We didn't send out Christmas cards this year because we knew we'd be sending out birth announcement a few weeks afterwards. So, birth announcements went out a couple weeks ago, and all of a sudden I've noticed an influx of gifts for Summer. Then I started thinking: Are they the result of the announcements? Of course-they must be, right?
It had never occurred to me that birth announcements would be treated like wedding announcements, graduation announcements, etc. and are an attempt to get gain. I thought they were just a way to brag about how adorable your new little bundle of joy is. Don't get me wrong, I'm so loving the adorable things that are coming in, and VERY appreciative, but they were all just so unexpected.
So my question is: do you, my readers, send out birth announcements in hopes of getting more gifts? Or just as an FYI?
If it's the previous, then I feel awful about not sending gifts to those who have sent me announcements!!
10 comments:
people are happy for you and want to shower little Summer with gifts. you wouldn't want to take that opportunity away from them--send more!
As for myself, it is kind of a reminder. I have had a gift for you forever, and keep forgetting to send it. The announcement reminded me I need to send it out. :) PS - Good job on the Photoshop stuff!
I wouldn't post such things - it may become apparent that some didn't receive said announcement.
i have always sent them as an fyi... never thought about the gift thing.
the thing is summer has such awesome hair that i am sure people cannot resist sending gifts.
except for people like us- oops. who send our love instead.
okay, it is late and this comment is lame, but congrats none the less.
Regarding Josie's comment, I am holding Summer's gift hostage, awaiting an announcement that will never come. Sigh.
Josie-send me your address and I'll send you one!
Patty-I didn't send them to the locals--they get to see and touch her...better than an announcement, right??
I think of them as an announcement thing too. I think if it were your second kid you probably wouldn't get a many gifts, but since it is your first that has a lot to do with it.
I was just teasing you, Karen! Yes...it is better to see her in person, for sure!
I would think that bragging is the biggest reason. At least it is for us. :)
Hey, Karen! I'm reading this late--catching up, but in my Emily Post etiquette book (a necessity in the eyes of my step-mom) it says that a birth announcement is not to be viewed as a quest for gifts, merely a courtesy to announce a new baby. Some send gifts in response, some don't, either is okay. I read this before I sent any out about Paige--I definitely didn't want people to feel obligated to send gifts, and reading that made me feel better about it. Hope this helps!
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