Baby Showers

[RedElephants]

I've been invited to a baby shower, she is a work colleague.

But I have no idea how these things work?

We didn't have them when I and many of my friends were pregnant.
My youngest is 20!

I know it will be tea and cake.
But do I need to take a gift?
If so, is another one expected when baby is born?

Help..

Take a small gift (babygrow, a lovely stuffed animal, a copy of a classic like the Hungry Caterpillar) and some posh chocs or a nice card for the mum.

Another one isn’t expected when the baby is born, it pre-empts all that IMO. Maybe just a card if you fancy sending one or are close.

Enjoy the tea and cake and seeing your friend

MN doesn’t like fun or anything that isn’t approved by a Victorian Etiquette handbook, so you might get some sarcastic response on here!

You should take a gift, yes.
A cuddly toy, outfit, book are completely acceptable.

Everything @Teapiggies said.

Where I am, most folk register for gifts at a local baby shoppe so friends will buy a pack of muslins or bibs/bottles etc.

It’s an invitation to give a gift. Sometimes there’s some baby related party games and photos taken with everyone and the bump. If they lay on cake you’ve done alright. I’ve been to some and been expected to fork out for a three course lunch somewhere I’d never choose to eat.
No you don’t buy again when baby arrives

Yes, the idea of a baby shower afaik is to ‘shower’ the first time mum to be with baby stuff gifts so she has everything she needs once the baby arrives.

I went to one yesterday and it was my first baby shower experience too. It was tea and cake with friends.

I took a small gift. People took books or useful things like nipple cream. Nothing big, just token gifts, either nice or with an element of humour. I’ll probably take another present round when baby arrives as she’s a good friend.

I've done the US version, which is a little different- the UK is more low key. Pick out a small gift or two- the suggestions above are all great. If you're stuck/want to get her something she needs you can always ask if she is registered anywhere. There's no need to send anything else after the baby arrives.

I’ve been to quite a few baby showers. Some people bring gifts, some give the gift after the baby has been born. I do the latter always.