How do you put into words in an invitation that you do not want toys/clothes as gifts for a baby christening?

Question

And instead of toys or clothes, the parents would prefer money to put up a savings account/educational fund in the baby's name. The baby has everything she needs up to about a year, from gifts from the baby shower

Answer 1

Steven's answer---

"No gifts are desired or expected at this event, as we would only like you to join us on this blessed day. However, if you insist and wish to contribute to Baby Jane's education fund, small donations will be accepted."

Just wanted to put that if you must write it somewhere, I agree that would be the most tasteful way!

Answer 2

Okay, I read your whole question (additional details and all), and I still don't understand what the actual invitation would be for. An invitation is something you send out to "INVITE" people to an event. If there's no event, then there's no invitation. If you send out pieces of paper with nothing more than "Gifts Please. Registered at ABC", then you are basically just telling people that you expect a gift from them, and it is absolutely tacky no matter how you try to justify it. Go to Babies R Us or Target or whatever is closest for you and register for the things your baby needs. If you don't have a friend or relative who is willing to throw together a small shower, then maybe they could at least casually pass your registry info along to a few people. Anything would be better than what you're suggesting... EDIT: Hey, look.... do what you want. But the fact that every single response pretty much told you the same thing should tell you something (and I promise it's the same thing everybody who opens them is going to be thinking). If you are truly in a situation where you are totally alone, borderline homeless and cannot afford the basic necessities without begging from friends and family, then how are you going to continue clothing, feeding, and diapering your child once the gifts run out? Is your child going to have health care? Vaccinations? How are you going to pay for child care while you work? If you can afford these things, then you don't need to send these "invitations" out. If you can't, then maybe raising this baby yourself isn't in the best interest of your child.

Answer 3

The best way I would put it on an invitation:

"No gifts are desired or expected at this event, as we would only like you to join us on this blessed day. However, if you insist and wish to contribute to Baby Jane's education fund, small donations will be accepted."

I agree with the others though...if you do not want gifts, just say no gifts. Don't dictate what you want. After all, this is a christening not a baby shower. The last two christenings I went to, the godparents were the only ones who bought something, and the rest gave cards, which probably had cash in at least some of them.

Answer 4

Personally I think asking for money outright is classless, people give what they can afford to. If the parents really want money then possibly tell THEIR parents and siblings, asking people through invitation for money is tacky and will make many people feel uncomfortable.
The parents are responsible for providing their children's financial and educational support not friends and extended family. A christening is about committing a child to a religious lifestyle and upbringing, unfortunately with the church running itself these days as a corporation it has lost its value. Of course, this is just one persons opinion.

Answer 5

In lieu of toys and clothes, the parents of _________ have requested a small offering toward the baby's educational fund



Some say there isnt a real easy way of bringing this up. Word of mouth helps also. Most people won;t even remember you asking for money

People seem to be stuck on what someone else considers tacky. No one knows an individuals situtation and I do not think you should base it on what dear abby and so and so said. Do what you feel is best.

Answer 6

Please don't say anything....there are so many of your friends and family that truly LOVE you and your child, and they actually enjoy the time and effort they spend choosing the gift they would like to give. If your baby has everything it needs, then what possibly do you have to lose? It will only hurt feelings of people who truly love you and your baby and make for hard feelings later on. You may need them later in an emergency. If you receive items you don't need or want simply exchange them for something your baby may need in the future...your baby is going to grow soooo fast, you may think you are prepared and have all you need...but believe me things change quickly! Good Luck and GOD Bless.

Answer 7

You don't. Invitations should *never* mention gifts. It is incredibly tacky and rude to ask for cash instead of gifts.

For a Christening most people will choose to give something sentimental, such as a children's bible, or a savings bond, anyway.

Answer 8

instead of putting where the mother and baby are registered at put that they would like a donation for the child's college fund. or do it by word of mouth b/c some people do consider it tacky to ask for money. I personally think it's ok to ask for a donation for a college fund for a baby though. that's something that is really needed.

Answer 9

Technically, you aren't supposed to tell people what to get in an invitation. It's bad etiquette. But, what you can do is talk to a few close relatives and friends about your wishes and they can spread the word. But, in my experience, most people give money for christenings. The shower is for the other stuff.

Answer 10

I have the same situation, everyine asking what I wanted as gifts for my daughters birthday.
I have honestly told them that we would prefer money to add to her bank account.

She has everything she needs at the moment, and we would prefer it if our daughter could have money to spend when she is older on the things that she needs.