Asking for cash gifts: diaper funds, college funds, and how to word it

Asking for money feels awkward in a way asking for a $60 bouncer somehow doesn't. But plenty of guests would genuinely rather contribute to something useful than guess at a gift — especially relatives who live far away, friends whose own kids are grown, and anyone who has lived through the diaper bills. The awkwardness mostly comes from vague asks. Specific, well-worded funds feel like any other registry item.

Why cash funds work

• They cover things a box can't: diapers over months, childcare, help in the early weeks.
• They let several people contribute to something bigger together.
• They're easy for guests who can't get to a store or ship a parcel.
• They don't take up space in a small home.

Funds that make sense for a baby

• Diapers and wipes — the easiest one to explain and the most universally understood.
• Early-weeks help: meal delivery, a cleaner, laundry service.
• Postpartum support, such as a doula, lactation help or a physiotherapist, if that's part of your plan.
• Childcare or daycare, for when parental leave ends.
• A big-item fund for the stroller or crib you've already chosen. For the car seat, it's worth choosing the exact model yourself, so a fund can be better than hoping a guest picks one that fits your car.
• Education savings — often popular with grandparents.
• Something lovely: newborn photos, a first family trip, a keepsake.

Make each fund specific

A fund called 'Cash' asks guests to trust you. A fund called 'Diapers for the first six months', with a sentence about why, tells them exactly what their gift does. Where your registry allows it, a modest goal helps too — people like seeing something get finished. Keep goals realistic rather than aspirational, and don't list the amounts you expect from individual guests anywhere.

Wording you can borrow

On the registry, under a diaper fund:

• "We've been told we'll go through a truly alarming number of diapers. If you'd like to help keep us stocked, this fund goes straight to diapers and wipes. Thank you!"

On a shower invitation, if you'd like to mention it:

• "Your company is the best gift. For those who've asked, our registry (with a few funds for the less photogenic essentials) is at the link below."

For an education fund:

• "A few people have asked about contributing to [baby]'s future. We've set up an education savings fund — anything added here goes into it, however small."

For early-weeks help:

• "The thing we've heard helps most in the first weeks is not having to cook. This fund goes toward meal delivery while we find our feet."

For guests who'd rather give something physical:

• "Prefer to pick something out? The registry has plenty of small things too — and hand-me-downs are always welcome."

Etiquette that keeps it comfortable

• Offer funds alongside items, not instead of them, unless giving cash is the norm in your family or culture — in which case, lean into it.
• Let the invitation be about the event. A light mention and a link is enough.
• Never follow up with guests about whether they contributed.
• Know how the money reaches you before you share the link. Check whether contributions are paid through the registry or arranged separately, how long they take to arrive, and whether processing fees apply.
• If an older relative is uneasy with online funds, a card or cheque is perfectly fine. Say so.

Education funds in Canada: RESP basics

If you're in Canada and want an education fund, a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is the usual home for it, because contributions can attract government grants. As of September 2026, according to the Government of Canada:

• The basic Canada Education Savings Grant is 20% of annual contributions, up to a maximum grant of $500 a year per child.
• There's a lifetime grant limit of $7,200 per child, and grants are available on contributions made up to the end of the calendar year the child turns 17.
• Families with lower or middle incomes may qualify for an additional grant on the first $500 contributed each year.
• To open an RESP, your baby needs a Social Insurance Number. Your RESP provider (the 'promoter') helps you apply for the grants when you open the plan.

A simple approach is to put gifts from an education fund into the RESP yourself, so they count as contributions. Rules and amounts change, and this is general information rather than financial advice — confirm the details on Canada.ca or with your provider.

Education funds in the US: 529 plans

In the US, the usual equivalent is a 529 plan: a plan operated by a state or educational institution, with tax advantages for education savings. According to the IRS, anyone can set one up and name a beneficiary, there are no income restrictions, and contributions are not deductible on federal taxes. State rules and benefits vary, so check your state's plan.

Saying thank you for money

• Thank people for what the gift does, not the amount: 'Thanks to you, we haven't bought a single diaper yet.'
• For group contributions, thank each person individually.
• Update grandparents on an education fund now and then. It's a gift that's easy to forget about, and they'll love hearing it's growing.
• A photo of the thing their money bought — the stroller on its first walk — goes a long way.

MyBabyBase lets you add cash funds with an optional goal alongside the items on your registry, so guests see both in one place. Whatever you use, the principles are the same: be specific, be relaxed about it, and say thank you well.