to think organising your own baby shower is a bit odd?

[jumpingpillows]

Friends invited me to her own baby shower. What the actual fuck? Do people do this now?

I was invited to one recently, in fact I nearly wrote an identical thread! Yes you feel obliged to bring something. U felt it was grabby, especially when her friend sent a list of things they still needed - she was 36 weeks! I was loathe to go but actually it was really nice. Her baby was an IVF success and I think she was just excited. We had cake and elderflower pressé and played a couple of games. It was enjoyable and I'm glad I went but YANBU, throwing your own does look grabby.

I was thrown one by a friend. It was just a nice afternoon with cake and Champagne. No games. My friend had asked people not to buy big gifts as she knew I'd be uncomfortable but said if they wanted to buy something for the baby to bring their favourite book from childhood and write a message inside. This was lovely.

what next - Thanksgiving? This is not sodding America and things are different here.

if you want to meet your pals for a lunch, do so. Obviously things change greatly after the baby arrives but it is not your last chance ever ever to do that!

its sad that none of her friends organised it for her if its what she wants. it sounds a bit lonely. i'd see it as an excuse to get together with friends before the madness of early days with a baby

It is a bit sad that none of her friends organised it for her, but then if one of my friends asked me to organise them a baby shower i would be a bit as I don't think it is the done thing.

If I chose to organise a friends shower for her by my choice without her prompting/input then I think that's a different matter.

Like I said, my friend is organising me a shower and although i do feel a bit awkward about it, it is making him so happy and excited organising it, who am I to stop him!

what started in America should stay in America.

like play dates instead of good old British 'going to tea'!!! ewwww

I organised my own. I wasn't going to have one at all but had friends and family threatening to arrange one so pre-empted them and had a park day which was more of a last time I see you without a baby get together. Some people brought gifts. It wasn't women only. Nobody spoke about baby stuff and I didn't have to play any lame baby games.

Some friends were insistent on me having a baby shower, I invited other friends they didn't know. Everyone brought some food, drinks were available! Some bought further gifts when my daughter was born, others didn't. To me it was a fun evening (and I enjoyed being centre of attention!)