Is it rude to have a 1st bday/x-mas gift registry for child?

Question

My daughter's 1st b-day is coming up in 3 weeks and I thought that we could use our existing registry (updated) for bday and x-mas gifts....is that rude? I am sending out her bday party invites tonight and am not sure if I should include a note with the registry information. THX

Thank you everyone for your input...I decided NOT to include registry information when mailing the invitations this evening. I appreciate the time everyone took to answer my question!

Answer 1

Yeah, I definately think it's rude.

With weddings or baby showers, registries are acceptable because you're going to be using those products a lot for a long time. Many of them are household decorations, so yeah, you want to make sure it's something you want to live with day in and day out.

But come on, a first birthday and a Christmas registry? She wouldn't even care if she GOT presents. She'd have just as much fun playing with the wrapping paper.

Save the registries for major life events. With other stuff, start teaching her (now) that a gift is not about what you get, it's that someone cared enough to GET a gift, and you should be grateful for it for that reason.

If people ask you what would be a good gift for her, tell them a few ideas, but a registry just takes it too far.

By the way, most of my kids' favorite gifts have been the ones I would never have ever thought of. Friends or family give things that they think is cool, or their kids love it, and those are the favorites.

Answer 2

I know some people find it "tacky" and "not done" to include a registry for children's parties, but some of them also find it convenient at the same time. A brief note or even a little sticker (if the store provides it) letting your guest know about the registry should be fine.

My niece did have a birthday registry one year because there were so many people buying for her, and her mother couldn't have long conversations about gift ideas 50 times. It worked out well, and my niece didn't have repeat gifts or things she didn't really want, although I notice her mother has not done another birthday registry since then. If you do it, just make sure you put some affordable gifts on that registry for those who can't (or won't) buy expensive toys.

As far as Christmas registry, I think that's something you should only mention when asked, and again make sure you have affordable gifts registered. And if the people doing the asking don't care to purchase by registry, have some suggestions for them.

Answer 3

If I were to get a registry for a child I, personally, would feel offended. Most of the people who typically attend a child's first birthday party are close friends and family and usually are not the same crowd that you would invite to a baby shower for example. Therefore, those people who will be attending her party may already have an idea about what they would like to buy her. If somebody has a question about what size clothes she wears or what kind of toys she enjoys, you can certainly give them that information, but I would avoid using the registry.

Answer 4

No, especially for family who would love to get her things but may not be sure what she has. It's a great way to cut down on repeat gifts and items that may not get the use they deserve. I married into a big family where they all have an Amazon wishlist for all occasions, It's nearly impossible to come up with ideas sometimes. People who find a gift not on the list should feel free to get it but it gives people a good idea what's needed and the chance to pick what they like or what is in their price range. It could be the start of tradition to help make the holidays easier!

Answer 5

No, do not make an announcement of any registry (it's not proper ettiquette to send any registry information with invitations).

Just send out the invitations and when people call to ask what your daughter needs, politely say, "We would love to receive something off our baby registry that is still up at "Sally's Baby Boutique."

Answer 6

maybe it would seem rude because of her age she is turning one so she didn't choose those gifts on the registry you did so it may seem like you are telling people what you want them to buy for her..i dont think you are a rude person or you wouldn't have posted this question or have had any concern..but i would hold off on the registry and just let people buy what they want my son is also turning one in November and everyone just keeps asking me what he needs so i have the opportunity to tell them what he may need without a registry, to me the gifts are not the most important part its not a day to make sure he gets a million gifts but to celebrate the day i brought him into this world and to remember the first day i laid eyes on the most important man in my life....

Answer 7

Mentioning the registry in the invitation would be kind of crass. Mentioning it to someone who calls and asks for any gift ideas would be okay though. Just make sure there are plenty of appropriately priced items on there. It would be rather off-putting if you only had a bunch of high priced requests.

Answer 8

I disagree with everyone else. I think it would be helpful to receive a gift registry card with an invite. At least then I now what to buy and not get something she already has and I would be getting something that you know she could use.

Answer 9

Actually, Toys R Us now has a Christmas List registry for children now where the children go around scanning items they want. I don't think it is rude, I think it would make people's buying easier, so they don't have to think of something that they think he/she might like. This way they know for sure that your child is going to like it. I am not saying your one year old is going to scan items (lol) but at least the parent doing the scanning should know what their child would like more then anyone.

Answer 10

I have a friend who does stuff like this and not only does it bother EVERYONE who's invited to the party, but we all talk about it when she's not around and it lables her as being bossy and greedy. I know thats terrible, but it honestly happens. If someone asks you what the child wants/needs, then its OK to mention a few items but if you want specific things then I suggest a themed party may work for you.