Ridiculously expensive items on a baby registry

It is just a wishlist. A lot of people will all chip in and get a big gift together. If you have a few family members doing that, co-workers, a group of friends, etc, you have a few big gifts purchased.

Also remember that a lot of places give a completion discount.

I use a diaper bag for myself when attending DH’s triathlons. I bought it used for $75, pretty sure they sold new for around $150 @ the time (2010). The features on this bag and the quality are amazing and just weren’t there with most other brands at the time. To you, it’s not worth the cost, to them it might be. I am willing to pay for quality and function for something that really suits my needs. And sometimes, just something that puts a smile on my face.

I’ll validate you. If you can hardly afford to be having a baby in the first place, a $175 diaper bad should be no where near your registry. Seems horribly immature. I’d be registering for every size of clothes and diapers instead. I’d make it clear the baby’s registry was all about “needs.” Sorry if that comes off snotty, I’m in a grumpy mood.

I missed the $1000 stroller and nothing under $100 comment. So not a single diaper or pacifier or bib?

I just assumed that bigger gifts were usually for family members to get, if they wanted to that is. I always look at the gifts in the registry to find a theme and then make something that ties into that. I went to a friend’s baby shower last week and the mom and dad to be got a stroller from dad to be’s grandmother.
Elephants were on most of the gifts in the registry, so I made a paper piecing (yes I was reminiscing ☺️) of an elephant and made an altered frame with it.

I’ll validate you. A $175 diaper bag seems expensive when you consider that the parents to be have so many expenses coming up. I doubt they see it that way, but just see the trendy bag that they’ve seen on social media. Although I will admit that our Lands’ End diaper bag was expensive for us, but was used for a good 10 years and still looked brand new.

Are they "returners"? Do they generally ask for a high priced item, then return it for cash and buy a lower priced item and keep the remaining money?

I know someone that does that.




Also, you said they don't have money for baby basics. Maybe they are just registering for what they think the norm is. Or what they think is important for their baby to have.

I was ridiculously low income when my first child was born. I didn't register for anything at all because it never occurred to me that I would have a shower (a cousin I hadn't seen in years threw a surprise shower when I was nine months along). I received a new carseat, two packs of diapers, a case of wipes, but everything else was thrift store items. I was thankful for all of it.

A week after my dd was born, an old friend of my father's and his wife sent a beautiful crushed red velvet dress, little stockings, and baby shoes. Absolutely gorgeous, and frivolous, and something meant just for my baby.

Maybe they are asking for higher end items because they know they will only be able to afford basics.

Another that wants to see the $1,000 stroller!

The most expensive thing on our registry was the car seat/stroller combo, think it was $600. BUT, we put it on there for US to purchase and then get the points from Babies R Us. My DHs aunt & uncle purchased it for us though.

Oh... we had another registry at Bye Bye Baby that had a few things on it, including the rocker for the nursery. That was stupid expensive. But we didn't advertise that registry, it was 100% for us. Again, to get whatever kind of bonus that the store offered at the time.

I would be surprised to see a $175 diaper bag on the registry of a couple that were young and not in the best place financially, but I can understand it. They probably aren't thinking long term costs, what the baby will actually NEED compared to what looks good. They will be in for a surprise!

Wow that’s crazy! I do know buy buy baby will give you 10% off any item on your baby registry list. So my sister added items she didn’t expect anyone to give her ( like nursing supplies) because after the shower she could go and get those items at a discount. The store does have a $1000 stroller! I saw it and it’s crazy to think anyone would spend that much money on an item.

I don't have a problem with expensive items on a registry if they also add more affordable options. I know at my work we always chip in, so we appreciate having an option to buy something over $100. To be honest, if I knew the family was struggling to make ends meet, I would not buy a $175 diaper bag. I would probably buy something practical that would help them to meet the needs of the child. Like maybe 3 months worth of diapers or something. It's not glamorous or fun, but if you are struggling financially, having diapers covered would be a nice gesture.

A bunch of us got together and bought the "ridiculously expensive" diaper bag for a dear friend. We all contribute what we could afford and had lots left over to buy diapers for her too. I love giving a gift that the receiver would probably never buy for herself. That's the fun of a gift. Buy them something that you deem sensible and don't worry about the rest.