Baby showers?

[Angel786]

First baby only or would you have a shower for all babies?

I can't think of anything worse

That's not the American tradition though so labelling Americans as greedy and grabby because British people font understand the tradition is just stupid.

Where did anyone say that?

It's just not the norm here - it's not part of UK culture (although it does seem to be creeping in). I have only been to one (and then that was under coercion) for a work colleague. None of my friends have had them.

I also don't buy baby gifts until the baby is here.

Noone threw me one :-( i'd love it if someone did throw me one for my next baby!

Well I have a quandry now because the same lovely friends I've mentioned are almost certain to organise something for me. What am I supposed to say? No thanks, I've had one? That'd be great but no presents, when I know damn well that they'll bring presents anyway? But it makes me greedy and grasping when actually, I'd just love to get together with everyone and go for a meal or whatever but they will bring presents. I would.

I'm in my mid-thirties. There are new babies everywhere I turn. If each of my friends had had a baby shower I think I'd have had a breakdown.

:) My friends are a pretty unproductive lot so babies are a novelty :)

Ooh, a bit overly smiley there

If you say 'I'd love to see you but please don't bring presents, you being there is enough' and friends still bring presents then that's entirely their prerogative and lovely for all of you :)

Just wondering - so do people think that if you throw yourself a birthday party, that's greedy and grabby and automatically you're expecting presents? No?

I think if someone makes an assumption that any kind of celebration is an excuse to get presents and is greedy, says more about themselves than the person having the celebration.

Did you know that in some areas of France they have a tradition of having a gift list for new babies, like a wedding list ... MN would implode from judginess and accusations of greed.

Abs, i've only ever had one invite to a birthday party that somebody had thrown themselves and it stated no presents so was fine.

Most adults dont bother with birthday parties bar the odd surprise or 21st.

True about the extended family thing here in Canada. Showers were always exciting as a child, as all your cousins that you didn't see often, and your aunties, would be there. There would be an amazing potluck buffet, with all sorts of yummy things to eat. It is not anyone being greedy, we do it for all the brides and new mom's. A lot of my cousins I only saw at weddings, showers or funerals.

Anyways, I do know why you may think it is materialist, I have occasionally seen (and disapproved) people throwing their own, making wish lists and it is tacky.

You only give a gift for the baby at the shower, not also when born.
As far as Christenings go, I have been to ONE my entire life! And that was because we were the Godparents. I did not have my kids baptized and neither has most people I know. I guess we are a bunch of heathens!

I am guilty of buying more than one gift for close friends/family, but when I was younger, I often went in on a gift with my mom.

Amongst my friends all but one have had showers, only one was not British. Perhaps they are pervading my social circle more than the average!