Sprinkle gift etiquette... (2024)

Baby Showers

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SoxFan777 member

September 2012 in Baby Showers

I went to a sprinkle for a friend who is having a kid of the same gender (her toddler is two)... I don't necessarily approve but I felt like it would be rude not to go.

I didn't know that people would bring such small gifts! I brought a "regular" shower gift (three outfits, two baby boardbooks, and some baby lotion and wipes). I knew a sprinkle meant fewer invites (there were still over twenty people there)... does it generally mean smaller gifts? I wish I got the memo!

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persephonerose member
September 2012
Yeah a sprinkle is generally just small 20.00 ish gifts. Kind of like not a full on rain, just a little sprinkle if that makes sense? I normally take consumable items to sprinkles, baby wash, lotions, diapers, wipes. Stuff that would have been used up from the first baby.
It was nice of you to give her such an awesome gift. I hope she sends you a nice thank you card!

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BallSox member
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How Much Should You Give for a Baby Sprinkle?
September 2012
This is why sprinkles are a bad idea.
1) You (a generic guest) felt like you "had" to go despite not agreeing with a 2nd shower/party
2) You (a generic guest) spent normal amount of money and was placed in an awkward situation

Little Man (4 years old---holy cow)
He's the single greatest thing I've done in my life and reminds me daily of how fun (and funny) life can be. He's turned out pretty swell for having such a heartless and evil mother.
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EastCoastBride member
September 2012
Well, while its too late, for the future, remember that it's an invitation. Not a subpoena. There is nothing rude about saying "sorry, I can't make it"
"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
~Benjamin Franklin

DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
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RoxyLynn member
September 2012
It would have been rude to say "Wow, a sprinkle is totally tacky and I'm not going." But it's always acceptable to claim "another obligation at that time."
I don't have any sprinkle etiquette for you because I'm not aware of any such thing. Having a shower for #2 or #3 throws etiquette out the window anyway, and buying the right gift or whatever isn't going to bring it back.

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Nicolewinsbingo member
September 2012
I went to a shower/sprinkle for a 5th child (church puts them on) and most of the people seemed to spend about the same money as they did for my baby (first child). One or two people gave tiny gifts, like a couple headbands or a pack or wipes or something, but they were the odd ones out. The awkwardness can go both ways!
I do think it can be normal to get much smaller gifts, but its weird because you can never know which way the crowd is going.

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rhubarb123 member
September 2012
The sprinkles I've attended the guests usually bring an outfit or two or a package of diapers and wipes. Usually there are only about 10-12 people there although I guess 20 isn't crazy big. Maybe some people showed up they thought wouldn't. I almost always give 2 outfits, a book, and a "toy" for the top of the gift.
I spend about the same amount I would spend on a gift I give AFTER a baby is born (whether I went to a "full-on" shower or if it is the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. baby).
What did the other guests give her that you consider "small"? A package of diapers are not that cheap...especially if you pair it with some wipes.

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moonglow_84
September 2012
Yup, it does usually mean smaller gifts... although generally it also means a smaller group. It always depends on the person lol. Gifts are usually just necessities like diapers and such or an outfit. More a gathering to celebrate the new baby.
This is why I'm iffy on "sprinkles" for a 2nd baby... people don't really get the idea & stuff like this ends up happening. They should have made it more clear for you (the guests).

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Aleja0918
September 2012
None of my friends or family members do "sprinkles" but I've always been under the impression that for those who insist on having them, they're only for small necessities. Everything else the mother should have left over from her other child/children so an outfit or a package of diapers is more than enough.

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Nicolewinsbingo member
September 2012
Another thing I have seen at sprinkles is getting the MTB a bunch of cute clothes in gender specific colors. Its like people figure the MTB already has everything so they just get some frivolous cute stuff. Or the more practical people go for diapers, like mentioned before.

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PrimRoseMama member
September 2012
EastCoastBride:
Well, while its too late, for the future, remember that it's an invitation. Not a subpoena. There is nothing rude about saying "sorry, I can't make it"
All of this.

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1026pumpkin member
September 2012
I think the hard part about "sprinkles" is that a lot of people don't know what they are, or they mean different things to different people. I think some people like to call it a "sprinkle" for the 2nd + baby because they feel it skirts the etiquette on 2nd showers, but I think it winds up in a lot of confusion.
I think for gift-giving in general, you should give whatever gift you planned to give at the price point you can affoard and are comfortable with, and don't worry about what the expectations are. If I have a gift inmind for a mamma-to-be, I purchase it whether it's a "shower," "sprinkle," or just something I drop off for her.
It sounds like you got your friend a really nice gift, and I'm sure she appreciates it.

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MCRM22011 member
September 2012
Depending on the relationship to the person, perhaps I'd spend between $10 (for a co-worker/ acquaintance) & $50 ($50 if it was a sister/ sister-in-law)?? I haven't been to a sprinkle yet, but I'd imagine that this is an acceptable amount.
BFP 7/16/12, Due 3/23/13, DS #1 born 3/13/13BFP #2 8/10/14, CP 8/16/14BFP #3 9/16/14
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FAQs

How much should you spend on a sprinkle gift? ›

If you're pondering over the proper amount to spend on a baby sprinkle gift, the unwritten rule hovers around $20 to $50. It's a gentle shower of affection, not the full-on downpour of the first-time baby shower.

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How many people should be at a sprinkle? ›

Since a sprinkle is a generally casual affair, you can invite as many or as few people as you'd like. Typically, though, a baby sprinkle has a shorter guest list, with only close friends and family invited. Big brother or sister can come to this one, too.

Are you supposed to bring a gift to a baby sprinkle? ›

Gifts: Baby sprinkles are about showering the parents with love, rather than extensive gift-giving. Encourage guests to bring smaller and more practical gifts, such as diapers, baby clothes, books, or gift cards.

Learn More Now ›

Who should be invited to a sprinkle? ›

This party is often (cutely) called a 'Sprinkle' instead of a shower since the family welcoming the new child likely already has many of the items needed (though not always!). Immediate family and very close friends are usually included.

Do you play games at a sprinkle? ›

While traditional baby shower games still work at a sprinkle, you can plan on simpler activities, too, like making a DIY shower gift as a group.

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What is an appropriate gift for a sprinkle? ›

Diapers and Wipes: Stocking up on baby essentials is always a good idea. From diapers and wipes to onesies and blankets, these items are must-haves for any parent welcoming a new addition to the family. Consider creating a Diaper Fund to make it easy for friends and family to contribute.

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Can I wear jeans to a baby sprinkle? ›

Can I Wear Jeans to a Baby Shower? This one comes down to the dress code and location. If the dress code is casual, semi casual, or, in some cases, business casual, you're in the clear for jeans. For smart casual, co*cktail, and lounge suit dress codes, jeans are not appropriate.

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Is $100 enough for a baby shower gift? ›

We'll break it down by relationship: For coworkers or acquaintances, people tend to spend around $30 to $50. For friends or distant relatives, many people spend between $50 and $100. For close friends or family members, most people spend between $100 and $200 or more.

How long should a sprinkle shower be? ›

How Long Does A Baby Sprinkle Last? The typical time period for a baby sprinkle to last is around two hours. There won't be all the specific details like there would be at a baby shower. For example, you won't have as many guests, resulting in a more relaxed atmosphere with only light finger foods.

What is proper etiquette for a second baby shower? ›

"For a celebration for a second or third or fourth baby, you might want to include only close family, call it a celebration rather than a shower, and make it clear you are inviting them to celebrate," notes Gottsman.

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What is a sprinkle honoring? ›

It's still a celebration that honors the family's second child (or any other subsequent children), but it's often less extravagant (hence the term “sprinkle” rather than “shower”).

What is the etiquette for a sprinkle? ›

A Sprinkle is typically a lower key affair than a shower (hence the name “sprinkle”!) and usually just the mother's closest friends and family are invited. Generally, it is a celebration of the mom and arrival of her newest bundle of joy, and not a “stock the nursery” kind of gathering.

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What is the baby sprinkle method? ›

Unlike a baby shower that has a more extensive guest list, many choose to invite just intimate relatives and close friends to a sprinkle. In other words, it's a low-key but festive get-together where loved ones express well-wishes and help the parents stock up on the necessities.

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How do you say no gifts for baby sprinkle? ›

To answer the question, the invitation could include something like: “We have everything we need for our little one, and request no gifts. Your presence is all we ask for. If you would like to make a donation to (your favorite charity) in our child's honor, that would bless us, as well as the children in need.”

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Can I throw my own sprinkle? ›

While baby sprinkles are traditionally hosted by close family members and friends, Gosselin says it's becoming increasingly common for the parents-to-be to host an event themselves. “It allows them to have more control over the execution and timeline, which is often a big factor,” she explains.

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Should you register for a sprinkle? ›

It's perfectly acceptable to register for your sprinkle. In fact, it makes things easier for friends and family who want to offer a token gift.