What do you think about birthday party registries

[Deleted]

I've seen a few of them...

One toy store in particular. You go in, put all the toys you want in a basket and then your friends can just pick gifts from the basket with your name and buy them.

[Deleted]

For children?

Eh. Why not? Not much different from fucking baby showers.

[fashionx]

It would never occur to me to check if anyone had a registry outside of weddings or baby showers. I would think it's weird if I were told about a registry for a birthday, but if I were buying them something anyway and it wasn't an inconvenience I guess I would buy from it.

[definitelyO]

I do think it's a bit weird and I won't do it - but of course, I do send out the Christmas list to the relatives including links - so basically the same thing....

my B and SIL do it - they keep a running amazon wish list and I'll tell you it makes buying for their kids so much easier.

[jennistarr1]

As a non-mom, I appreciate the registries for 1st birthdays and etc. As long as it's not annoying like with a 300.00 dollar something on there and lot's of over 50.00 stuff and worse yet...diapers or food.

[ecupirate04]

Dislike

[Deleted]

I like it. I don't know what you kid has and doesn't have. Give me ideas!

[DarcyLongfellow]

I'm okay with it as long as the information is ONLY given to people who ask for it.

I am not okay with it when parents use it to dictate what you buy their kid. There's a really annoying woman in my playgroup for DD who send out invitations to her son's birthday party which included a note that they only allow wooden toys because plastic toys are evil and directed the invitees to her son's "birthday basket" at a local store.

No way was I going to that party for many reasons, but if I had I was totally going to buy the loudest most obnoxious plastic piece of crap and make sure her son knew about it so she wouldn't be able to give it away.

[hanihani]

It makes it easier for the gift buyers....and I'm fine with it, as long as the stuff isn't crazy expensive. I'd rather get them something that was wanted rather than guess.

Some of you may consider this rude, but, for one of the recent kids parties that my DD was invited to, the mom gave a "gift idea" of wrapping up a $5 bill all fancy, so her kid could pick whatever he wanted with his birthday money. I thought this was a win-win for everyone - I didn't have to shop for a present, and the kid probably picked one big thing - so less crap for the parent's house.

[steph96]

I suck at gift giving, so I think it's a great idea.

[busybodyk]

:N:

[ejpint]

I'm all for it - I don't hang out with kids on the regular, so when I get an invite to a party, I'm lost. Most of my nieces and nephews just get cash from us.

I'm the kind of person, though, who probably wouldn't make one for my own kid, because I'd be afraid someone would think it was tacky and gift-grabby. I need to care less.

[psyck]

May 18, 2012 14:21:45 GMT -5 DarcyLongfellow said:

I'm okay with it as long as the information is ONLY given to people who ask for it.

I am not okay with it when parents use it to dictate what you buy their kid. There's a really annoying woman in my playgroup for DD who send out invitations to her son's birthday party which included a note that they only allow wooden toys because plastic toys are evil and directed the invitees to her son's "birthday basket" at a local store.

No way was I going to that party for many reasons, but if I had I was totally going to buy the loudest most obnoxious plastic piece of crap and make sure her son knew about it so she wouldn't be able to give it away.

Awesome.

[soozy87]

I don't like the idea.

[rex]

It's great if it's for kids. I find myself asking parents for ideas of what to get anyway.

[sawyerthedestroyer]

I keep an Amazon wish list for DS. Whenever I see something I think the kiddo would like I add it to the list so I can go back around his birthday and Christmas and shop for him. I've only told family about it when they've asked what to get DS for whatever occasion. That's the extent of his birthday "registry."

[krystee]

I used to hate the idea until my friends had kids and I had no earthly clue what to get them. I feel like, etiquette-wise, I'd still be put off by them, but man, they'd make buying gifts much easier.

[amity]

I really (REALLY) want to hate this idea, but can't help but agree that it would be very useful.

[UnderProtest]

While it is questionable etiquette, I still like it better than asking my SIL what to get her 3 year old for his birthday and getting the answer of "a gift card for whatever amount you would have spent so that I can get him curtains.". I hate gift cards in general, but seriously??? I'm buying nephew a gift, not you. Since then all gifts have come without gift receipts so she can't return toys and buy curtains.

[Deleted]

I have an Amazon wish list as does most of my family. It makes life easier. If anyone wants to search my name, they can find it. If not, that's great too. I will probably harrass my sister and SIL until they make them for their kids.

Really I think everyone should have Amazon registries for all occassions.

[backinpgh]

Amazon wishlists FTW

[heightsyankee]

May 18, 2012 15:18:40 GMT -5 amity said:

I really (REALLY) want to hate this idea, but can't help but agree that it would be very useful.

:Y:

[mishap]

I don't like them and would'nt do it for my kids. Kids need to learn how to accept crappy gifts graciously. We actually have to practice this before any gift giving event for DS.

"Thank you for the used socks, Grandma! I like the color blue."

"Thank you for the robot, Aunt Sue" (not mentioning that we already have it)

[ejpint]

May 18, 2012 16:00:54 GMT -5 mishap said:

I don't like them and would'nt do it for my kids. Kids need to learn how to accept crappy gifts graciously. We actually have to practice this before any gift giving event for DS.

"Thank you for the used socks, Grandma! I like the color blue."

"Thank you for the robot, Aunt Sue" (not mentioning that we already have it)

I do agree with this part - there were no gift receipts at my party. I had to pretend to like the Cosby-esque sweater from Grandma with the strategically placed pom-pom balls. And wear it when she came to visit. That shit builds character.

[peachdragon]

OK only if people ask what to get your kid, then you can tell them that the child has picked out a few things that he or she would like at such and such store.

I have an Amazon wishlist that I direct people to, but only when they ask. I love being able to consult a wishlist for someone, especially a child.

[drloretta]

May 18, 2012 16:50:01 GMT -5 peachdragon said:

OK only if people ask what to get your kid, then you can tell them that the child has picked out a few things that he or she would like at such and such store.

This. DH's cousin sending a 3-page "registry" with his first birthday party invite? After a series of major etiquette faux pas? Tacky tacky tacky