Are you for or against expectant mother registering?

I absolutely agree with baby (and wedding) registries because sometimes I just don't know what the person would like to receive or needs, and it really does help cut down on duplicate items.

Keep in mind that it's not necessary for people to buy from your registry at all - and you should never imply that they must buy from your registry. If the person hosting your shower does list where you are registered, make sure they do it with some tact to make sure it's done with some grace.

Pick a variety of items and prices - There's nothing worse than seeing people registering for top designer items when they're receiving government assistance for example, or they have no items under $40. You may want to include a few more pricey items (stroller, car seat, play pen) for those who are really close to you like parents who may want to spend more on you, but the rest should reasonably priced and it really should be stuff you would really buy yourself - not the designer stuff that's three times the cost you'd normally spend if you were buying it yourself.

I struggled with this when it came time to start thinking about my baby shower. I had already started buying stuff as I wasn't sure if I would even have a baby shower so I ended up registering for the things that I needed because it was everything I needed and hadn't already bought. I didn't want to put things with a high price tag on the registry because I didn't want to seem selfish so the most expensive thing I put on the list was a breast pump but it was still under $100. In the end, we ended up getting a lot of what we asked for from the registry but we got a lot of clothes as well which was awesome, but we already had so much in the way of clothing that we ended up with far too much. My suggestion is, don't buy too much before the shower if you can help it. But it is a good idea as some people just don't know what to buy.

I know how you feel, I personally feel the same when it comes to me, but being a guest going to a shower I do find registries very helpful, because then you know what the person needs.

Register for what you want/need, the bigger items will probably be bought by family members, put some smaller items as well to give others options if they can't spend as much. A friend of mine sent out a little list of things she wanted in her invitation, it was things like cloth diapers, glass bottles, certain age sleepers, diaper bag, baby monitor etc

I don't think you have to keep everything under a certain price, but make sure there is variety to choose in case someone maybe can't spend as much. I know when I go to a shower, depending on how well I know the person, I will spend $40-$100. Good luck

Registry's are a must have in my opinion! Then people aren't guessing about what you want or need. You avoid duplicate gifts like, 5 infant bath tubs, when what you really needed were some bottles and diapers. Depending on the stores return policies, if it is purchased on a registry, you can return it without a receipt. My advice would be to take an experienced mom with you when you create your registry, so they can guide you as to what essentials you may need. Also do not be shy about having some large ticket items on your registry. Some people go in as a group to purchase them. I put an pricey car seat on mine thinking that no one would buy it, and to my surprise 4 people went in on it together and I got it, so you never know.

You know, what you could do (and what I did) is simply write a list of things that you would like, rather than making a registry at a specific store (which can be expensive). Make sure you write down things you don't mind getting more than one of, such as nappies/diapers, singlets, socks, bibs, suits, baby toiletries. That way, people can set their own budget and pick whatever they want.

I think people appreciate gift ideas. I sent out a list with my baby shower invitations that included 'Possible Gift Ideas', meaning that people could pick from the list or not. We didn't know at the time the sex of the baby, so I made a note on the list asking for all clothing items to be in neutral colours eg. white/green/yellow. It worked well and I got lots of great stuff!

People know to bring gifts to a baby shower. I think they would appreciate ideas on what to get, so no, I don't think it's rude. Have fun!

Completely for it. You want to like the gifts you get also, you don't want to get two of the same thing. I had one ay burlington. One person didn't bother looking at what was bought already and bought me a second bouncy chair.