Definitely don't tell your shower guests to get you stuff off of there. Lots of people are uncomfortable with the idea of Craigslist.
some things would be fine from Craigslist and some things wouldn't.
It is recommended (for the safety of your baby) that you purchase the crib, mattress and car seat(s) new.
I would also be careful about what items you are purchasing used. Has the item been recalled? Can you clean the item? Was the home smoke free or pet free? Is the item in good working condition?
If you really would prefer certain items (used or not) I would talk with MIL personally and just tell her.
When you've been married this long, you need a ticker to remind you.
Baby Boy M - 08/01/2013
Expecting Baby Bean February 2017
I'd recommend buying second hand from consignment shops for my guests rather than CL. I love me some CL, but it can be sketch and I' can't imagine some of the older generation being down with that. A consignment shop or Goodwill is a much safer shopping environment.
I agree with PP that the crib, mattress, and car seat should be purchased new. I would spread this info via word of mouth when people call you MIL to RSVP, she can tell them that you are very, very open to gently used, second hand gifts. I thin it is too complicated to try to explain that on an invite.
This.
Also, I don't feel comfortable meeting up with strangers from the Internet to make a business transaction.
Eh. I have a good friend who really tries to avoid waste, so she didn't want anything brand new if she could avoid it. When I threw her a shower and people asked me where she was registered when the RSVP-ed, I just told them she wasn't registered, and appreciated gently used items. She mostly needed clothes anyway, and it wasn't a big deal.