Save vs. Splurge

Baby Gear Edition: Let’s be real. You remember building your wedding registry- you could always find a reason to splurge in every single category. The same goes for baby gear and products, but as a first-time mom, it can be hard to know when the splurge is actually worth it. We want you to spend your baby budget wisely, so we’ve asked our team of experienced Real Moms what they’d recommend splurging on and when they’d say, “Thank you, next”!

lastest articles

Cozy Fall Items to Add to Your Wedding Registry

August 14, 2025

There’s just something magical about fall—the crisp air, changing leaves, and that comforting feeling that makes you want to slow down and savor the season. If you’re planning a fall wedding, your registry is a great place to bring that same warmth into your newlywed home. From plush throw blankets to earthy kitchenware and comforting […]

– Ask A Real Bride – Wedding Gift Ideas for Couples Without a Registry

August 12, 2025

No Registry? No Problem. Here’s What to Give Instead. When my husband and I got married, I wasn’t planning to create a wedding registry. I told myself we didn’t need anything. We were already living together, our kitchen was stocked, and honestly, the idea of picking out gifts felt overwhelming. He didn’t feel strongly either […]

– College Essentials for Winter – Must-Haves for Cold Weather Campus Life

August 8, 2025

The first time I saw snow fall from the sky, I was 18 years old. Needless to say, when I moved from South Florida to Ohio for college, I had a few things to learn about winter. As a self-proclaimed fashionista, seasonal living meant adding even more fun pieces to my already full wardrobe, but […]

– Ask Cheryl – How to Handle a Giftless Bridal Shower Guest

August 7, 2025

When a guest doesn’t bring a gift to a bridal shower, is the bride-to-be obligated to write a note thanking them for attending?  Dear Cheryl, My daughter is writing thank you cards for gifts received at her bridal shower. She informed me that she did not receive a gift from my aunt and cousin. It […]

Why Your Child Needs a Birthday Registry

August 5, 2025

Let’s be real: the days leading up to your child’s birthday are full of excitement, sugar-fueled anticipation, and just a touch of panic. Not from your kid—that’s all you. Between planning the party, answering texts about what your child wants, and trying to avoid a mountain of duplicate toys, it can feel like you’re prepping […]

Honeymoon Destinations You'll Fall in Love with This Fall

July 31, 2025

After the excitement of the wedding, there’s something especially magical about planning your first big adventure as newlyweds. A honeymoon isn’t just a vacation—it’s a chance to rest, reconnect, and celebrate everything you’ve just experienced together. And if your wedding falls between late summer and early fall, you’re in luck: autumn is one of the […]

– Baby Shower 101 – Pro Tips for First-Time Hosts

July 29, 2025

So You’re Hosting Your First Baby Shower—Now What? If you’ve never planned a baby shower before, take a deep breath. You’ve offered or been asked to help celebrate something truly special, and you’re about to create a day the parent-to-be will remember forever. No pressure, right? But really, don’t stress. Whether you’re hosting a baby […]

– From Guilt to Gratitude – What My Bridal Shower Taught Me About Letting Go

July 25, 2025

Letting other people plan a celebration just for you sounds dreamy… until you’re actually the one getting married. Before my bridal shower, I was definitely excited, but I also felt a surprising sense of guilt. Being the center of attention has never been my strong suit, so the idea of a party in my honor […]

– Ask Cheryl – Travel, Hotel, and a Wedding Gift Too?

July 24, 2025

Wedding guests often wonder whether they should give the couple a gift, even if it means incurring travel expenses to attend the wedding. Dear Cheryl, I am going to my nephew’s wedding celebration out of state. The couple is already married. I have to purchase a flight and a hotel room, so I’m wondering: am I expected […]

Must-Have Products to Help Baby Reach Those Big Milestones

July 22, 2025

Watching your baby grow and learn is one of the most magical (and sometimes nerve-wracking) parts of motherhood. Those first rolls, giggles, crawls, and clumsy steps each feel like tiny miracles. While I’ve learned not to compare my baby’s progress to anyone else’s (because, truly, every baby moves at their own pace), I’ve found that […]

“Fall In Love” Bridal Shower Recipes & Decor

July 17, 2025

I’ve only lived somewhere with real seasons for a few years, but fall has quickly become the one I look forward to most each year. There’s something so perfect about the crispness in the air, the vivid colors of the changing leaves, and the quiet, almost magical feeling that the season brings.  All of this […]

Charming Autumn Baby Shower Themes

July 15, 2025

There’s something genuinely magical about autumn. Whether it’s cozy fireside chats with loved ones or crisp apple-picking mornings that lead into evenings spent baking delicious treats, autumn feels like a beautiful gateway to the holiday season. That’s why it’s the perfect time to celebrate one of life’s most beautiful chapters: motherhood. Whether you’re planning a […]

Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations (That Feel Like a Total Splurge)

July 10, 2025

Let’s be honest, after planning a wedding, budgeting for a honeymoon can feel like one more thing on your to-do list. But here’s the truth: a magical honeymoon doesn’t have to come with a five-star price tag. Whether you’re planning on a tighter budget or simply looking to make your money go further, there are […]

– Ask Cheryl – Should I Send a Gift to the Shower if I Can’t Attend?

July 8, 2025

Have you been invited to a baby or bridal shower but can’t go? Should you send a gift if you can’t be there in person? Dear Cheryl, Can I send my gift directly to the person’s home if I’m not attending the shower? Gail Hi Gail, I recommend against it. If you receive a shower […]

– Grandparent Prime Day Blueprint – Save Big on Gifts Your Grandkids Will Love

July 7, 2025

Why Amazon Prime Day Is a Grandparent’s Secret Weapon Prime Day isn’t just for snagging gadgets or stocking up on household stuff. It’s also a sweet little window for grandparents to pick up thoughtful gifts for their grandkids without waiting for the holiday rush. Whether you’re planning ahead for birthdays, tucking away surprises for the […]

– Prime Day Playbook – Build the Perfect Wedding Registry—Before the Deals Drop!

July 2, 2025

Why Prime Day Is a Bride’s Secret Weapon If you’re building a wedding registry, Prime Day is basically your Super Bowl. The timing is ideal, the discounts are real, and with a little prep, you can snag everything from honeymoon luggage to a high‑speed blender—all without asking your guests to spend a fortune. Whether your […]

Stay Connected

Keep up with our latest news, tips and advice. Sign up today!
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.