Baby shower questions

[GotANewFrockTooFuckingFat]

Morning Mumsnetters!
I've been invited to a baby shower in autumn.

It'll be a chilled, afternoon tea affair in a private room at the back of a village cafe.

I've never been to one. They're really not my thing at all.
I know its an invite and not a summons but I feel I have to go.

I have some questions:
> How long do these things usually last?
> Do I take a present?
> If so, what? A present for the baby? Or the mother?
> If I take a present, does that count as my 'oh yay for you, you had a kid', or would I then get another one for when its actually born?
> If I take a present, what kind of vibe works?
> What do people wear to these things?

FML.

Thanks so much!

I'd ask the organiser of the shower if there's a gift list, there often is to avoid multiples of the same gift. Generally I'd say take something for the baby. For the dress code I'd probably say smart casual.

They vary.
i have been to one which specified no gifts, was just a nice few hours out celebrating the impending birth and giving good wishes to mum to be.
I’ve also been to one where the pregnant mum was literally showered with gifts, baby themed games were played, party bags, themed cookies etc.
Dress code was smart casual for both.
i agree, ask the organiser for more details.

Ugh.

They last 2-3 hours ish. Depends how garish.
Bring a gift for mum to be (e.g. nice handcream), check if there is a gift register for baby. If not, a children's book they can grow and enjoy together thst will last.
Get a small token gift for baby once born, like an outfit or babygrow or something.
Smart casual wear for you. Comfy dress and flats. Chinos and a blouse/nice top. That sort of thing.
Take a bottle of Nosecco.

I get practical gifts. Most of the baby showers i’ve been to seem to be overloaded with cute outfits for the baby that they won’t wear.

I got one friend a nice water bottle with a straw tip so she could have a drink while nap trapped. She said it was one of the most useful gifts she received.

I got another friend a gift bag full of stuff like olbas oil, vapour bath etc for when the baby gets their first cold.

Best gift I ever received was cook vouchers for meals for after the birth.

Best thing you can do for when baby is born is go and provide some practical help rather than buy more gifts. Depends how close you are though.

You only need to take one gift for baby, and then you don’t have to give anything once the baby is born.

@SowWhatNow "Ugh" is my exact feeling.

Thanks so much for all your answers😊