Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Mumsnet classics

Relive the funniest, most unforgettable threads. For a daily dose of Mumsnet’s best bits, sign up for Mumsnet's daily newsletter.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

To be miffed at "Gift list for mother of the baby" enclosed in *Baby naming ceremony* invitation?

992 replies

doubleshotespresso · 12/06/2013 23:38

So some close friends (who married in church), but now claim to be atheist are holding a naming ceremony for their 8 month old first baby in an hotel.....

The invitation is beautiful with a map, timings "event closes at 11pm"?

The gift list ranges from £30-to £300, all items for the mother, cosmetics, trinkets, jewellery, pampering breaks, personalised hand-bound stationery and photo albums...

Anybody know the drill for these naming ceremonies? Are we supposed to guess a gift for the baby? Or just congratulate the mother for deciding on a name?

I have read this a dozen times and am staggered beyond belief-DP read it and fell into hysterics....

My gut tells me to go along with Jo Malone scented nappies or something.

Somebody please tell me this is not normal?!?!?!

OP posts:
burberryqueen · 13/06/2013 02:15

very acquisitive and defo not normal - gifts for the mother indeed - buy a cup or a rattle or whatever small thing you like for the baby.

burberryqueen · 13/06/2013 02:11

very acquisitive and defo not normal - gifts for the mother indeed - buy a cup or a rattle or whatever small thing you like for the baby.

SoYo · 13/06/2013 01:42

I'm soooo glad someone has done this, we're due to christen our baby anytime soon & I'm desperate for a new bathroom, patio doors, range master cooker, some garden furniture etc. I think this might be problem solved! Wink

cranverry · 13/06/2013 01:40

That is extremely grabby and tasteless. It's meant to be celebrating the birth of their child, not an excuse to request your friends buy you lots of stuff. YANBU to not think this is normal.

ZacharyQuack · 13/06/2013 01:39

Buy her a tube of nipple cream.

May09Bump · 13/06/2013 01:39

Hopefully its a case a brain freeze or excess of hormones if they are normally ok.

I would call them and say that you had already bought a gift before receiving their invite "hope this is OK". As it's a relationship you need / want to maintain then I would go to the party or make a decent excuse not too and send the gift you have bought.

I've never heard of gifts for the mother, maybe for a friend whilst pregnant (sanctuary stuff etc). Obviously I missed out, no baby shower, birthing gift from h and now mother gifts at naming - FGS I'm really miffed now :)

Last thought, you might want to get this thread deleted - if your friend is on here, it's really evident that it's her your talking about.

FairPhyllis · 13/06/2013 01:36

Tell me they didn't have a baby shower too.

Go but take something that is pointedly for the baby.

StuntGirl · 13/06/2013 01:25

Go, take the gift you've already bought and have a good time.

Cheeky beggars.

Bogeyface · 13/06/2013 01:19

ANd you are not sure why they had a swanky wedding planner?!

Can you imagine the excesses that the WP talked them out of? I rather suspect that their wedding would not have been the beautiful fun and classy affair it was without her! She earned every penny imo :o

I would go, take a gift for the baby (what you have already bought sounds lovely) and totally ignore the gift list.

GeraldineAubergine · 13/06/2013 01:02

If the baby is to be called eglantine myopia a present of $80 usd is to be giv3n. If not nothing. Be firm.

Snazzywaitingforsummer · 13/06/2013 01:02

You HAVE to go, because I for one am dying to know how this event turns out now. Do it for MN!

I think the present you have already bought for the baby (silver bangle and Beatrix Potter set) sounds perfect though and I wouldn't buy anything else. On handing over the gift, you could say 'We got something for (baby) as we guessed you (grabbymum) would be swamped with stuff!'

ComposHat · 13/06/2013 00:59

Being the moral coward that I am, I would now be making up stories about my Great Aunty Flo's 80th party in Inverness that I have to be at on the same day.

SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 13/06/2013 00:57

OMFG! Shock Cheeky feckers!

MidniteScribbler · 13/06/2013 00:57

A band? For a naming ceremony? Oh kill me know.

Imagine what the first birthday party is going to be like?? ::shudders::

expatinscotland · 13/06/2013 00:50

I'd go and take something personalised for the baby. Sod the list.

Original poster
doubleshotespresso · 13/06/2013 00:46

I just got an email from another guest asking if we are going...... Very carefully worded but I am sure they are in the same quandary....

Am off to bed now, but thanks all for restoring my sanity.

What on earth do folk wear to naming ceremonies anyhow? This is all so alien to me!

OP posts:
RikeBider · 13/06/2013 00:44

Get something for the baby with its name engraved on it so the mum can't take it back or exchange it!

fuckingscabies · 13/06/2013 00:40

Something that won't cause offence?! This is so rude - I think you owe it to every other guest to tell her how outrageous she's being!

Original poster
doubleshotespresso · 13/06/2013 00:40

fuckingscabies so wish I had the nerve!!!

iagree apparently the ceremony is to be followed by a hot fork buffet and we are guessing guests will be expected to pay for drinks from the bar...

There will be a soft play area set up and a band...... All in a swanky hotel...

The more I think about this the more creative I become with elaborate excuses not to go. Hmmmmm

OP posts:
mamadoc · 13/06/2013 00:39

Thank you, dear friends, for your kind invitation
To the naming of this blessed child, the pride of our nation
And as for his mother, who gave him birth,
A Jo Malone candle is the least that she's worth!
But since we're a tiny bit skint at the mo'
A packet of Pom Bears will just have to do!

fuckingscabies · 13/06/2013 00:36

Only joking - what the actual FUCK?

Post this thread on your Facebook - should give her the message.

IAgreeCompletely · 13/06/2013 00:35

I know it is not meant to matter but are your friends going to be providing everyone with a sumptuous meal and endless drinks? If they are spending £50 a head or more then perhaps they don't think they are being grabby by asking for 'stuff'

Obviously they would be wrong to think this but it might go some way in explaining why they have done this.

cantspel · 13/06/2013 00:35

Can you not find away to get out of going. Something that is convincing and wont cause offense?

Maybe break your husbands leg or something similar?

fuckingscabies · 13/06/2013 00:35

Yabu. She pushed that baby out of her foofoo and deserves treasure and riches.

Original poster
doubleshotespresso · 13/06/2013 00:30

gossip not Coleen Rooney no. Far from it. She is no WAG. Though maybe she does have aspirations in that direction-the whole thing is so different to how I would welcome a baby to the world but hey...

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread