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Original poster

Baby shower present etiquette

10 replies

NCPuffin · 18/08/2018 11:53

I don't really like the idea of baby showers, but a good friend is having one. I am not sure what to bring as a present. I am knitting a baby hat in her favourite colour, but feel I need something else too. I don't want to spend loads though, especially as I'm also pregnant and money is tight. I was thinking either a box of fancy chocolates or an outfit from Boots in size 6-9 months. When she has her baby I will then give her a bigger hand-knitted item. What do you think?

OP posts:
meditrina · 18/08/2018 12:06

Shower-type gift is a phrase used for small, inexpensive but useful gifts.

Traditionally, they should be something for the baby. I think the idea of something home knitted is fine in itself. Especially if you mention there's a jersey (or whatever the bigger item is) on the way.

Original poster
NCPuffin · 18/08/2018 12:52

Thanks, that's made me feel a bit better!

OP posts:
Topsyloulou · 18/08/2018 13:01

I haven't taken a gift to the couple of baby showers I've been to. I don't like to buy anything before the baby arrives. I've not been the only person not to bring a gift either, it was about a 50/50 split of those who did & those who didn't.

I think the hat sounds lovely & you don't need to give anything else at the shower.

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Original poster
NCPuffin · 18/08/2018 23:09

So shower was this afternoon. We got a dress from Boots as well. Our presents seemed very mean compared to the things other people had boughtBlushConfused - a joint present from three people consisted of a hamper with clothes from next, wipes, toys and a Grimm's rainbow!!! Others had bought several outfits. Anyway, my friend is lovely and genuinely seemed to like the hat, saying it would be coming to hospital. I haven't known her long, but I did notice her friends do seem to do big gifts. I don't, and couldn't afford it anyway. The party was lovely, the only 'game' we played was writing down our guesses for the name!

OP posts:
CrazyOldBagLady · 18/08/2018 23:31

I bought a friend a box of stuff to use on the maternity ward or after the birth. I essentially just raided the pound shop and got things like lip balm, portable phone charger, sanitary pads, waterproof mascara, nappies, snacks etc and boxed it all up. Didn't spend loads it seemed to be appreciated.

CrazyOldBagLady · 18/08/2018 23:34

Posted before I refreshed the thread. Grimms rainbow wowee! Sweet of your friend to say she would take your hat to hospital. I had some things hand knitted for my son when he was born and I really cherished them and was so touched that someone went to the effort to make something especially for him. You can look forward to the newborn pics in his little hat now :)

chardonm · 18/08/2018 23:38

Op you sound lovely -knitting something for someone while you're pregnant yourself! Extremely nice.

chardonm · 18/08/2018 23:39

Also I got tons of expensive presents at my baby shower, but really really liked the little handmaid blanket my aunt knitted!

LockedOutOfMN · 18/08/2018 23:43

Hand knitted stuff is lovely.

Where I am no one would give anything before the baby is born. At work when we have a mum to be we buy her some pampery type stuff for herself when she goes off on mat. leave.

Di11y · 18/08/2018 23:57

If you have the cash to splash it's easy to buy extravagant presents with little real effort but your friend will know lots of time and effort will have gone into the hat.

Definitely on a par if not more treasured than their expensive gifts

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