Can I include a wish list in my housewarming party invitations?

I think that's super tacky. you can always return an item or regift it or sell it. your friends generosity should be appreciated, not expected.

"Is a wish list tacky?"

I'm not being mean but you did ask, yes I think a wish list would be tacky.

I'm sure those who receive an invitation to your party are those who know you well enough and know your situation and should they give you a gift it would be a practical gift. Some will also ask you ahead of time "what do you need?" and some will give you cash which of course is always acceptable as a gift.

By including a wish list with the invitation it implies that a gift is required which it is not and some of your guests may not want to give a gift or may not at this time be able to afford a gift.

A wish list also implies that a small gift such as a nice kitchen towel set is not good enough or big enough. Some may only have the money for a salt and pepper set. You could end up make some of your friends feel hurt or even angry.

I just wouldn't do it.

Congratulations on becoming a home owner! and your first home!

Housewarming Wishes

You NEVER put a wish list in any invitation! And to register for a housewarming is not acceptable either! If I got an invitation mentioning either one of these things, you know what I would do? I wouldn't go! It would show me that you are just greedy. You shouldn't even be expecting any gifts!

A housewarming is supposed to be a time for you to enjoy with your friends and family, the happiness of owning a new home! Tell your mom what you could use, and if anyone wonders, they would probably ask her. Most people don't bring big gifts to a housewarming, and if you ask for big things, people may not come.

Congratulations on owning your new home!

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RE:

Can I include a wish list in my housewarming party invitations?

I'm about to move into my first home...at least the first that I'll be paying a mortgage on as opposed to paying rent. I'm a mid 30s single mother of two who had almost given up hope on ever becoming a homeowner, but I'm doing it! There are so many things that I could use but...

Extremely tacky! You don't get a wish list for a housewarming. You don't even get to expect gifts. Be happy if someone brings you a plant or a bottle of wine, but if you invite people over for a party, that is what they are coming for, not to bring you gifts. The fact that you are a single mom and need things does not change that.

It’s better than not asking at all. Maybe on the invitation, recommend that gifts are not required. But, if people want to get you something and need ideas/suggestions, to please call you.

Every housewarming invitation (or birthday or baby shower, etc.) we get, I keep shaking the envelope looking for the ideas list or a registry website to visit for ideas.

Now, when the list is not there, I pick up the phone and ask “what do you need” or “what would you like” or “where do you like to shop”? “Yes, I know I don’t have to bring something, but I want to”. If all else fails, they get a gift card.

My days of guessing what someone would like are over. I want to know that the money I’m spending is on a gift that can be used - not stuffed in a basement, sold on eBay, or given away. If I wanted to give a gift to someone’s mother-in-laws sister, I could have done it myself and cut out the middle people.

Those that disagree are probably the ones with basements full of black licorice scented candles, bath and body soaps, linens for 35 different looking bedrooms and ceramic paper bags. Yes, we got a ceramic paper bag as a gift. To this day, we are still trying to figure out what to do with it.

Unfortunately, yes, the "wish list" is tacky. Even registries are technically "bad ettiquette." But I personally love the idea of registries, because for events like baby showers, weddings, and housewarmings, I'd much rather purchase something the recipient can use. If each of the invitees know you quite well and are familiar with the situation, you might be able to get away with the wish list. But I would recommend a registry instead, and then a small note at the bottom of the invitation with information on where you are registered. After all, if you send a "wish list," you may get duplicate items, but if you register somewhere, then they will take those items off your registry as others purchase them so that your friends and family will know what has been purchased. Be sure to select chains, so that if you have anyone coming from out of town to attend your housewarming it will be easier for them to purchase gifts. Also, the large chains also have easier ways to register, so it won't take as long to do. Most just give you a scanner and you can go down the aisles, scanning barcodes on any of the items you'd like to have and indicating how many you would like (for items such as cups/bowls/etc.). Best wishes in your new home!

Congratulations on becoming a homeowner.

Don't include a "wish list" in your invitations; it would be so tacky.

I thought housewarming parties were to celebrate with friends not a way to receive free gifts.

If you really must have free gifts and you have a very close circle of friends perhaps you could give a list to your "best friend" and she could put the word round.

I'm not sure about the typical protocol regarding this particular circumstance, but speaking purely from my own gut, if I were in your position, I probably wouldn't feel good about doing this. It may come across as tacky to many people. But then again I could totally be wrong. Maybe someone else on here has more knowledge on etiquette protocol regarding housewarming gifts. Good luck!

What a quandary. How well do your guests know you? If you're comfortable dropping hints that may be the way to go- like over the phone, E-mails etc. Otherwise... it would be tacky, pretty much. So what if you get things you don't really need? No biggie. Just enjoy your home and get what you need when you can. Don't forget thank you notes. Good luck and congratulations!