Are you an expectant mother needing to create a registry? Before you begin the process, check out our unique ideas for creative baby registries!
Most Common Registries:
Babies R Us: Most recommended by new moms. Best and most complete selection.
Target: Darling selection, but be forewarned! Many mothers complain about the overly-strict return policy! If you try to exchange a duplicate item (or any item) without a receipt, their policy is that it must be under $20, and they only let you do one item within a certain time period. Otherwise, you are out of luck!
Wal-Mart: Typically lower prices, selection isn't nearly as good as Target and Babies R Us
Chi Chi Registries:
The following registries carry the most up-to-date trendy items. Pricing is sometimes higher than the recently-listed big box stores.
There are thousands of online baby boutiques where you can find countless truly unique baby items! At The Hip Homemaker, we are working on building our own boutique, so watch for that coming soon! In the meantime, here are a couple of darling sites that we really love.
Amazon: One of the most unknown baby registries, and yet they have so much to offer! They even offer gift certificates. Did you know that Amazon even offers groceries now?
Baby Abode: A trusted, highly-rated site where you can register for cloth diapers!
Day Spa Registry: Many day spas are now offering online gift registries! What new mother couldn't use a day at the spa? Check out this example of a spa registry located in New York City.
Diaper Raffles: If you don't want to create a registry, a great idea is to have a diaper raffle at your baby shower. People bring packages of diapers and wipes (your hostess can even assign a certain size to each guest), and they receive a raffle ticket for each package of diapers or wipes donated. Then the hostess sponsors a prize such as a $50 American Express card for the raffle ticket drawn.
Some Things to Keep in Mind:
--If you receive a gift certificate, check the back to see if there is an expiration date. Many cards have them, and it would be a shame to see your gift go to waste.
--Check return policies, as we mentioned before.
--If this is not your first child, creating a gift registry is a great idea, because you will still be asked if you have one and what you need. Registries are helpful for long distance family members and friends, because it's easier than ever to order online and have the company gift wrap and ship your gift directly to you.
--If this is your first child, there is no guarantee your baby shower guests will look at your registries. So be sure to communicate your needs to the host of your showers so that she can relay that information for you.
