How do I get people to use the baby registry?

I have been to tons of baby and wedding showers and have noticed that a lot of guests do not use the gift registry. I think it is so frustrating for someone to spend all that time putting a registry together and not have anyone pay attention to it.

I am planning a baby shower for my sister and I want to make sure she gets the stuff from her registry. What can I do to encourage the guests to use it? I also want to make sure they actually scan the items they buy so that everyone else will know what has already been purchased.

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How do I get people to use the baby registry?

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Jul 22, 2008
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Include the registry with the invite
by: Sonya

This is an excellent question and observation. I too have been to plenty of showers where people do not use the registry. First of all, I want to make sure you are aware of the fact that your guests are not obligated to use the gift registry. They can buy whatever they like.

But, using the registry is a common courtesy for the new mom, and the guest should take into consideration how much it will help her when the new baby arrives. Besides, the whole point of creating a registry is so that you can tell your guests exactly what you will need.

Here is my suggestion – print out a copy of the gift registry and enclose it in your invitations. When the guests open the envelopes and actually see the list, and this may influence them to use it. If your list is too long, or simply will not fit inside the invite, use the standard registry inserts, and be sure to add a not that says, “Please be sure to have your gifts scanned when you purchase something from (guest of honor’s name) list”.

Using these suggestions will not guarantee that the guests will use the registry, but hopefully it will help. The most important thing to remember is that no matter what your guests buy, it is the thought that counts. A lot of guests do not use the registry just because they do not know that that is the preferred method, not because they are simply ignoring the mother’s requests.

Thanks for your contribution.

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Jul 22, 2008
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Submitted by: Sonya

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This is an excellent question and observation. I too have been to plenty of showers where people do not use the registry. First of all, I want to make sure you are aware of the fact that your guests are not obligated to use the gift registry. They can buy whatever they like. But, using the registry is a common courtesy for the new mom, and the guest should take into consideration how much it will help her when the new baby arrives. Besides, the whole point of creating a registry is so that you can tell your guests exactly what you will need. Here is my suggestion – print out a copy of the gift registry and enclose it in your invitations. When the guests open the envelopes and actually see the list, and this may influence them to use it. If your list is too long, or simply will not fit inside the invite, use the standard registry inserts, and be sure to add a not that says, “Please be sure to have your gifts scanned when you purchase something from (guest of honor’s name) list”. Using these suggestions will not guarantee that the guests will use the registry, but hopefully it will help. The most important thing to remember is that no matter what your guests buy, it is the thought that counts. A lot of guests do not use the registry just because they do not know that that is the preferred method, not because they are simply ignoring the mother’s requests. Thanks for your contribution.

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