Children's book registries and recommendations
baby shower registry
a meaningful start
80% of brain development happens in the first 3 years of life. Reading with a child deepens relationships and boosts the child's lifelong ability to learn.
Use Bookshelf Builder to kick start the new baby's library.
how it works
1. Sign Up
Simply start by filling out this 4 minute form.
We'll ask if there are any specific interests the parents have that we can incorporate into the book list.
Examples:
French language, Indian culture, camping, architecture, skiing, travel, gardening.
2. Book List
We'll generate about 50-70 book recommendations for your guests.
This replaces the need to create your own wishlist! We will edit the list together - some people make no changes, others make several. We'll happily work with you on it.
Guests are also encouraged to go off-list and pick their own special books.
3. Share
Share the registry link with your guests.
Writers block? View our sample invitations. Since we don't sell books ourselves, guests are asked to fill out a form to let us know what they've purchased so we can mark those books as claimed to avoid duplicates.
a treasured shower
at the event
We encourage hosts to have all guests write something special in the book. This is best done in advance, but can also be done at the event.
An initial library of 25-50 books is a perfect starter library. Our recommendations cover a broad range of formats, authors, styles and topics so parents can build knowledge and insight into how they want to grow their library. (View a sample registry)
years later
The initial library will hold a special place in a parent's heart, and those books tend to get read for years (even after a child has out-grown them). The notes inside the book form a deep connection to the book and the gifter.
You may not realize this, but fathers, grandparents and other caregivers benefit especially from the starter library. These books provide an immediate and meaningful activity to do with a newborn in critical moments when its unclear what to do next.