How To Announce Baby Registry Without Baby Shower

Looking for ideas on how to announce a baby registry without a baby shower, and alternatives to a baby shower? Then this guide is for you!

Certain recent events that meant we couldn’t meet others outside our home has changed our daily lives in many ways, whether that is your job becoming remote, your own business operations changing, or not being able to celebrate occasions with large gatherings. 

But this has enlightened many of us to new ways of doing things, maybe you don’t need to attend every business meeting in person, similarly, many parents have realized you don’t need to have a baby shower if you don’t want to.

In any case, not every parent necessarily wants a baby shower, or feels it necessary to have one, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to put out a baby registry. Like a couple who has a private wedding, it doesn’t mean people won’t want to give you gifts.

So, whatever your reason, if you’re looking for ways on how to announce baby registry without baby shower, we’ve got you covered!

And if you love this guide on how to announce your baby registry without a baby shower, then you love these guides on pregnancy announcement ideas, second baby must haves, minimalist baby registry, and baby thank you card wording! Or even our guie on when should I start setting up the baby nursery!

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What Is A Baby Registry?

A baby registry is a list of items that a new or expectant parent would like to receive as gifts for their baby.

These items can include inexpensive baby shower gifts such as adorable baby clothing and diapers to more expensive baby items such as strollers and cribs.

The registry is typically created at a store that specializes in baby items, such as a department store or baby supply store. Friends and family can then view the registry and purchase items from it as gifts for the baby shower or after the baby is born. Many retailers now offer online registries that can be shared with friends and family via email or social media.

The main benefits of a baby registry is that you are able to be specific about baby items that you would like, as well as avoid ending up with duplicates that you won’t use.

It just makes the gift buying process a lot easier for everyone else, making sure they are buying things you will definitely need and use ,as well as want, without wasting people’s money or time. 

This latter point is why it is good to have a registry, and why others will appreciate it, as you are taking time to consider those who want to give you things. Even without a baby shower, it can still be a good idea to create a baby registry for this reason.

What Is A Baby Shower?

A baby shower is a celebration in honor of an expected or new mother, during which gifts are given to the mother-to-be for her and her upcoming or new baby.

It is typically held during the last trimester of pregnancy, and is often hosted by a close friend or family member of the mother-to-be.

The event may include games, food, and other activities to celebrate the upcoming birth of the baby.

How many people to invite to baby shower is up to you, but it’s a good time to catch up with family and friends and cool any worries they may have. 

However, if we are being real, a baby shower is often rolled out as thank you for those who will be providing gifts, a thank you from the parents to recognize the effort people may have gone to, to source presents, but also to support the two of you as parents.

Not everyone necessarily wants to deal with the stress of organizing such an event, or even attending one, which can be understandable for first time parents.

It might be something you will consider after already having a child, as you may be more familiar with the process the second time around. In any case, continue reading to see some alternatives.

You may also like our guide on what to stock up on before baby arrives!

How To Announce Baby Registry Without Baby Shower

If you don’t want to have a baby shower, but still want to notify those of your baby registry, here’s some ideas:

1. Include the Registry Information in a Birth Announcement

If you are planning to send out birth announcements to friends and family, you can include the registry information on the card or in the accompanying message.

2. Create a Baby Registry Website

During the period when these large gatherings were forbidden, the baby registry website became a big thing again.

This is a website where you post your registry and people can allocate themselves to certain gifts, but you can also do fun things like announce your gender on the website, even play fun games with your friends, and post pictures and other announcements – or it can be as simple as you like.

This virtual environment can be fun and keep people updated without being too much of a chore for the parents. BabyList is a popular website for registries.

3. Do A Social Media Post

If you’re looking for a simple way to share your baby registry then post a photo of the nursery or your ultrasound and include a message about the registry.

You don’t have to mention why you don’t want a baby shower, but considering your post on social media will go to those who you already interact with, you can provide an update on your situation and decisions along with a helpful link to your registry.

4. Text It Or Email It

If you’re going really low key, and don’t need or want help from those outside your inner circle, a simple text or email with a link would suffice, or even a letter.

By sending it to a shorter list, the feeling of inclusivity for those included may be enough to reciprocate their support.

5. Only Share with your Closest Friends and Family

You can ask your closest friends and family members to spread the word about your registry to other friends and family members.

6. Share Only When Asked

One way many parents approach this is by simply meeting up with those who are close friends and family, those who are in your support circle during your pregnancy, and if they ask about gift giving or a registry, you can simply share it with them there and then. 

This means you can eradicate any guilty feeling you may have, as you have only provided the registry to those who have directly asked about gift giving.

You may also like these big sister announcement ideas!

Alternatives To A Baby Shower

If it’s the event of the baby shower that is the issue, but you still want, or not, to provide a baby registry, there are some slightly different events you could have instead of a full-out baby shower.

1. A Gender Reveal Party

A gender reveal party is a popular alternative to a traditional baby shower, where the expectant parents reveal the gender of the baby to their friends and family.

2. A Baby Sprinkle

A sprinkle is a smaller version of a traditional baby shower, typically for a second or subsequent child. I think this is a great way to celebrate your pregnancy without all the big fuss.

3. A Diaper Party

A diaper party is a more casual alternative to a traditional baby shower, where guests bring diapers and other baby essentials as gifts. You can even opt to hold a diaper raffle where guest bring diapers in exchange for raffle tickets. You can learn more in our What Is A Diaper Raffle? guide.

4. A Virtual Baby Shower

With the rise of video conferencing technology, many parents are opting to have virtual baby showers with friends and family who live far away.

5. A Post-Partum Party

Instead of celebrating before the baby is born, some parents choose to have a post-partum party once the baby has arrived.

It’s a clever idea, other people will take your baby off your hands, and you can actually have a drink and kick back and relax post-birth. 

Moreover, your gifts will have already been given, so you can celebrate a successful birth, thank everyone for their gifts, and bask in that post-birth glow rather than your uncomfortable pregnant state.

6. A Family Gathering

Having a family gathering to celebrate the new baby, where parents can show off their new arrival and give people the chance to meet the new baby and give gifts.

7. Have A Intimate Dinner Party

Having a small dinner with those who you care about, specifically family and intimate friends, can be all you need to receive the gifts.

It can be totally your choice whether you have the gifts opened there, or if you just make it an occasion to celebrate your newfound parenthood.

Final Thoughts on How To Ask For Gifts Without Having a Baby Shower

You don’t have to have a baby shower at all, or you can have a more intimate or slightly different celebration that suits you better. No matter what you do, it’s always good to thank people for their support, having provided gifts or not, to some degree. 

Most people won’t care if you don’t have a baby shower – the main thing to know is to be kind and understand that people want to be part of your life and help in any way they can. Clear communication and honesty is best in this situation, as is often the case.

And if you love this guide on things to do before baby arrives, then you’ll love our guide on things new moms need for themselves, questions to ask your partner before having kids, when to start buying diapers when pregnant?, and baby items starting with A to Z checklist!