Is it bad baby registry etiquette to not buy off someone’s baby registry?
This is the question that has been asked all over the internet. Apparently, for some moms and moms-to-be it’s a very heated debate. Many etiquette experts have weighed in the subject with papers such as the Chicago Tribune.
My baby registry experience was different. Despite now having a list of baby registry essentials, I haphazardly made a baby registry after my daughter was born. My family and friends had bought our basic baby needs before I could finish the registry. However, there were many family, friends, and co-workers who wanted to purchase things for my daughter. When they did, they all asked the same question: What do you need or want? My answer was always the same.
Please refer to the baby registry.
It’s not to be rude or short but people create a baby registry for a reason. Everyone’s preferences regarding baby products are different. Baby registries reflect this. Parents know what they need and would like for their baby. The baby registry tells you exactly what those needs and likes are. For a majority of parents, the baby registry is not a list of suggestions. They are asking for these specific items and quantity of items for a reason.
If you plan to buy a gift, buy off the registry.
There I said it. If there’s a baby registry I think it’s bad etiquette not to utilize it. It takes time and effort to go through lists of endless products to curate a lists befitting of parents and their baby. A baby registry provides a way for expecting parents to receive exactly what they’re asking for. It’s there so parents don’t get too many packs of diapers or not enough baby wipes. Buying from a registry keeps you from buying a brand a parent won’t use or books they’re not interested in keeping. Gifting from the registry removes the headache for expecting parents of having to return items.
Buying gifts for expecting parents isn’t about you.
We all know the saying “it’s the thought that counts”. But how much thought for the parents are you putting into a gift that they didn’t ask for? Does good etiquette mean parents will take the gift politely and send you a thank you note? Yes. But does it mean you should? Well…I gave you my answer.
