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How to Ask for Books Instead of Cards at a Baby Shower

January 4, 2024 in Baby Shower, Pregnancy

Last updated on July 9th, 2024 at 02:48 pm

Are you planning a baby shower soon and want a fun twist on the traditional cards? You should definitely consider asking your guest to bring books instead of cards for your baby!  

I know you have spent countless hours planning the perfect baby registry and researching all the best items you’ll need prior to your baby’s arrival, but have you thought about books? Reading to your baby (even when they are very young) is so important for their development and language skills. And what better way to create a beautiful library for your baby than to ask your baby shower guest to bring a book instead of a card!

I hadn’t heard of this trend until a few years ago when I attended a friend’s baby shower. All her friends and family brought their favorite childhood book and wrote a handwritten note inside for her little boy. While helping her set up her nursery I got to read through them and instantly decided that I wanted to do that too!

Fast forward to my own baby shower a few years later, I ran with the idea and I am so glad that I did. Now, every time I read those gifted books with my son, I remember all the amazing people who are there to support us in this crazy parenting journey. I will treasure them forever!

Love the idea but don’t know where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today we are going to chat about all things related to asking your guests to bring a book instead of a card. From the pros and cons, to how to ask respectfully (with example wording), and some great titles to give if you are the book giver!

Let’s jump right in!

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baby shower book instead of card pinterest image

Already planning on bringing a book to an upcoming baby shower but don’t know what message to write inside? Check out our article on What to Write in a Baby Shower Book for plenty of ideas and inspiration!

What is a Bring a Book Instead of a Card Baby Shower?

Just to reiterate, a popular baby shower trend right now is for the host to request book instead of cards with baby gift. It can also be instead of a baby gift if that is preferred. (This would be a great idea for a baby sprinkle or even a baby shower after a mom’s first baby!)

This allows for the mom-to-be to start a library for the baby with favorite titles from friends and family. Most often guests are asked to include a short message inside with their name for mom and baby to read.

Benefits of Bringing a Book Instead of a Card

The benefits of asking for books instead of cards at a baby shower include:

1. Fostering early literacy

Reading to your child even when they are a baby is so important for their language skills and development. In simple terms, the more words your baby hears, the more words they learn and add to their vocabulary. Studies have shown that children whose parents talk and read with them often know more words before age 2 than children who don’t read with their parents. 

2. Start building a personal library

Starting a collection of books that will be easily available to your child is a great way to get them interested in reading. Having books in your own home and reading often to them is a great way to foster a love of reading.

3. More sustainable and lasting than cards

Cards are a great addition to a gift, but they are often read once and thrown away. Writing a sentimental note that would otherwise be contained in a card on a book is a great way to keep the personal touch lasting. Baby will be able to read these inscriptions are they grow up and have that personal connection to the giver of the book.

4. Parent-child bonding

Reading with your baby is a great way to spend quality time with them and grow your parent-child bond. This bonding time is crucial to the baby’s social and emotional development as they grow and mature.

Negatives of Books Instead of Cards at a Baby Shower

While I think there are mostly great benefits to swapping books for cards at your baby shower, the guests/host may find a few negatives. Some may include:

1. Some guests may think it is an expensive swap

It is no secret that a book is more expensive than buying a card at the grocery store. Especially board books or books that are made to withstand the roughness of babies and toddlers can get expensive.

Some guest may prefer the less expensive option of a card and that is ok! We will chat about this more in a minute, but I think the best way to combat this is to make it clear that it is an optional request in the wording on your invite. That way no one feels the pressure to bring a book if that is out of budget for them.

2. You may get some repeats

I personally did not have much of this, but there is a chance you will get a few of the same book especially if you request favorite books from the giver’s childhood. You have several options if this happens:

    1. Give some of the duplicates to the grandparents to have at their home for baby and all the other cousins and future siblings to enjoy!
    2. If there is not a personal message written on the inside of one or more, regift or donate to someone else.
    3. Keep a stash of the second copy of the books put away for the inevitable day that your child destroys a copy.

3. Limited space for messages

While this depends on the books, some guests may find it difficult to fit a lengthy sentimental message inside of the book. This is not really an issue you can personally solve but could be frustrating to some guest who prefer to write more than a sentence or two to commemorate this special day.

How Do I Ask My Baby Shower Guests to Bring a Book Instead of a Card?

Now this may be my personal opinion, but I think the most important factor in this request for a book instead of a card is just that. It’s a REQUEST. Ultimately baby shower gifts themselves are not a requirement, but a kind and thoughtful gesture from those invites to your baby shower to help mom get started with all the things she needs for babies.

So be respectful of whatever your guest chooses to bring; whether it is a card, book, or nothing at all. Just their presence at your baby shower is enough to show that they love you, support you, and are part of your village when it comes to raising this baby. 

When wording your requests, I think it is important to remain respectful and full of gratitude, never assuming that someone will follow through exactly how you word the request. It should be presented as an option if they would like to participate without any pressure.  If guests are so kind as to bring a book for your baby, be sure to include that in your baby shower thank you cards!

Ok enough of my soap box!

Examples of How to Ask Guests to Bring Books instead of Cards

The best way to ask your guests to bring a book instead of a card to your baby shower is to include a note on the invitation or a separate card sent in the same envelope.

How you word this note is so important to the way it is received. I personally think a cute and catchy rhyme is the best way to go! Here are a few of my favorites:

The original authors for these poems and rhymes are unknown.

Instead of a card, we have one small request:

Please bring a book that you like best.

We hope you write a special line or two, 

So that each time we read it, we think of you!

One small request that won’t be too hard…

Please bring a book instead of a card.

By signing your book we’ll remember and share

Your special gift, even when you’re not there!

A small request for you, we hope it’s not hard. 

To bring a book for baby, instead of a card.

It doesn’t matter if it’s well loved or brand new. 

Either way your book will remind baby of you. 

Please write a small message on the inside cover.

And your words will be cherished forever and ever.

Whether it’s Cat in the Hat or Winnie The Pooh.

You can sign the book with a note from you!

By signing the book we will remember and share.

This special gift from you even when you’re not there.

Your book will be cherished well – loved or brand new.

Please don’t feel obligated, we’ll leave it up to you!

To fill baby’s library shouldn’t be hard,
If you bring a book instead of a card.
It doesn’t matter which story you choose;
Just be sure to include a note from you!

Instead of a card,
we have a small request:
Please bring a book —
(Baby’s name)will enjoy that the best!
We can read your inscription
each night before bed,
And enjoy your sentiment
through all the years ahead.

If rhymes aren’t your thing, here are a couple of more straight forwards options:

  • Instead of bringing a greeting card, please write your wishes in your favorite children’s book for baby to cherish forever.
  • Instead of a card, please bring a copy of your favorite childhood book for our baby boy/girl.
  • Instead of a greeting card, please sign the cover of a book that our little one will enjoy for years to come.

What is a Good Book to Bring to a Baby Shower?

If you are the guest headed to a baby shower requesting books instead of cards, it can be hard to know what book to choose! A wonderful way to share the love of reading with this new baby is by choosing your favorite childhood book or one you love reading to your own children. If you need some inspiration, here are a few of our favorites:

Final Thoughts on Bringing Books Instead of Cards to a Baby Shower

So, there you have it—swapping out cards for books at a baby shower adds a little extra special touch to an already magical baby shower! It’s a great way to build up a tiny library for your little one and kickstart their love for stories right from the get-go.

Remember, the goal isn’t just about the books themselves; it’s about the love, the stories, and the moments they’ll create. It’s those handwritten messages inside that’ll make you tear up when you read them to your baby for the hundredth time.

In the end, whether it’s cards or books, it’s the love and excitement of your friends and family that truly counts. So, embrace the journey, cherish those books, and get ready for countless bedtime stories filled with giggles, cuddles, and everlasting memories. Here’s to a shower filled with joy, laughter, and a library full of love!

Check out more great baby shower related content:

If you are pregnant, check out these blog posts to help you prepare for your baby:

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Next What to Write in a Baby Shower Book [+50 Example Inscriptions]

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