You've done you homework, picked out your favorite baby gear, and put together an exciting registry in preparation for your little one's arrival. But now comes the question: How do you share it with others?

If you find yourself struggling with the best way to spread the word about your baby registry, you're not alone. While the concept of gift registries is familiar, it can still feel a little awkward to share a specific list of desired items, especially if you already have children or if you're conscious of asking your loved ones to spend money.

The good news is that there are plenty of tasteful ways of sharing your baby registry without coming across as tacky or rude. Whether you want to let your friends and family know about your registry before your baby shower or if you're planning to host a casual gathering to introduce your little one after they’re born, ANB Baby has got you covered. Here's a guide on modern-day baby registry sharing etiquette.

Why Sharing a Baby Registry Is a Perfectly Okay Thing to Do

Worried that it may be a little awkward to share your baby registry info? Don’t be! According to etiquette experts like Martha Stewart and Emily Post, creating and sharing your registry is not only acceptable but actually encouraged. (And hey, if it’s Martha- and Emily-approved, you know you’re in the clear!)

Aside from following etiquette guidelines, baby registries are fantastic because they help your friends and family understand exactly what you need and what will be useful for you and your little one. While some people may already have the perfect gift in mind, others might feel a bit lost when it comes to shopping for baby items or may not have purchased baby gifts in a while. A registry takes the guesswork out of gift-giving, relieving the pressure on your loved ones while ensuring that you receive all the essential items you need for your baby.

Sharing a Baby Registry

Once you’ve created your baby registry, you’re ready to start sharing! Here’s how to share your registry while maintaining proper etiquette. From what to say or write, we'll guide you through the process with ease. Let's dive in and ensure your registry gets the attention it deserves!

1. Add your registry info on the shower invitation.

For celebrations before baby is born:

If you’re having a baby shower or other celebration before your little one is born, you can simply add your baby registry info to the invitation. If you plan to do this, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t complicate things. A single, straightforward sentence at the end will get the job done, like “Visit ANBBaby.com for Vannessa and Robert’s registry!” or “Chris and Jeri are registered at ANBBaby.com!” If you’re using digital invitations, make sure to include a direct URL link to your baby gift registry.
• Keep it casual. If you prefer a softer approach, alter the wording a bit. You can add something like, “Select a special gift for the baby or see Rebekah’s ANB Baby registry for some suggestions!” This is a gentler way of communicating to your guests that any gift they choose will be loved and appreciated.
• Include a separate card. Some experts suggest that instead of placing the registry link directly on the baby shower invite, it's better to use a separate card or sheet of paper to provide the details. This approach ensures that the focus remains on the celebration itself while still guiding guests toward your registry.

For celebrations after baby is born:

If you're planning a sip-and-see party, which typically takes place after your baby's arrival, chances are you already have most of your baby essentials covered. When it comes to mentioning gifts or a baby registry on your sip-and-see invite, it's completely fine to omit them, especially if you're hosting the party yourself. Most guests will likely bring a gift of their own choosing without explicit guidance.

However, if someone else is hosting the party for you and you'd like to include a mention of gifts, it's perfectly acceptable to add a quick line. Consider something like this:

"Chris and Teri have already gathered most of what they need for baby Henry, but if you're looking for some gift inspiration, feel free to check out their ANB Baby registry!"

Remember, the focus of a sip-and-see is to celebrate your new arrival, and gifts are not the primary emphasis.

For celebrations of second or third babies:

What if this isn't your first baby? Many people opt for a "sprinkle," which is a smaller, more casual gathering instead of a traditional baby shower. If you already have plenty of baby gear from previous children, it's perfectly fine to skip creating a registry. However, if you still need some essentials, you can create a second baby registry and mention it on the sprinkle invitation. Just remember not to make the registry the main focus of the event and give guests the option to bring gifts or not.

For example, you can include a line like this on the sprinkle invite:

"We're thrilled to celebrate Cheryl as her family grows once again. Please join us in showing love, and there's absolutely no obligation to bring a gift! But if you do wish to bring something, Cheryl is registered at ANB Baby." The key is to emphasize the joy of gathering together and expressing support rather than putting too much emphasis on presents.

2. Get the word out.

If you prefer not to include your baby registry details in writing, simply share your registry information with a select few people. Then let word of mouth do its magic! Informing key people in your life, like parents, grandparents, in-laws, close family members, and even some friends and coworkers about your registry ensures that it becomes an available option for gift-giving. This way, you can rely on the power of personal communication to spread the word and ensure that your loved ones are aware of your registry without explicitly mentioning it on your shower invite.

3. Write a personalized baby registry greeting.

Did you know that you have the option to personalize the message at the top of your ANB Baby gift registry? It's a thoughtful way to greet gift-givers and an opportunity to convey your feelings and preferences to your family and friends. If you're creating a more traditional baby registry, here's an example of what you could write:

"Thank you for visiting our baby registry! We are filled with excitement as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our little one. If you'd like to shop from our registry, these are some of the items we believe we'll need as our family grows. However, please know that your love and support mean the world to us, and that's what matters most!"

Alternatively, if you're focusing more on gift cards, you can consider this approach:

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our new baby and can't wait to introduce them to all our loved ones. If you're considering a gift, we would be incredibly grateful for an ANB Baby gift card!"

Do you have specific plans for using the gifts? Don't hesitate to share those details so that guests understand how their contributions will be used:

"We are overjoyed to share our love for reading with our little one. Take a look at our registry for all the wonderful books we can't wait to read together!"

"With baby number four, we are all set with baby gear. However, it's time to transform that office space into a cozy nursery where she can sleep! We will be using our gift cards to create a new nursery."

Feel free to personalize the message on your registry to reflect your unique situation and preferences. It's a fantastic way to engage with your loved ones and guide them toward gifts that align with your wants and needs.

ANB Baby Gift Cards

The Takeaway on Politely Sharing Your Baby Registry

The key to feeling comfortable sharing your baby registry is to be genuine and true to your feelings. If you're feeling a little awkward about having a registry for your third baby, it's okay to be honest when talking to a friend or family member. You can say something like, "I know it might seem strange to have a registry for our third baby, but we didn't realize how many diapers and other essentials we still need! We're incredibly grateful to have such amazing friends supporting us as our family grows." If you're concerned that there are too many expensive items on your registry, you can acknowledge it and provide some alternative ideas. For instance, you could say, "I know, the car seat we love is quite pricey. It could be a great option for a group gift if you're looking for something to contribute to." Remember, most of your friends and family are just as excited as you are about the arrival of a new baby. Embrace their enthusiasm, be thankful, show your gratitude, and most importantly, have fun with the process!