Buying a gift not on the registry?

I'm invited to a baby shower for my brothers fw little sister. I looked the registry today there is basically nothing on it. It's less than 30 items and most of the items are bottles and pacifiers. This is her first dc and she is very young and I'm thinking she just doesn't know what she needs. I was thinking about buying her a bigger item like a stroller , jumperoo or high chair. Do you think that is strange if I buy a big item like that if it isn't on her registry? I don't really want to buy bottles and a bunch of small things? ETA- I don't want to buy a gift card I'd like to actually give a gift. I'm looking to spend about 150-175 any suggestions?

Message edited 4/11/2012 5:37:29 PM.

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

hmm maybe do a gift card with a basket of the small things?

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

I would think if she doesn't have a stroller on the registry she probably already has it. I think I would do a gift basket. I'm sure you'll find something you'll be proud to give.

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

She's probably borrowing the bigger items...

I'd do the gift card.

It sucks, it's impersonal, but I'd rather have the GC than have to lug a big item to return, kwim?

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

You can do gift card and maybe put together some odds and ends she may have not thought of.

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

Rock n play sleeper. I buy it for every one now! They all now buy it for everyone they know

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

Is there anyone in the family you can call to see if she already has or is borrowing the larger items from? For the last two gifts I did for family, I called the grandma to be and asked what was most needed/wanted.

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

For that price, you could get her the snug-a-bunny swing or something!

Are you sure she doesn't have other registries out there?

I'd totally go and buy her items you think she'd use and love -- stuff like bouncy seats, a jumperoo, maybe a FP space saver high chair. I'd totally get her like 3 or 4 big-ticket items that add up to how much you want to spend. Just make sure to get them from somewhere with a FABULOUS return policy (like Buy Buy Baby) and make sure to include gift receipts.

I wouldn't do a gift card -- you have great ideas and great intentions. I think it's wonderful you want to go overboard for her and try to be thoughtful and helpful. I'd just trust your gut on it. If it turns out she's getting everything used from someone else, so be it... she'll return stuff and use the money. If she's just overwhelmed and doesn't know where to begin, you'll be giving her a fabulous and thoughtful start!

That's just my $0.02.

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

I talked to my fsil and she said her sister just really has no clue on what she needs or wants. She said she was thinking people would give gift cards and than buy stuff after the baby is born I really don't know how she thinks she is going to take a baby home without even an infant carseat. Anyways, I think I'm just going to buy her a swing and than buy a bathtub and fill it out with towels, body wash, wash cloths, diaper creams and box of diapers. I think its all stuff she will actually use and need.

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

Could you offer to bring her back to the store as a BTDT and help her add to her registry?

I didn't get a lot of stuff until after DD was born just because I didn't know what I'd really need/want. We had the RNP, bathtub, obviously a car seat and snap n go, etc, but I didn't have a high chair or bouncy seat or tummy time mat or anything. I had a very small shower, though, so I didn't receive a lot at it. I got a lot more presents after DD was born.

Let me know if you want me to email her my "useful baby items" doc I just put together for a friend of mine! It took me about 4 hours the other night, but I'm really proud of it.

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

I wouldn't buy one of the big items cause I think they can be personal as far as the parents tastes and needs.

My SIL bought be a laundry basket and filled it with all the things she wished someone had given he right from the start.

In it was breathable bumpers, a boodger sucker that runs on batteries (and let me tell you this thing is like a gift from god) a flexible cup used to rince the child in the bath....great for hair rinsing since is is flexible it comforms to head and water does not run in their eyes.

It was a great gift!

Re: Buying a gift not on the registry?

Posted by springsandra

Could you offer to bring her back to the store as a BTDT and help her add to her registry?

I didn't get a lot of stuff until after DD was born just because I didn't know what I'd really need/want. We had the RNP, bathtub, obviously a car seat and snap n go, etc, but I didn't have a high chair or bouncy seat or tummy time mat or anything. I had a very small shower, though, so I didn't receive a lot at it. I got a lot more presents after DD was born.

Let me know if you want me to email her my "useful baby items" doc I just put together for a friend of mine! It took me about 4 hours the other night, but I'm really proud of it.