Build-a-Library Baby Shower question

So I have a question for anyone who has done or is doing a "build-a-library" baby shower theme.

I found a poem that I like to go on the invitation asking that guests bring a book "in lieu of" a card.... however, I also found a cute idea for a centerpiece where we would use the books people bring as the centerpiece. To be specific, I would get 2 small vases with fresh flowers and use them as bookends on each table and the books that the guests bring will be part of the centerpiece on their particular table.

I LOVE this idea, but I just realized, I guess there will be no way to know who each gift is from if they are signing the book and im separating the book from the gift, right? Before I had the centerpiece idea, we were going to display the books at the shower in a bookshelf or something anyways so the books would have been separate from the gift in either case....

What do you guys think?? Should I change the poem on the invite and instead of asking for a book "in lieu" of a card, just ask to donate a book for the baby's library?

TIA!!!

Re: Build-a-Library Baby Shower question

I've only heard of a book in lieu of a gift. Never as an exchange for a card. But if you can get away with that, it's super awesome because you'll get the books!

Re: Build-a-Library Baby Shower question

I received books with notes in them from guests in lieu of a card.

I forget the saying my mom put in it...but I do have a shower invite in my purse right now with the same request. It reads:

Just one last request
And we hope it's not hard
Please bring a book
In place of a card
By signing your book
We'll remember and share
Your special gift
Even when you're not there


My DS loves seeing who gave him what book when we pull one off the shelf. I think is a great idea and love this idea better than getting cards.

Re: Build-a-Library Baby Shower question

I've only gotten inserts asking for it in lieu of a card.

Although cards are nice
They're read only once or twice.
A book is a treasure forever.
So instead of a card to be put aside,
Please give the baby a book
with your message inside.
It will be read to him before bed each night
A sweet, loving sentiment to make him smile bright.

Re: Build-a-Library Baby Shower question

Posted by neener1211

I received books with notes in them from guests in lieu of a card.

I forget the saying my mom put in it...but I do have a shower invite in my purse right now with the same request. It reads:

Just one last request
And we hope it's not hard
Please bring a book
In place of a card
By signing your book
We'll remember and share
Your special gift
Even when you're not there


My DS loves seeing who gave him what book when we pull one off the shelf. I think is a great idea and love this idea better than getting cards.

Re: Build-a-Library Baby Shower question

What my friend did was do the build a library as a wishing well instead of the traditonal wishing well with random cheay' stuff. I can see if I still have the poem at home, and Ill post it for you...

but that may be an idea to try as well since you want to separate them out...

Re: Build-a-Library Baby Shower question

Re: Build-a-Library Baby Shower question

i can help! my shower was book themed. in the adorable invitation was included book plates so the guests filled them out and put them inside the book before they gave them in. it was off the martha stewart website. here's the link!

book shower!

Re: Build-a-Library Baby Shower question

Here's another poem if you want to use the books for a wishing well:

Please join us in welcoming the new little one
With friends and food it'll be lots of fun
If everyone brought a book it sure would be swell
We'll try to fill up the wishing well
Baby (last name) can sit down with mom and take a look
Or hop in Dad's lap and open a book
He will become very smart, if my advice you do heed
If we begin early, he will soon love to read