8 Smart Tips for Creating your Baby Registry
The Best Strategies for Creating your Baby Registry
When you’re pregnant, creating your baby registry is one of the biggest things on your to do list. There are so many new things you need, and the fact that you’ll be showered with gifts is nothing but a blessing. However, creating your baby registry can be extremely overwhelming. Deciding where to register and what to register for can be tricky. Here are some simple tips for creating your registry.
Decide Where to Register
When it comes to creating your baby registry, the first thing you need to do is decide where to register. There are several different retailers and big box baby stores to chose from. The best thing you can do is compare the benefits that each retailer offers and select the one that works best for you. When I was pregnant with Weston, I did a ton of research to see where I could get the most bang for my buck. I put all that research together in one blog post so you can compare and contrast the benefits of each retailer in one simple place!
Check Around for Hand Me Downs First
One of my best tips for creating a baby registry is to check around for hand me downs first. I’ve always been a penny pincher and one who pays close attention to budget. Preparing for a baby was no exception. I wanted to utilize hand me downs as much as I possibly could. I know that this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and many people want the latest and greatest products (especially when it comes to baby). I totally understand the desire to have everything new for your new bundle of joy, but I promise, your baby will never know the difference. In my opinion, some of the best things to get pre-used are baby gear (think things like high chairs, bouncy chairs, jumparoos, swings, pack n’ plays, etc.) Babies grow so quickly that most parents can only use these items for a few short months. Chances are, even if you get these items gently used, they’re going to look and work like new. Checking around for hand me downs can cross a lot of expensive items off your list, saving room for other important things on your baby registry.
RELATED: How to have a Baby on a Budget
Don’t Fall for the Gimmicky Baby Products
There are so many baby products on the market right now. Some are truly helpful, and some are just a waste. It can be hard to decipher which ones are which if you’ve never been a parent before. My best tip for creating a baby registry is stick the basics. If there’s something that you decide you need after your baby is born, you can always go out and buy it later. It’s also good to keep in mind that you don’t need one of everything. Many products are similar to each other, so make sure you’re only registering for one or the other. For example, you don’t need a Momaroo and a swing. You don’t need a Bumbo and a Sit-me-Up. You don’t need an ExerSaucer and a Jumparoo. Just pick one or the other when it comes to these registry items. You can read about everything we actually used in baby’s first year here!
Keep your Registry Small and Simple
It’s very easy to get carried away when you’re adding items to your baby registry. You want to make sure to keep your registry small and simple so that your guests can easily find a gift that you truly need. Keep in mind how many people you’ll be inviting to your baby shower when creating your registry. If you’re only inviting 20 people to your shower, you don’t want to add 150 items to your registry. Chances are, you’ll end up with a lot of gifts that aren’t the things that you actually need. I recommend keeping things like clothes, blankets, and accessories off your registry. These are fun and easy things to pick out on your own and will likely be given as gifts after the baby is born.
Register for Items at Different Price Points
It’s a great idea to register for items at many different price points so that guests of all budgets have something to choose from. Don’t be afraid to add those big-ticket items to your registry. Friends and family can group gift bigger items and you’ll likely have a few people in your life who want to give you a more expensive gift (like your parents or your best friend). The whole idea of a baby shower is to take some of the financial burden off the new parents. If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a crib or travel system, you better add it to your registry. Even if no one purchases those items, you’ll get them at a discounted rate if they were on your registry (learn more about completion discounts). When it comes to lower priced items, remember, your baby will only be a newborn for a few short weeks. Don’t forget to register for products for older babies like sippy cups, eating utensils, and more.
Register for Gift Cards
If you have the option to register for gift cards, do it. Sometimes, people like to have the option to go the simple route and give a gift card. Gift cards are great to hold on to for after the baby is born and you discover that you need something that wasn’t on your list. They’re also great for diapers, wipes, and other things that you’ll continuously need.
Have your Gifts Delivered
Almost every retailer offers the option to have your gifts shipped directly to your house. This makes things so much easier in many regards. You won’t have to find a way to get bigger items to your house and you won’t have as much to load and unload after your baby shower. It’s also a good idea to keep a box of thank you cards and stamps on hand as your gifts begin to roll in. As soon as you receive a gift, fill out a thank you card and send it in the mail.
Add to your Registry After your Shower to Take Advantage of the Completion Discount
If there are items that you think you might want, but you’re not really sure, add them to your registry after your shower. That way, they’ll qualify for the completion discount after your baby is born. If you do decide you want it, you can purchase it at a discounted rate.
I hope these tips and tricks will help you create the perfect baby registry for you and your growing family. Don’t forget, you can download my free baby registry checklist today!
Related:
DISCLOSURE: Coffee and Coos is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
Some posts on this site may or may not contain affiliate links. Coffee and Coos is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. To learn more, visit our Privacy and Disclosure page.
