Baby Shower.

[lhfoo]

My co-workers threw a shower for me two Fridays ago where I received some clothes but most importantly a carseat. Yesterday, my church threw me a surprise baby shower and even though I got some of the bigger items on my registry, I received so much clothes that I don't know what I am going to do with all of them. Not all of them have gift receipts or tags on them, and it is way too much. I thought about exchanging some for bigger sizes, but I can't tell where they got it from. Also, my coach was planning to throw a shower for me after the baby is born. My mother suggested cancelling a formal shower but send out announcements and let them know that monetary gifts will be accepted which I think is a good idea. I don't want to hurt my coach's feeling but I really don't want any more baby clothes right now. How can I put this across nicely to her? Is it rude to just send out announcements and tell people where you are registered and politely state that monetary gifts will be accepted and include a mailing address? I have no experience with this.

[anxiousmomtobe?]

Just be thankful that so many people are welcoming your baby.  I don't think it is appropriate to ask for money, however, on the invitation the host can mention that there will be a money tree.

If you get more than you need and can't return it, I am sure there is a local agency that will make sure it is passed on to some other mum who does not have a huge support network like you have.

And your baby will go through a LOT of clothes.

[have 2 kids]

I think it would be RUDE to ask for money.   You could always request a diaper shower or larger size outfits.

[lhfoo]

But, won't it be rude to give away what I get? I removed all the clothes off my registrys after my first shower because I got a lot. I will feel really bad giving away what I was given and I still have people offering my hand me downs (including my boss). I would hate to literally give away these clothes. It is a trash bag full. I have a very guilty conscience.

[lhfoo]

What is a diaper shower?

[lovethebops]

WOW, that is really nice that you have so many nice ppl that care about you and threw you showers. Your coach maybe hurt if you tell her you don't want another shower. I had only one shower and also recievd TONS of clothes. I ended up storing them in the closet and months after she outgrew many clothes she never got to wear, I sold them on ebay, brand new tags and all. Then I turned around and used the money I got from them to buy other things we needed for the baby, including clothes in the next size up. If there is a way, let your coach know that you you have already had several showers and have already recievd mountains of baby clothes. If the invitations have not already been sent out, maybe she could make a note that you are all set with baby cloths in certain sizes (newborn, 0-3 mon, etc)..Inevitably, you will recieve many sets of clothing, many that are not your style or downright ugly (I had that happen too:) when you are pregnant. It is what ppl do. they get excited about giving gifts, and it usually comes from a good place in their heart. So I would just have the shower, enjoy the pampering, It is not something that you get all the time. Good luck and hope it all works out well, no matter what you decide to do!

[have 2 kids]

Everyone that comes to the shower brings a package of diapers.  This is a great way to stock up on them and if you get too many of one size most stores will exchange them.    

[pumpkin2007]

I received a lot of clothes for my son that were just too small or for the wrong season.  I took everything I couldn't use to Babies 'R Us, where I was registered, and they scanned the tags to see if it came from their store.  A good bit of it did, and they gave me store credit.  I'm going to try Wal-Mart and Target for the other things.  Babies 'R Us was very pleasant about checking the items and scanned everything quickly.  Give that a shot before you give everything away.  If you don't want to do that, try taking it to a consignment shop, or hold onto some things as gifts for other friends who may be pregnant, or try one of those eBay auction stores that are popping up.  Be grateful for the gifts, but don't feel bad if you have too much and need to get rid of some things.

I agree with everyone else that it's rude to specifically ask for money.  Go with the themed shower, but don't flat out ask for money.

[jenniferolivebridge]

you will get clothes whether you need them or not, i told everyone not to go crazy with clothes and still every single person that came to my shower got us clothes.

Keep the tags on and try to return them for bigger sizes. Carter's brand is usually Target or Babies R Us and Gerber brand is Babies R us too.

[lhfoo]

Thanks for the comments, I guess I will go with the diaper shower theme, because you could never have too much of that. I also like the suggestion about the clothes, I feel a little less guilty now. Thanks a lot.

[pixijal]

I would not ask for money either...and it IS ok and not rude to give away the gifts to a well needed charity such as the Crisis Nursery.  In addition, how do you know you have too many clothes?  Wait until that baby gets here and starts spitting up on everything, and you'll realize that you go through 4 outfits a day!  

I would register at Babies R us, and make sure the little registration card that they give you is put in the invitations.  Don't register for clothes if you think you have enough....
Besides that, you get what you get.....
*******Congrats**********

[fitzy11]

i've heard of people having gift card showers. i thought it was a good idea. you are not flat out asking for money, but you will be able to buy what you need.

[lhfoo]

A gift card shower sounds good also! I know babys spit up, but I KNOW I have too many clothes, but I will look into the Crisis Nursery idea also.

[vannessa]

You are so lucky! We just moved in here and since I don't know a lot of people, I have only 5 girlfriends comming to my baby shower. I made a registry and everybody is buying everything but clothes, which I guess is good:)))

[pertykitty]

look at the brand, some stores have their own brands . like target has cherokee. mervyns has their own but i cant remember but you get what im saying. you can always call the person and ask them where they bought the clothes. you could say oh they are so cute i want to get more in different sizes. no its not rude to take back things when you get multiples. everyone wants to buy clothes for showers, its so much fun!! i dont think asking for money is a great idea- people might not come if they think its rude. gift card idea is cool .i dont see that as being rude. it makes it easy! id rather have gift cards myself. if i gave someone a gift card, i might throw a cute outfit in too, but i love to shop for baby stuff! id just give a gift reciept with it. im surprised more people didnt. everyone knows you get 2 or 3 of the same things at showers. im long winded today sorry.

[rubyolivia]

My friend also had a formula fund........kind of like the diaper shower, but people brought formula. If you are nursing, though...probably not such a good plan! lol

Also at babies r us, you can put messages to the shoppers. I already put in mine that Baby Max already has lots of 0/3 and 3/6 month clothes because Mommy shops too much. Maybe you should try something like that! :)

[pixijal]

Never thought of the gift card shower, very nice!!

[lawgirl17]

In my invitations where it said where I was registered, there was a blurb stating that we already had more than enough clothes for newborn and 0-3 months, so we would prefer that if we received any clothes, they be 3-6 or 6-9/6-12 month clothing instead of the smaller sizes. We didn't get a single article of clothing the smaller sizes ... it worked perfectly, and no one was offended because they still got to have the shower for me and basically buy what they wanted (just in a larger size), and we knew we would need the clothes in the larger size. It was a perfect way to go for us!

[rubyolivia]

I just happened to think too, do you need pajamas???? I have gotten alot for my little boy but NO jammies! So I made sure to tell family that so if anyone asks they can tell them PJ's in all sizes! :) That way if people still want to buy clothes (since we all love doing it lol) they can get something useful to you!