Dear parents, why not just make a wish list?

Pink instead of grey, disposable diapers instead of cloth diapers, plastic instead of wood, size 56 instead of 62. Anyone with a child knows these problems. You are supposed to appreciate gifts, but all too often people give things that you simply do not need or already own. Other parents feel the same way, by the way.
So, where is the problem? Gift-givers have no idea what the family might actually need and act to the best of their knowledge (though unfortunately not always to the best of their taste). A sister, godparent or mother can probably estimate what will be appreciated and what will not. But for the neighbour, great-aunt or a friend of the mother, it becomes much more difficult.
Anyone who is married knows the situation before the wedding. What do people do then? Exactly – they create a wishlist. A wishlist makes at least as much sense when a baby is born.

Because:

• Having children is expensive, and parents are grateful when they do not have to buy everything themselves.
• Bringing a baby into the world and caring for one is exhausting enough, so parents deserve to receive what they actually want.
• It is not rude at all, after all, the wishes are for the child and not for yourself.
• Everyone wants to give a gift anyway, and gift-givers are often happy not to have to think too hard about it.

Things to consider when creating a wishlist:

• Include gifts for different budgets.
• List gifts that can be bought without much creativity (high chair, natural wood colour), but also some that allow for personal interpretation (a beautiful changing bag).
• Specify how many of each item you need (this can also simply be “multiple”).

How you could create/share your wishlist:

• Create an Excel spreadsheet and save it on Google Docs. You can send the link to the people you choose. Once someone has selected a gift, they can remove it from the list.
• Post your desired products on WhatsApp, Instagram Stories or create a Pinterest wishlist board. However, on these channels, you should only include gifts that you can use more than once.
• Ask your favourite store if you can leave a wishlist with them.
• There are various online wishlist providers. You can create a wishlist and then share it with anyone you like, allowing them to view and update it.

TIP: You can either send the wishlist when someone asks for it or include it directly in the birth announcement card. For some of you, creating a wishlist may feel strange or even a little greedy. I understand that. A diplomatic solution – just like for a wedding – is to delegate this task to someone else, such as the godmother. That would certainly be a lovely first official duty. :-)