Asking for $$$ instead of gifts???

I don't think there is a polite way to ask for money in this situation unless someone specifically asks what you want.

If you're lucky, your work will ask you what you want and you may feel more comfortable asking your close family for the cash/vouchers.

I wouldn't dream of asking for anything for B2 and haven't had a baby shower for either baby because I personally find them a bit embarrassing and grabby. Especially when my husband and I could afford to set up our nursery. But that's just me and I have happily attended other baby showers with gift (of my choosing) in tow.

I would think that if you had a baby shower or somehting similar then it would be fine to put on an invitation what you would like, but otherwise you would just need to use some discretion, maybe telling people who ask that you would like money for cord banking, but otherwise taking any presents graciously.

Thanks for your replies ladies... I guess I didnt quite make it clear that I dont plan on askingpeople for money, but if they ask what I need, explaining about the blood banking. I wont be having a 'typical' baby shower - had that with DD who is almost 9 - and I agree that they are 'grabby'! But my sis-in-law who wasnt around when I had DD insists on doing something for me.

I didnt work at my current workplace (about 30 staff) when I had DD - but I've been there for 6 years. I guess what I mean is that if they DO have a 'shower' for me at morning tea that I would rather that they all put in $2 or something than all go to the hassle of individually choosing/buying/wrapping me a little something for the sake of getting something! If they just gave me the $$$ that I really need, everyone wins!

Haha maybe I'm lazy when it comes to stuff like that, but unless it is for a very close friend/family that I would like to do something special for I would much rather give a couple of bucks and save myself the hassle! Especially if it was just gonna end up on trademe with all the other 'crap' because I gave them something they didnt want/need in the first place!

I think my extended family will be sweet about $ if they go to the effort of asking what I need/want.

Morbid but I kind of liken it to people asking for donations for charity instead of buying flowers when someone passes away...

Please don't think I'm greedy or anything like that, and I certaintly dont expect anything and would graciously accept any present that we were given!

I think what you are asking $$ for is a worthwhile idea, can you not mention what you are doing to friends and family members and leave it up to them what they want to give.

Personally I don't like the work gifts, there can be so many of them for people I don't really know or like. We don't have a lot of money and I prefer to give it to whom I want and not feel pressured to give.