Comments Living Simply has made

Down with the registry, talk to your family!

In my experience most people want to spend $20-30 on a baby gift unless they're close family, and organic baby clothes just don't fit in this monetary constraint.  Wooden toys and books, do, however, so that's something you could stress.  My new current favorite new mom book is Someday, illustrated by Peter Reynolds.  People can also write a message to you and/or the baby inside.  Alternately you could ask people to chip in for a few big ticket items, like your favorite baby sling, car seat, or backpack.  Used baby things are very easy to come by on freecycle and craigslist, since by definition babies grow out of baby things.  But people feel funny getting a new mom something used; they want to cherish your leap into motherhood.  You could ask for non-material gifts, like a massage or a cleaning service for your house for the baby's first 6 months.  Also, I highly recommend a subscription to Mothering magazine!On Umbra on baby gifts posted 2 years, 7 months ago 14 Responses