ABS statistics reveal that there are twice as many births to marriages in Australia. This figure has led to Baby Gift Registries becoming just as popular as bridal registries. There are many stages in which a new mother receives presents for her new born; announcing the pregnancy, Mums last day at work, baby shower and visiting the new Mother and baby in hospital. These days it has become such the social norm to arrive and greet the newborn baby armed with gifts that new parents have reported that friends and relatives are putting off the visit until they have had the chance to head to the shops and pick something up. Online gift registries such as BabyWishingWell.com give parents the power to suggest items they would prefer to receive and ask for cash contributions towards these gifts. This process saves the hassle of receiving multiple of the same item and allows parents to list bigger items that they may need for the baby. Joseph Renzi, CEO of BabyWishingWell.com says “once upon a time – not so long ago – gift registries were not fashionable and it was seen as rude to ask for cash donations towards gifts. Now it is one of the most common and efficient ways to receive gifts”. “People used to be offended when an invitation to a wedding or baby shower was accompanied by gift registry details”. “Everyone knows what it’s like when a baby is born baptised or has a birthday – there are so many opportunities for presents; and there are only so many things you can do with five baby blankets or five spinning tops” Said Renzi. Baby gift registries allow people to contribute to items that parents need and reduce the cost to family and friends by purchasing just one gift rather than 5 gifts over the first year. Registries also save time as there is no need to shop for the perfect gift and spending time wrapping. “People tend to spend more these days on services that are going to make it easier for everybody involved. That’s what it’s all about”. |