Group Gifting: How to Go In on Big Registry Items

That UPPAbaby Vista stroller is $1,100. The Snoo is $1,695. No individual guest wants to spend that much — but four friends pooling $250 each? Suddenly it's possible. Here's how to do group gifting right.

How Group Gifting Works

1. Identify the big-ticket item on the registry
2. Coordinate with friends/family who want to contribute
3. One person purchases the item or contributes on behalf of the group
4. Card says "From [all names]"

Best Items for Group Gifts

• Strollers: $200–1,200 depending on brand
• Cribs: $200–800
• Car seats: $150–400
• Gliders/rockers: $300–900
• Baby monitors (smart ones): $200–400
• Travel systems: $300–600

How to Organize It

Option 1: One person buys

The most reliable method. One person purchases the item and others Venmo/Zelle their share. Pros: simple. Cons: one person fronts the money.

Option 2: Registry group gifting feature

Many registries (including In9Months) let multiple people contribute to one item. Each person pays their share directly. Parents see who contributed.

Option 3: Group fund

Create a Venmo or Zelle group fund. Everyone contributes, then one person purchases. Good for larger groups.

Etiquette Tips

• Agree on a coordinator: One person manages communication and the actual purchase
• Set a deadline: "Please Venmo me by [date]" — don't chase people
• Be flexible: If someone can only do $30 instead of $50, that's fine
• Don't pressure: Some people prefer to give their own gift. Let them.
• Include everyone on the card: List every contributor's name

What About Surprise Gifts?

If you're coordinating a surprise (parents don't know this item will be fully funded), consider marking it as "purchased" on the registry early to prevent duplicates.

Sample Text for Organizing

"Hey! A few of us are going in together on the [item] from Sarah and Mike's registry. It's $X total — we're thinking $Y per person with [number] of us. Want in? Venmo me by [date] and I'll order it. Let me know!"