Is this tacky for a shower?

My sister lives in VA and is almost certain she will not receive any sort of maternity leave pay through the state. B/c of that, they are trying to save as much money as possible. I had suggested to her that she start picking up some items like swings, jumpers, etc second hand so that people can spend money on other gifts for her like diapers and even just give her monetary gifts or gift cards. Is it tacky if in her shower invite we put something stating that we understand there are not many items on the registry and to help with her unpaid maternity leave, they would greatly appreciate gift cards, diapers, etc if someone does not want to purchase off the registry. I have a feeling people would find it tacky and I wouldn't even know how to word it. What do you guys think?

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

I think thats fine and dont even think you need to put the reason why shed like gift cards.

Half the time you wind up going back to return things anyway and get the gift cards either way. It just saves a trip.

I think people just like to have something baby like to gift so she may get some people giving gifts.

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

I think it's fine, especially if you're the one hosting the shower and not her.

When we had DC1 we lived in a very small apartment and when people asked my mom what we needed she told them gift cards, so we ended up not needing to spend our own money on any essentials for like 6 months after baby was born. It was a huge help.

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

She should put things on her registry. She can always return it for store credit and use it towards diapers or whatever else she needs. If her registry is too small, I bet people will get lots of other gifts and she won't be able to return them at all.

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

i probably wouldnt write anything

let her register for what she wants and if its a small registry guests will bring other things that can be returned or gift cards. even if there isnt much stuff she needs, put down cases and cases of diapers in size 1, 2, 3 and even 4.
we had a small registry bc i got a ton of hand me downs, and i did get a lot of gift cards (we did have some expensive items on the registry - crib, glider etc) so people may have given the gift cards with the expectation that the gift cards were going towards those items.


the other option would be to just register for things she doesnt want and return them - this way she gets the gift cards instead of getting gifts without gift receipts etc.

eta - how many people do you plan on inviting to the shower?
there are a bunch of things she can register for that she prob wont get second hand in addition to diapers & wipes:
clothing/pajamas (she can register for clothing up to 12 months)
hats/socks/newborn mittens
blankets
bibs
burp cloths
crib sheets
changing table pad/cover
medicines (teething gel/tablets, fever/pain reliever, gas medicine)
pacifiers
bottles (with nipples in slow, medium and fast flow)
sippy cups for when they get older
teething toys
small toys for the baby to play with/attach to the stroller/car seat
stroller/carseat covers (for rain and bug net, and depending on season a bundle me)

i know most of this stuff is inexpensive but if she goes and gets it on her own it all adds up quickly

Message edited 10/2/2013 12:17:09 PM.

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

I don't think it's tacky, personally. Let's all be honest...in this day and age (and economy...) people need flexibility. If she doesn't want a bunch of stuff she won't even use for her baby...she has every right to want gift cards instead. Why should SHE have to register and then bring it all back for gift cards? I would never even think twice about getting an invite that requested that. I would thank the heavens that I didn't have to treck to BRU to look for something!

Is this tacky for a shower?

Will her shower be in VA or here?

If it will be here, you can always spin it that she won't be able to get the gifts back to VA, so gift cards are appreciated. I had a small-ish shower and there was so way I would be able to get everything in one car!!

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

I would def set up a registry that way you can return the items for store credit...

that being said i think i would put a line in there like "gift cards are encouraged" or something like that

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

Yes its tacky.

If she wants to register for stuff she can then return for store credit, yes. But asking for cash or gift cards, no.

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

IMO it is kind of tacky...because it reads "pay for her maternity leave". you can add gift cards of different values to many gift registries. but I think there should be a registry and no mention of "preference" in gifts. People like to buy gifts, but if they SEE a gift card available for purchase on the registry, some people would find it easier to just click to order or buy it as they don't want the hassle of searching through the registry items and they will see you are requesting it so they know you can obviously use it.

Message edited 10/2/2013 6:05:50 PM.

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

You can register FOR gift cards too at a lot if places.I think if you spread the word through word of mouth, it's better than writing it on the invite...but I also think that she should register at a place like Target, bc that way if she returns stuff for Store credit, she has a lot more options to use the store credit than say at a BRU.

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

Is this tacky for a shower?

She should just register for gift cards in differing amounts, diapers and wipes.
There's also a game a co-worker of mine mentioned she saw at a shower where people were entered into a raffle if they brought diapers with them -- not necessarily as their gift but similar to how there's a wishing well for wedding showers. So maybe you guys could do something similar?
I don't like the idea of asking people for certain things.

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

Re: Is this tacky for a shower?

i think you should not even put the reason why and suggest gift cards - this way it could help with diapers and reg/ things. Maybe Target would be good. My friend who did this for her bridal shower for Home Depot and target, i didnt think it was tacky. They worded it nicely

Message edited 10/4/2013 8:13:16 AM.