Asking people to give a small book instead of a card for the baby shower? The last two showers I have gone to requested this and while it didn't bother me, I hesitate to ask other people how to spend their money/give a gift for my shower (especially since a book is usually more expensive.) I do like the idea of getting books, though! I hate to use the term but do you think it's "tacky" or resourceful?
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I don't think it's a big deal, if someone doesn't want to give a book in place of a card then they won't.
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My sister put a note on my invitation "if you wish to help build Baby W's library, please bring a book instead of a card". I liked that wording because it was no pressure. Also I'm an elementary teacher so everyone knows I'm obsessed with books and hoped to pass my love of reading on to Lo!
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I think it's important to bring books into a baby's life. However, I usually include a small note card, so asking me to bring a book means $$$. I will do it, but then I spend less on the gift to make up for it. I like @Charm54: wording suggestion, I think that is classy, rather than directing me how to spend my money.
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I like to write messages in my cards! I wouldn't be able to if I replaced it with a book. But my gifts normally already include a book. So I'd probably do card+ book.
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I did this for my sisters shower and she did it for mine- no one seemed offended but I understand the concern. I really like @Charm54: s wording- that's perfect!
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I honestly think it is no biggie a card can range from $.99-$6.00
So can books -
@Peasinapod: I usually put a little note card in the book, like a book mark.
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@Peasinapod: we did this and while only a few people got books, some people did and wrote a really sweet message inside! That will stick around a lot longer than a card
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@Foodnerd81: oh that's a good idea.
@MenagerieMama: hadn't even thought of doing that. School / libraries have drilled it in to me that I must not write in books, but that would be a very nice keepsake.
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I did this for my baby shower. We got a ton of books (most of which are still in our regular rotation). It was fun to see which books people picked for the baby and most people wrote their note to the baby on the inside cover/first page instead of in a card. I love that I'll be able to look back on these sweet messages and explain who got my son each book as he gets older.
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I think if you want books, you should register for them. Otherwise, it's kind of like, "yo dawg, I heard you like presents..." (Sorry for the meme reference, haha) Like, hey, while you're getting me a present, please feel free to throw in another present.
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We did it this for one of my baby showers (that my sister hosted). People loved it and it turned out amazing! People wrote notes to the baby in the books that are so touching - like a girl I used to babysit wrote about how she knew I'd be a good mommy because of what a good babysitter I was to her
And some of my relatives actually passed down books that belonged to their children (we are talking 30+ years old). One aunt gave me her copy of the little engine that could, which I loved as a child and specifically remember reading at her house many times. I may have ugly cried 
ETA: know your audience I guess. People in my life loved the idea and didn't think we were telling them how to spend their money, demanding extra gifts, or anything else negative. It was very fun and added a lot to the shower. I think it let people express themselves! Like my aunt who gave me a copy of Walter the farting dog! Haha
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I find cards such a stupid 5$ formality. I'd rather get a book any day. No question
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I love this idea because I HATE buying cards. They seem like such a waste of money to me because most of the time they just get thrown away. I would much rather spend my money on a book even if it is a little more expensive.
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I would much rather buy a $5 book than a card!
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The wording of this message and totally leaves it up to the gift giver...
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@simplyfelicity: that's exactly the wording my sister used on my invites! Didn't hurt that it was also a Dr Seuss theme!
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I like it. But then again I did it for my shower and also for a shower I threw. I loved when people wrote right in the book! Its a great keepsake. And there are so many good books for pretty cheap. I'd rather a cheaper gift + a book for sure.
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The hosts of my shower did this, and I don't think anyone minded. In fact, my SIL loved the idea so much she requested for the shower I'm throwing her. On the plus side, I love that we have a great library of books and sometimes it's cute to see the message inside the book from the person that bought it. The annoying thing was getting multiples of books and having them written on so I couldn't exchange them for something else.
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Love it! I would rather spend $5-$7 on a book then $3-$4 on a card that gets thrown away.
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I've been to showers that requested this and I think it's a great idea.
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I don't mind! It's more useful than cards!
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I wouldn't mind a book request at all.
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My shower was storybook themed and we got a wide range of gifts and books because my SIL requested people buy a book instead of a card and leave a note for the baby. I love looking through her books and remembering who got them for us!
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@cmomma17: I sent the pic to my sis and she said they were already planning on it-- so I guess she made the decision for me.
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@simplyfelicity: yay! You will love it! So much fun
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I really like the idea. My friend wanted us to write in the books but I was hesitant to do so since I was sure she would end up with doubles. The host could always provide pens/markers so guests could leave a note after all the books were opened.
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We did this for my shower. I don't think anyone felt pressured and it was nice to receive books for LO.
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I did it and everyone seemed to like writing a special note in the book. A lot of people still have cards too though.
ETA there are plenty of children's book that are comparable in price to some fancy cards, so in my opinion its a much better use of money.
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We're doing this for my shower, and the last few showers I attended did it as well. Like others have said, I'd much rather spend $5-10 on a book than $1-6 on a card. As long as the wording makes it clear that it's optional, I think it's a great idea. If anyone is worried about the few extra dollars they might spend on a book, I'd assume they'd take that amount out of their budget for their other shower gift.
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@Peasinapod: yes we did this and have many books with lovely messages in them including one from my grandparents before my grandfather passed away. It is quite special to me.
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@simplyfelicity: I think it's a great idea, and a fun way to build up a baby library.
Really, books aren't even THAT much more than a card, but they're so much more useful.
You can always find a cute book for a couple dollars at book stores if you don't want to spend much. -
@simplyfelicity: I love that insert! It evens offered a 'loved' book... AKA no more money out on a book. What a fun way to pass on an older cherished book!
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I'm generally not a fan of anything that specifically dictates how a guest spends their money.
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I love the idea & wouldn't be offended in any way. Just as with cards, you can find books in a wide range of prices. I've bought our baby girl many books already from Goodwill, even, & they were all gently used & super cheap! It kills me to think many cards ultimately get tossed out, where a book should last a long time.
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My sisters did this for my shower and I loved that they did. Some moms gave me previously loved books- several got some from secondhand stores- so it really isn't any more $$ than a card! All kids books at my local goodwill are .99- cheaper than a card.
My friends/family wrote notes on the inside of the books and I love that they did- I still read the notes when I read the books to J
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I know it's popular to do this, but it still doesn't sit well with me since 1) I feel like I'm being asked to spend my money in a particular way and 2) it's like asking for two gifts.
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Love it! I've actually started doing this even when it's not on the invite. Cards are such a waste of money...would much rather add to a child's library.
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@simplyfelicity: sorry but I would never personally ask for certain gift items no matter how resourceful. just not my style.
And some of my relatives actually passed down books that belonged to their children (we are talking 30+ years old). One aunt gave me her copy of the little engine that could, which I loved as a child and specifically remember reading at her house many times. I may have ugly cried 
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52 comments