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Are you a mom-to-be who would like to order baby shower books instead of cards?
You are reading: Baby shower bring books instead of card
Are you nervous about asking your guests for something a little unconventional and searching for the right wording for the invitation?
Or maybe you’re a guest who’s just been asked for a book instead of a card and you want to know what the etiquette is.
We’ve got you covered below with a complete guide to the growing trend of baby books instead of baby shower cards.
Carry a book instead of a card: the ultimate baby shower guide
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What is a Bring a Book Baby Shower?
A unique idea for a baby shower is for the host to request books instead of cards with the gifts for the baby.
This allows mom-to-be to build baby’s library of family and friends’ favorite books.
Baby books are usually written by the guest with a short message and their name. (We’ve included some enrollment ideas below.)
When new parents read the books to their baby, they will be able to read the message as part of the book.
Benefits of baby shower books instead of greeting cards
The benefits of baby shower books instead of cards are:
1. baby gets lots of books right away
2. cards are often thrown away or put away never to be read again
3. books can be kept for siblings born later
4. the books can be kept as a keepsake and passed on to future generations
5. the inscription will be read to the baby often maintaining a connection with family and friends who are not around
baby shower book negatives instead of cards
While there are many benefits, some guests/hosts may find some negatives to a book baby shower. the may include:
1. some guests may think this is an expensive exchange.
A book is usually more expensive than a card, but it doesn’t have to be.
the dollar store sells books, a used book in good condition is acceptable, and amazon sells books that cost less than $5 (the cost of a fancy baby shower card).
2. you can get some reps.
although the odds are very low, it could happen. if this happens, you can keep the books in different rooms or at the grandparents’ house.
items related to baby shower gifts:
what to write in a baby shower book: 25 inscription ideas
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25 modern baby shower gift ideas
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how to ask baby shower guests to bring books instead of a card
Book requests are often included as a separate piece or card on the baby shower invitation.
here are 6 different options to add in yours – unknown original authors.
1. baby books
One small request that won’t be too hard…
please bring a book instead of a card.
by signing your book we will remember it and share it
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your special gift, even when you’re away!
why we like it: the message is clear. it also includes the request to sign the book.
see this insert on etsy to purchase
2. baby library
Instead of a card, we have one small request:
please bring the book you like best.
we expect you to write a special line or two,
so that every time we read it, we think of you!
Why we like it: Invites the guest to choose their favorite, making the book and request more personal.
view this version on etsy to purchase
3. bring a book (instead of a card)
Whether it’s Cat in the Hat or Winnie The Pooh.
You can sign the book with a note from yourself!
by signing the book we will remember it and share it.
This special gift from you, even when you’re not there.
Your book will be greatly appreciated: loved or new.
please don’t feel obligated, we’ll leave it up to you!
Why We Like It: This wording includes the option of a new or used book and also gives guests an “out” in case they don’t want to participate.
see a similar version on etsy
4. baby books
A small request for you, we hope it’s not hard.
bring a book for the baby, instead of a card.
It doesn’t matter if it’s well-loved or new.
Either way, your book will remind you of you.
please write a small message on the inside cover.
and your words will be kept forever and ever.
Why we like it: Acknowledges that the request can be a bit more difficult than a card, but also brings out the sentimental touch of writing a little message inside the book cover.
see it on etsy to buy
5. let’s fill the baby’s library
Instead of bringing a greeting card, please write your wishes in your favorite children’s book for baby to cherish forever.
Why we like it: It’s simple with a community feeling as everyone helps fill baby’s library.
view this version on etsy to purchase
6. baby books please
Peter Rabbit or Mother Goose,
good night moon o dr. seuss.
just a small request,
and hopefully not too difficult.
please bring a book instead of a card.
See Also: Chapter Summary
Why we like it: Including sample books helps guests understand exactly what you’re asking about.
view this version on etsy to purchase
what do you write in a baby book instead of a card?
A good rule of thumb is to include the date of the party (or year), a brief note to the baby, and their name.
It can be tempting to write something down for the mom-to-be, but remember this is a gift for the baby and it will be read to her.
If you’re having trouble finding the right words, the writing instructions below can help.
1. explain why the book was chosen
“This is my favorite book because…”
“I read this to my daughter/son…”
“I hope you like this as much as I do…”
2. give some life advice
“as the hero of this story I hope you learn xx”
include a quote:
“the more you read,
the more things you will know.
the more you learn,
the more places you will go”
- dr. seuss
3. wish the baby the best
“I wish you all the happiness in the world”
“welcome to the small world! so excited you’re here.”
4. be personal
“remember, grandma loves you!”
“I’m so happy to be your aunt, I love you so much!”
if you need more ideas, check out this post:
what to write in a baby shower book: 25 inscription ideas
Where should the inscription be written?
ideally on the inside front cover or inside back cover.
If those places are covered by publisher information or content, you can put a white label over it and write your message.
Alternatively, a white sticker on the back cover can also be pretty.
conclusion: baby shower books instead of cards
This growing trend is great for many reasons!
Not only does your baby get a library right away, but they can also hear messages from their loved ones every time they read their stories.
Related baby gift items:
17 must-haves for new moms (that nobody tells you about!)
25 modern baby shower gift ideas
sentimental gift ideas for the first birthday
what to write in a baby shower book: 25 inscription ideas
Share this! Your friends will love it…
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