If you are invited to a wedding or baby shower, you can expect to be invited to choose a gift from a registry drawn up by the host — but have you heard of registries for children’s birthday parties?
The new trend is creating controversy among parents.
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“Most kids have way too much stuff,” said mom Tanya Bagshaw.
“I would not want to encourage my kids to create a list of ‘I wants’ and expect to receive a lot of presents.”
Mother Guyane Hébert-Potter told Global News she has made registries with Toys “R” Us in the past.
The store refers to their registries as “wish lists.”
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She explained she made the list to give friends and family ideas for her daughter’s baby shower, baptism and birthday.
She said she scoured the Toys “R” Us website for hours composing the wish list.
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“There were so many options, I had to compare brands, look at reviews and choose a price point,” said Hébert-Potter.
To eliminate the possibility of ending up with duplicate items, the host and guests can see what has already been purchased.
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“I knew what I was getting, so I was unwrapping just to see those items,” said Hébert-Potter.
“It took away from the emotional aspect and the element of surprise.”
However, she says not many guests referred to the wish list when buying gifts.
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Hébert-Potter mentioned that the list, “implements a budget, and limits guests.”
In the end, she said she only received about 10 to 20 per cent of what was on the list.
The debate caused controversy among parents, as some parents argued that creating a registry for a child’s birthday party is unsuitable.
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“A registry for a child is really extra in my opinion. I find asking for specific things from peers kind of inappropriate,” said mom Rebecca Young Sargent.
“Family is one thing, but family asks the parent. I see no need for a registry.”
Hébert-Potter told Global News she won’t be making wish lists in the future.
“I’m sure it works for some people, but I didn’t get the results I wanted,” she said.