baby shower - to turn up with a teddy.

[RomanyRoots]

Going to a baby shower tomorrow, never been to one before.
My dil was talked into it by her sisters, it wasn't her idea and they have most things for the baby.
I want to buy them something they need when baby actually arrives, so not being mean.
Do they open presents after or during the event.
I don't want her family and friends thinking I'm going to be a mean grandma
if this isn't suitable, anybody any ideas.

As a grandma i wouldnt worry i think its a given you will have or will be buying something probably much more substantial than other attendees.

If anything i would take a token gift for dil. I know sanctuary at boots used to do a mum to be set. Something like that.

Honestly? Soft toys are pointless for babies.

I'd take a small gift for your dil - bubble bath & moisturiser / candle then buy for baby when it's born.

Box of nappies and/or box of wipes. Virtually guaranteed to be used, you can never have too many, and they're relatively cheap. A few of the supermarkets have baby events on at the moment, certain Morrisons and Aldi do.

What a shame that people even have to worry about these things.

If you were coming to my baby shower I wouldn't give two hoots what you bought and would be grateful for whatever.

I certainly wouldn't want anyone to go to any great expense.

How about something for the mum, her favourite chocolates?

Do they have an Ollie the Owl? My Aunt got one for my daughter, she's loved it since birth.

Be careful with wipes. My DC1 has allergies and could only use water wipes, any wipes would’ve been a waste!

I think a teddy would be lovely. Make it a nice one. My 9year old DS still has the teddy his grandparents brought to the hospital when he was born.
Soft toys are massively pointless for small babies but the sentiment behind them makes them lovely.

When I was pregnant the things I was most grateful for were, chocolates or bubble bath for me, neutral cotton baby grows, nappies, sensitive wipes.

Practical things really.

You need to take a gift...I'd buy a cute outfit and some baby books.

You can make a nappy cake and put face
Towels and body wash and shampoo in it 🙂 it's time consuming but thoughtful and handy

Anything you bring will be lovely im sure!! People brought teddies to my babyshower and I was very grateful and every time I see the teddy I think of them.
Personally although I was also grateful for the practical stuff people bought... it was the non practical stuff like cute outfits and teddies that I loved the most because the practical stuff I had already stocked up on myself tbh

The White Company has a lovely white bear with 2018 embroidered on its paw in grey.

From the recent baby shower thread in US it’s traditional to unwrap gifts there and then, I doubt this has followed over to the U.K. I agree with pp saying taje dil a gift - ASDA do a cute mummy to be nspa gift set for £10 and honestly, it’s so nice to have something especially for you.

Hope she has a lovely afternoon

Oh, thanks for the tips everyone.
my own dd is only 14, our last dependant, but amazing how quick you can become out of touch.

I'm on my way to town soon, so will definitely look for something for dil as well as baby.
it's a girl, due in october, just had to join gransnet

One of the nicest things we got were books for the baby. It's not something people tend to think of and it's nice to read to her. Teddies are fairly standard gifts so I assume they will get a lot.

Congratulations granny

I was very touched when my mil gave me a small gift and card on my 'first' Mother's Day when I was 20 weeks pregnant. So a gift for dil is defo a good idea, doesn't have to be expensive.

Get something for your DIL like a really luxurious hand cream.

Or just bring loads of cake!

The last baby shower I attended was for a good friend. Another friend and I bought a joint gift... sanctuary mum-to-be bath set from boots, gift voucher for her usual place for a manicure and a beautiful blanket from M&P's for baby. We did overspend but that's only because this baby shower seemed quite extravagant (was arranged by a party planner!) and didn't want to be embarrassed and yes she did the opening of the presents at the end of the shower.

Mama Mio stuff for pregnancy is really nice depending on your budget. I really liked it and often give it as gifts. I also loved these burp clothes but could never justify buying for myself. They are really thick, very soft, sit on your shoulder and when baby is bigger go round as bibs.

I went to a friend's baby shower and told her that I would be giving her a gift when the baby was born, as per normal. I think if you give a gift at a baby shower, then you wouldn't give again when the baby was born

Congratulations, OP

Congratulations OP!

Boxes of nappies are a great idea. I would get a size up as I’m sure they’re already well stocked in newborn ones. Wipes not so much, in recent years people have become arsey about using them on newborns. I would also consider getting a mum to be toiletry set, they’re always a nice treat. Clothes in 3-6 months could be an idea too, too many people just buy newborn/0-3 without realising they will be out of them before long.

I second the suggestion of luxurious hand cream for dil, and say you’ll be getting something for the baby once she’s arrived.

You can make a nappy cake and put face
Towels and body wash and shampoo in it 🙂 it's time consuming but thoughtful and handy

a nappy cake is never a good gift, juts give a packet of pampers

You are a wonderful person, OP, to go to a baby shower in the first place :) I wouldn't, but then you are a Grandma, so things are expected of you.

Ok, if I were you, I'd simply ask DIL if there's anything she would prefer. I normally do just that with everyone. if she is like "dunno, bring whatever" then wheel out your teddy.