Baby shower registry

[wageslave23]

We made a baby registry with practical things we knew we'd need and tried to be respectful of people's money with good value items.  We have the basic stuff in there  like crib, dresser, stroller, car seat, clothes, bottles, pacifiers, etc.  But relatives are asking for more ideas because the big stuff is taken. I hate to waste money, even other people's.  What are some baby shower gift ideas that are a little more substantial in price but well worth it?  Thanks!

[PDXTabs]

How do they feel about a 529 contribution?

[ObviouslyNotAGolfer]

Never too early to get 'em reading!

[wageslave23]

I dont think they want to do the 529 plan. We have some books and small toys on there.  But some close relatives want to buy some things in the $50-300 range. Any ideas in that range?

[Morning Glory]

Diapers and wipes, or gift cards that can be used for them. If you have too many of one size you can exchange them for a larger size without a receipt at Walmart or Target. I like to give a carton of diapers coupled with a book or outfit to make the gift more personal.

I also liked the ergo carrier, but I bought that used.

Make sure you get the pajamas with the zipper, the snaps are really frustrating.

[Dicey]

A Bassinest?

When my DSD was expecting, there was one on her list. I'd never heard of it, so I turned to Sir Google. Gulp. I found an almost new one on Next Door for half the price. I spent the difference on diapers, and other consumable baby stuff. My DSD is a very practical girl and wasn't at all snobby about receiving a secondhand item. It looked perfect*

Five years later, when baby #2 came along, there was the Bassinest again. She mentioned that in between her babies, all of her friends had passed it along, one by one. She and her friends have definitely gotten my money's worth out of it.

*Hard lesson learned: I took it apart and washed it in the washer before I gave it to her. Don't do this. The Velcro snagged the mesh, which I had to cover up by sewing little white stars over the snags/holes. This is how I know it's the same one I gave her originally. If you have to clean a Bassinest, wash it by hand, then set it outside and let the sun work its magic.

An automatic, musical baby swing can be a life saver. Also in that price range. Babies only use these for a short while, but they're lifesavers when you need them.

Also, Pack-N-Play. One for you, one for each Grandparent your little dumplin' will be visiting.

[wageslave23]

Diapers and wipes, or gift cards that can be used for them. If you have too many of one size you can exchange them for a larger size without a receipt at Walmart or Target. I like to give a carton of diapers coupled with a book or outfit to make the gift more personal.

I also liked the ergo carrier, but I bought that used.

Make sure you get the pajamas with the zipper, the snaps are really frustrating.

Yeah we were thinking the ergo carrier too.  That's a good idea

[wageslave23]

A Bassinest?

When my DSD was expecting, there was one on her list. I'd never heard of it, so I turned to Sir Google. Gulp. I found an almost new one on Next Door for half the price. I spent the difference on diapers, and other consumable baby stuff. My DSD is a very practical girl and wasn't at all snobby about receiving a secondhand item. It looked perfect*

Five years later, when baby #2 came along, there was the Bassinest again. She mentioned that in between her babies, all of her friends had passed it along, one by one. She and her friends have definitely gotten my money's worth out of it.

*Hard lesson learned: I took it apart and washed it in the washer before I gave it to her. Don't do this. The Velcro snagged the mesh, which I had to cover up by sewing little white stars over the snags/holes. This is how I know it's the same one I gave her originally. If you have to clean a Bassinest, wash it by hand, then set it outside and let the sun work its magic.

An automatic, musical baby swing can be a life saver. Also in that price range. Babies only use these for a short while, but they're lifesavers when you need them.

Also, Pack-N-Play. One for you, one for each Grandparent your little dumplin' will be visiting.

Bassinet is a good idea.  We have a swing that we bought off someone already.  We have a pack n play a friend gave us.

[JJ-]

If you don't put more gift ideas on the list, they will start buying stuff you really don't need.

Have you asked friends with kids what their favorite things are?

Baby carriers like ergo carrier, mom care post delivery products, sleep sacks for all seasons, sound machines all come to mind.

Some friends swear by the snoo.

Babies aren't that expensive :)

[wageslave23]

If you don't put more gift ideas on the list, they will start buying stuff you really don't need.

Have you asked friends with kids what their favorite things are?

Baby carriers like ergo carrier, mom care post delivery products, sleep sacks for all seasons, sound machines all come to mind.

Some friends swear by the snoo.

Babies aren't that expensive :)

Yeah thats the thing, we have a bunch of that stuff on there.  Bottle cleaner, baby spoons, bibs, bowls, plates, nipple cream, baby shampoo, diaper rash cream, baby wipes holder, light, but most of the stuff that's left is $40 or under and we have a couple relatives still wanting to buy bigger stuff.  I told my wife I understand where they are coming from.  If I was going to spend $200 on a baby gift, I'd want it to be something more substantial that would be remembered.  But she has a good point too, in that this is the stuff that we actually still need.  So now I'm thinking we won't add anymore to the registry, but we'll give other ideas of things to relatives who specifically ask.  Things we might use but maybe not necessarily need.  Like a recliner/rocking chair or some kind of $100 toy. 

[JJ-]

If you don't put more gift ideas on the list, they will start buying stuff you really don't need.

Have you asked friends with kids what their favorite things are?

Baby carriers like ergo carrier, mom care post delivery products, sleep sacks for all seasons, sound machines all come to mind.

Some friends swear by the snoo.

Babies aren't that expensive :)

Yeah thats the thing, we have a bunch of that stuff on there.  Bottle cleaner, baby spoons, bibs, bowls, plates, nipple cream, baby shampoo, diaper rash cream, baby wipes holder, light, but most of the stuff that's left is $40 or under and we have a couple relatives still wanting to buy bigger stuff.  I told my wife I understand where they are coming from.  If I was going to spend $200 on a baby gift, I'd want it to be something more substantial that would be remembered.  But she has a good point too, in that this is the stuff that we actually still need.  So now I'm thinking we won't add anymore to the registry, but we'll give other ideas of things to relatives who specifically ask.  Things we might use but maybe not necessarily need.  Like a recliner/rocking chair or some kind of $100 toy.

Hmm, thinking about furniture.

Gliders are a great idea. For changing table we put a little changing table mar thing on top of a dresser. We also have a little rolling rack for diapers/wipes/etc. We bought bookshelves from ikea as well as rugs for wood floors.

You don't use them that long, but infant chairs/bouncers help while you eat. Also think about things like Bumbo or chairs that attach to a table. You can also go with a high chair.

[Dicey]

A Bassinest?

When my DSD was expecting, there was one on her list. I'd never heard of it, so I turned to Sir Google. Gulp. I found an almost new one on Next Door for half the price. I spent the difference on diapers, and other consumable baby stuff. My DSD is a very practical girl and wasn't at all snobby about receiving a secondhand item. It looked perfect*

Five years later, when baby #2 came along, there was the Bassinest again. She mentioned that in between her babies, all of her friends had passed it along, one by one. She and her friends have definitely gotten my money's worth out of it.

*Hard lesson learned: I took it apart and washed it in the washer before I gave it to her. Don't do this. The Velcro snagged the mesh, which I had to cover up by sewing little white stars over the snags/holes. This is how I know it's the same one I gave her originally. If you have to clean a Bassinest, wash it by hand, then set it outside and let the sun work its magic.

An automatic, musical baby swing can be a life saver. Also in that price range. Babies only use these for a short while, but they're lifesavers when you need them.

Also, Pack-N-Play. One for you, one for each Grandparent your little dumplin' will be visiting.

Bassinet is a good idea.  We have a swing that we bought off someone already.  We have a pack n play a friend gave us.

Just want to clarify that a Bassi-nest is a very specific thing.

[OtherJen]

We made a baby registry with practical things we knew we'd need and tried to be respectful of people's money with good value items.  We have the basic stuff in there  like crib, dresser, stroller, car seat, clothes, bottles, pacifiers, etc.  But relatives are asking for more ideas because the big stuff is taken. I hate to waste money, even other people's.  What are some baby shower gift ideas that are a little more substantial in price but well worth it?  Thanks!

Someone else suggested a second pack-and-play. My friend left one at her parents’ house because it was one less thing to pack/unpack when she visited with the baby.

My niece adored her bouncer chair when she was between about 6 months old and 1 year old. The little seat part spun, so she could turn her position by pushing against the floor, and there were brightly colored things to push, pull, flip, etc. on all four sides. I don’t see the one she had, but it was similar to this: https://smile.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Stand-Activity-Center-Jungle/dp/B076TDRFWN/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1FXFQOUH408LS&dchild=1&keywords=baby+bouncer+activity+center&qid=1631280761&sprefix=Baby+bouncer%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-6

Also, if you have certain book series that you want your child to have some day, you could ask for nice copies of full sets. Yes, the kid could go to the library, but I loved my books as a child and read my favorites many times over.

[Loren Ver]

Don't forget to think about things you will need once the kid is no longer an infant.  If you have people that want you get you things (cause they love you) maybe think ahead 6 months or a year.

When I buy for baby showers I like to give clothes for the 6 months plus sizes, that way they have something to move into, and if they have a bigger baby (or a fast grower) they aren't at a loss. 

[JJ-]

Don't forget to think about things you will need once the kid is no longer an infant.  If you have people that want you get you things (cause they love you) maybe think ahead 6 months or a year.

When I buy for baby showers I like to give clothes for the 6 months plus sizes, that way they have something to move into, and if they have a bigger baby (or a fast grower) they aren't at a loss.

Tiny kid tables and chairs are an excellent future gift. Our 4 yo and 1.5 yo both sit and eat at the small Ikea table for lunch.

Something else I thought of is we get a gift of the kiwi co activity packs once a quarter for the toddler. They are age appropriate and fun for them. It's not inexpensive based on an assumption so could fit that $100 range I bet.

[Captain FIRE]

Check out baby bargains book / website.  (You can probably get an older copy at the library.)  My SIL gifted me the book and I found it far easier to flip through than the website.  It's great for explaining baby items, why you might want an item, what you can sub in for items, and then gives recommendations for different price points.

Everyone's situation will vary.  For example, we requested 1 diaper pail, my MIL gave us 2 (so...not like we could return one and have it not noticed).  I thought that was completely unnecessary (and it is...) but it turned out we loved having the 2 with one on each floor.  That said, I imagine others with different floorplans wouldn't appreciate it.  So take a lot of advice over using X or Y item with a grain of salt.

Figure out what you can get used or buy super cheap before you put more items on the list.  We were the last of our friends to have kids so we were given a lot of used items.  We got the car seat (no accidents), stroller, multiple baby carriers, activity center, oodles of clothes, cribs, etc. from friends.  Check your local buy nothing equivalent group too. I've gotten some items for my older kid on there and purge my baby stuff through it.  People love passing on baby items!  (Win win, as the parents are happy to get it out of the house and the new owners are happy not to pay for it.)

Look farther ahead - pick out something you might use when the kid is 1+ such as a convertible car seat.  What about something you might want for travel later (travel stroller, travel car seat or car seat bag)?  Feeding/toys/potty training seat for when the kid is older?

*If you do not put more items on the list, you may receive more clothes than your child can wear before they outgrow them*  Just telling people verbally may not be enough.  Can you return items on the registry?

[OtherJen]

Don't forget to think about things you will need once the kid is no longer an infant.  If you have people that want you get you things (cause they love you) maybe think ahead 6 months or a year.

When I buy for baby showers I like to give clothes for the 6 months plus sizes, that way they have something to move into, and if they have a bigger baby (or a fast grower) they aren't at a loss.

Tiny kid tables and chairs are an excellent future gift. Our 4 yo and 1.5 yo both sit and eat at the small Ikea table for lunch.

Good idea!

OP, I have yet to meet a toddler who doesn't love a play kitchen. You could add one to your registry if you have room.

[midweststache]

To all of this I would add food delivery or restaurant gift cards. I know it's not the Mustachian way but we were too exhausted to care about ordering out a few meals. If ordering food is anathema to you, you could also put "home-cooked meals for a month" on there if you have local support - could some of your family make a weekly casserole delivery. That's the gift of time and energy, as well as the cost of ingredients.

ALSO: super-nice, large organic swaddles - we used swaddles for everything and the four super-nice ones we received lasted through two children; they were $25/each so that might fit the "expensive" gift for 2-3.

Finally - if you get a lot of stuff you find you don't use, don't feel bad about posting it and giving it away. Babies are finnicky: for instance, we registered for a few pacifiers for our kids - because we were 'supposed to' - and neither one EVER used a pacifier. We've benefited from having a FB group that cycles through kids stuff and a Buy Nothing group, and have been able to pass along most of our now-outgrown kids stuff to others in need. (Just make sure to snap a picture of your kid with the item and send it to the gifter - "Thanks so much!" - before passing it along :) )

[Dicey]

OP, I have yet to meet a toddler who doesn't love a play kitchen. You could add one to your registry if you have room.

Totally agree! My friend bought one that we discovered at a kid's resale store, just before her granddaughter was coming to visit from out of state. She keeps it at her home, but the rest of us grandmas take turns borrowing it when our grandkids in town. My granddaughter absolutely loves it and probably believes it lives at our house. Miraculously, we've never needed it at the same time.

I do the same thing with a Pack & Play and some other baby gear, all sourced used, of course.

Recently, another friend's granddaughter was visiting for the first time. I had all the stuff at my house. When she came to pick it up, I welcomed her to the Grandma Gear Club.

[wageslave23]

OP, I have yet to meet a toddler who doesn't love a play kitchen. You could add one to your registry if you have room.

Totally agree! My friend bought one that we discovered at a kid's resale store, just before her granddaughter was coming to visit from out of state. She keeps it at her home, but the rest of us grandmas take turns borrowing it when our grandkids in town. My granddaughter absolutely loves it and probably believes it lives at our house. Miraculously, we've never needed it at the same time.

I do the same thing with a Pack & Play and some other baby gear, all sourced used, of course.

Recently, another friend's granddaughter was visiting for the first time. I had all the stuff at my house. When she came to pick it up, I welcomed her to the Grandma Gear Club.

Haha that's awesome.  My mom is definitely not Mustachian and she has like two or three sets of everything because she likes to thrift shop. My 2 nieces and nephew recently moved out of the country so I will probably be raiding her inventory whenever I need something.  Her basement basically looks like a thrift store dedicated to babies and toddlers. 3 kitchen sets, 5 battery powered vehicles, 2 bike trailers, it's insane and also why I don't want to ask for stuff she already has multiples of.

[Dicey]

Huh. Upon reflection, AFIK, everyone in the Grandma Gear Club is well into the two comma club and could easily afford to purchase new high-end gear. Two differences are that none of our grandkids live close enough for drop-in visits, and houses here do not have basements.

[JJ-]

OP, I have yet to meet a toddler who doesn't love a play kitchen. You could add one to your registry if you have room.

Totally agree! My friend bought one that we discovered at a kid's resale store, just before her granddaughter was coming to visit from out of state. She keeps it at her home, but the rest of us grandmas take turns borrowing it when our grandkids in town. My granddaughter absolutely loves it and probably believes it lives at our house. Miraculously, we've never needed it at the same time.

I do the same thing with a Pack & Play and some other baby gear, all sourced used, of course.

Recently, another friend's granddaughter was visiting for the first time. I had all the stuff at my house. When she came to pick it up, I welcomed her to the Grandma Gear Club.

When we were traveling with our kids, at the time DS was about one. We borrowed something called a gloo which is a tiny baby tent with an inflatable mattress. It. Was. Amazing. It collapsed to the size of a gallon bag and weighed no more than a few pounds tops.

Granted, the pack and play can be used much longer than one of these as kiddos grow, but this new thing made those trips so much easier than us packing an actual pack n play the one time we did.

After we packed the pack n play, we left it behind with grandparents and just bought another one when we got back because hauling that around plus bags was terrible.

[AMandM]

OP, an off-the-beaten-path suggestion from a new mom friend of mine: a high-quality trash can. Someone gave her one when she had her latest baby, and she loves having a can whose lid opens easily by foot pedal without the use of her hands, but which stays shut tight when it's not open.

[wageslave23]

OP, an off-the-beaten-path suggestion from a new mom friend of mine: a high-quality trash can. Someone gave her one when she had her latest baby, and she loves having a can whose lid opens easily by foot pedal without the use of her hands, but which stays shut tight when it's not open.

Thanks. My wife already put a nice diaper pail garbage can on the registry.  Seems like a worthwhile item

[JJ-]

OP, an off-the-beaten-path suggestion from a new mom friend of mine: a high-quality trash can. Someone gave her one when she had her latest baby, and she loves having a can whose lid opens easily by foot pedal without the use of her hands, but which stays shut tight when it's not open.

Thanks. My wife already put a nice diaper pail garbage can on the registry.  Seems like a worthwhile item

Not just a diaper pail but a trash can as well. You'll be holding baby a lot ... Most likely.

[Khaetra]

OP, an off-the-beaten-path suggestion from a new mom friend of mine: a high-quality trash can. Someone gave her one when she had her latest baby, and she loves having a can whose lid opens easily by foot pedal without the use of her hands, but which stays shut tight when it's not open.

Thanks. My wife already put a nice diaper pail garbage can on the registry.  Seems like a worthwhile item

Not just a diaper pail but a trash can as well. You'll be holding baby a lot ... Most likely.

With a foot pedal!  It was one of the best things I received and used.

[ysette9]

OP, an off-the-beaten-path suggestion from a new mom friend of mine: a high-quality trash can. Someone gave her one when she had her latest baby, and she loves having a can whose lid opens easily by foot pedal without the use of her hands, but which stays shut tight when it's not open.

Thanks. My wife already put a nice diaper pail garbage can on the registry.  Seems like a worthwhile item

Not just a diaper pail but a trash can as well. You'll be holding baby a lot ... Most likely.

With a foot pedal!  It was one of the best things I received and used.

I agree this is a great idea. We’ve had the diaper pail and also a nice trash can with a foot pedal and self-closing lid (Ikea, baby!!) and the trash can wins. It is wonderful to be able to open it hands-free and it does just as well at keeping the stink down.

[ysette9]

Diapers and wipes, or gift cards that can be used for them. If you have too many of one size you can exchange them for a larger size without a receipt at Walmart or Target. I like to give a carton of diapers coupled with a book or outfit to make the gift more personal.

I also liked the ergo carrier, but I bought that used.

Make sure you get the pajamas with the zipper, the snaps are really frustrating.

Yeah we were thinking the ergo carrier too.  That's a good idea

There is a carrier called the Becco Gemini that is very similar to the Ergo except you don’t need an infant insert when they are tiny, so it is easier to use. I used that carrier from preemie newborn through now where my 4 year old still fits it if my back and hips can withstand her weight.

[ysette9]

If you don't put more gift ideas on the list, they will start buying stuff you really don't need.

Have you asked friends with kids what their favorite things are?

Baby carriers like ergo carrier, mom care post delivery products, sleep sacks for all seasons, sound machines all come to mind.

Some friends swear by the snoo.

Babies aren't that expensive :)

We did the Snoo for our last baby out of desperation. You can rent one by the month to test it out. When it seemed to help we decided to get one. By far the best way is to get it used, but only from someone trustworthy. In my case I got it through an internal work forum. Buy used for $500 and then sell it to the next person six months later for $500.

[elliha]

I would say clothes in larger sizes. Many people love buying baby outfits but really when they are older is when you really need clothes. When they are around 1 they are usually very messy and always get into things, spill food, love to play in the dirt etc. I also think that small chairs and table and a kitchen were good suggestions. Both my son and daughter has loved to play with our kitchen. My son is 5 and not until now has he started to play a little less with it. I will probably soon sell it.

[starbuck]

I have three kids, and here are my suggestions.

-Def push 529 contributions (or whatever your plan for their future is) - it's always our first mention when a grandparent asks what the kids need (because they really need absolutely nothing at this point!)
-Think past the baby stage and to the toddler stage - a high chair would be a great item, or a toddler table with two/four chairs
-Travel versions of items are really great too, and are helpful even if you're not traveling far, just think to a family BBQ or beach trip. Things like a travel crib (maybe a guava which is much lighter/smaller than a standard pack and play) , travel stroller (we have one that you can carry on an airplane), baby carrier (I'm a fan of the Tula), or a travel high chair (I like the ones that clip on to tables.) A lot of this stuff I just keep in our car so we always have it when we're out. This is especially helpful stuff if you have more than one kid.
-A newborn/family photo shoot
-Costco/Amazon prime memberships if you don't already have them. Maybe a Netflix or Hulu gift card to pay for a subscription for a while.
-Gift cards to your favorite local restaurants, or a meal train for once the baby comes.
-If you enjoy hiking, a carrier with a frame will make a big difference once that kid approaches toddler age.

Some of these are hard to put on a registry so you'll have to switch to emails/word of mouth/a grandparent to share the ideas.

[ysette9]

If someone wants to spend money on you then I like the idea of the high chair. The Stokke Tripp Trapp in particular is versatile enough to go from baby (with accessories) to when they are ready to transition to big people chairs (5+). It is expensive but good value considering how many years you can get out of it. It also holds its value and you can usually get $100 for it used.

[Darian]

-Second the suggestion on your local Buy Nothing group, it seems like on mine baby items are the most common things being purged. Also check if your hospital has a new parents group, my Facebook group for that is great free source of baby gear.
-Swimsuit+swim diaper+pool float for next year if you have access to a pool
-Zoo membership for when the kid is a little older. Or passes for children's gyms like My Gym or the Little Gym for when the baby is 6 months and wants to crawl all over everything.
-Nice mobile to attach to the crib
-Sleepsacks
-Boppy pillows for nursing
-Walker push toy for when the baby is learning to walk.
-Folding, waterproof picnic mats. We have ones like these and have used them almost every day this summer: https://www.amazon.com/FashionLive-Blanket-Sandproof-Waterproof-Portable/dp/B07PM65PZP/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=outdoor+mats+kids+play&qid=1631456440&sr=8-5
-All-in-one reusable diaper set? You may not want to go there, but before the baby is eating solids you usually can throw them straight into the washing machine.

[MayDay]

All the buy nothing/buy used suggestions are hilarious considering the OP posted specifically because people want to give gifts.

We found it annoying to get older kid things, because then when the kid turned 1 or 2 grandma still wanted to buy the baby a big thing.
Various baby carriers are expensive and we enjoyed having one that was left in the car, one in the house, etc. We also enjoyed having both a smaller/lighter stroller and a jogging stroller for winter and rough terrain. Our winter stroller also needed a secure cover because of the wind.

I also have heard the Snoo is amazing for some babies. I would totally ask for a month (or more) of rental.

Ditto those who said to get duplicates for grandma. My mom kept a second baby monitor, stroller, and booster seat high chair thingy.it made it MUCH easier to visit.

[habanero]

If you're into outdoor sports in the winter (and get snow where you live...) a pulk is great to put kids in as they can sleep, stay warm and comfy and it lets you bring a lot of gear. Mostly used when cross country skiing / ski touring but can also be put behind a bike etc.

[kite]

Peloton Bike?  Wine?  Babymoon weekend away? 
Patio furniture.  Or one of these:  https://www.starswingsets.com/

[Captain FIRE]

All the buy nothing/buy used suggestions are hilarious considering the OP posted specifically because people want to give gifts.

We found it annoying to get older kid things, because then when the kid turned 1 or 2 grandma still wanted to buy the baby a big thing.
Various baby carriers are expensive and we enjoyed having one that was left in the car, one in the house, etc. We also enjoyed having both a smaller/lighter stroller and a jogging stroller for winter and rough terrain. Our winter stroller also needed a secure cover because of the wind.

I also have heard the Snoo is amazing for some babies. I would totally ask for a month (or more) of rental.

Ditto those who said to get duplicates for grandma. My mom kept a second baby monitor, stroller, and booster seat high chair thingy.it made it MUCH easier to visit.

Well, I specifically said to check it out so you put items on the list that you’ll use and not things you can get for free.  Figure out what is available for free so you only get items that you’d need to buy. And then I gave some buy item suggestions.

Re grandparents wanting to buy expensive items for birthdays, I’d say 1) there’s always more things people want to sell you. Let that be tomorrow’s problem. Maybe they’ll come around to the 529 by then, or you can suggest a zoo membership, children’s museum or the like.  We were supposed to get two memberships last year (science and children’s museum) that we skipped because of the pandemic. And 2) not all grandparents. My folks aren’t so keen on big gifts for example.

[Dicey]

All the buy nothing/buy used suggestions are hilarious considering the OP posted specifically because people want to give gifts.

We found it annoying to get older kid things, because then when the kid turned 1 or 2 grandma still wanted to buy the baby a big thing.
Various baby carriers are expensive and we enjoyed having one that was left in the car, one in the house, etc. We also enjoyed having both a smaller/lighter stroller and a jogging stroller for winter and rough terrain. Our winter stroller also needed a secure cover because of the wind.

I also have heard the Snoo is amazing for some babies. I would totally ask for a month (or more) of rental.

Ditto those who said to get duplicates for grandma. My mom kept a second baby monitor, stroller, and booster seat high chair thingy.it made it MUCH easier to visit.

Well, I specifically said to check it out so you put items on the list that you’ll use and not things you can get for free.  Figure out what is available for free so you only get items that you’d need to buy. And then I gave some buy item suggestions.

Re grandparents wanting to buy expensive items for birthdays, I’d say 1) there’s always more things people want to sell you. Let that be tomorrow’s problem. Maybe they’ll come around to the 529 by then, or you can suggest a zoo membership, children’s museum or the like.  We were supposed to get two memberships last year (science and children’s museum) that we skipped because of the pandemic. And 2) not all grandparents. My folks aren’t so keen on big gifts for example.

This made me chuckle. Our grandkids occasionally get gently used things from us (mostly books or clothes in near-new condition) and big slugs of brand-new cash deposited into their 529's. Don't care how they feel about that now, they're going to love it later.

[Morning Glory]

All the buy nothing/buy used suggestions are hilarious considering the OP posted specifically because people want to give gifts.

We found it annoying to get older kid things, because then when the kid turned 1 or 2 grandma still wanted to buy the baby a big thing.
Various baby carriers are expensive and we enjoyed having one that was left in the car, one in the house, etc. We also enjoyed having both a smaller/lighter stroller and a jogging stroller for winter and rough terrain. Our winter stroller also needed a secure cover because of the wind.

I also have heard the Snoo is amazing for some babies. I would totally ask for a month (or more) of rental.

Ditto those who said to get duplicates for grandma. My mom kept a second baby monitor, stroller, and booster seat high chair thingy.it made it MUCH easier to visit.

Well, I specifically said to check it out so you put items on the list that you’ll use and not things you can get for free.  Figure out what is available for free so you only get items that you’d need to buy. And then I gave some buy item suggestions.

Re grandparents wanting to buy expensive items for birthdays, I’d say 1) there’s always more things people want to sell you. Let that be tomorrow’s problem. Maybe they’ll come around to the 529 by then, or you can suggest a zoo membership, children’s museum or the like.  We were supposed to get two memberships last year (science and children’s museum) that we skipped because of the pandemic. And 2) not all grandparents. My folks aren’t so keen on big gifts for example.

This made me chuckle. Our grandkids occasionally get gently used things from us (mostly books or clothes in near-new condition) and big slugs of brand-new cash deposited into their 529's. Don't care how they feel about that now, they're going to love it later.

You are a good grandma!!!!

[CNM]

Some bigger ticket items for babies:
+ rocking chair/glider with footrest : this was *hands down* my most important piece of child gear.  I still use it!
+ extra breast pump/pump accessories (if breast feeding or pumping will be happening)
    Along those lines, I really liked those weird gel nipple cooling patches and reusable absorbent cotton rounds to put in a bra to catch leakage
+ a baby bouncer - for a slightly older baby to sit in and bounce up and down. I prefer the stand alone types to those that hang from a doorjamb
+ a baby swing - my 1st kid loved this thing and would routinely fall asleep in it; 2nd kid less so
+ car seats or car seat bottoms for the carrier to snap into - with two sets of grandparents and a nanny, we needed several of these
+ a white noise machine or nightlight with a white noise feature
+ gentle/fragrance free clothing detergent and if you're going to cloth diaper, some enzyme cleaner
+ baby toiletries like tear-free shampoo
+ a baby first aid kit, with infant and child versions of common OTC medicines (advil, tylenol, pedialyte, bandaids, cooling pack, etc.)
+ a baby grooming kit, with tiny nail clippers and a strange sort of spongey hairbrush
+ a boppy, which is a type of baby seat they can use as they learn to sit independently
+ a vibrating baby chair thing, that is sort of like a wire reclining seat with a sling for them to sit in. 
+ a pack n play for traveling with baby
+ an extra travel stroller for keeping in the car
+ a play mat with things that dangle so baby can do tummy time and be entertained while on back, trying to swat at dangling things
+ a crib mobile

[wageslave23]

Some bigger ticket items for babies:
+ rocking chair/glider with footrest : this was *hands down* my most important piece of child gear.  I still use it!
+ extra breast pump/pump accessories (if breast feeding or pumping will be happening)
    Along those lines, I really liked those weird gel nipple cooling patches and reusable absorbent cotton rounds to put in a bra to catch leakage
+ a baby bouncer - for a slightly older baby to sit in and bounce up and down. I prefer the stand alone types to those that hang from a doorjamb
+ a baby swing - my 1st kid loved this thing and would routinely fall asleep in it; 2nd kid less so
+ car seats or car seat bottoms for the carrier to snap into - with two sets of grandparents and a nanny, we needed several of these
+ a white noise machine or nightlight with a white noise feature
+ gentle/fragrance free clothing detergent and if you're going to cloth diaper, some enzyme cleaner
+ baby toiletries like tear-free shampoo
+ a baby first aid kit, with infant and child versions of common OTC medicines (advil, tylenol, pedialyte, bandaids, cooling pack, etc.)
+ a baby grooming kit, with tiny nail clippers and a strange sort of spongey hairbrush
+ a boppy, which is a type of baby seat they can use as they learn to sit independently
+ a vibrating baby chair thing, that is sort of like a wire reclining seat with a sling for them to sit in. 
+ a pack n play for traveling with baby
+ an extra travel stroller for keeping in the car
+ a play mat with things that dangle so baby can do tummy time and be entertained while on back, trying to swat at dangling things
+ a crib mobile

Thanks.  I think we have all of these things and are on the right track.  Should be good now.  At least until the baby comes and we need to adapt.  Appreciate everyone's input!