Baby shower gift?

[pollygolightly]

Good friend is having a baby shower in a couple of weeks, expecting her first baby end of Feb. I have 3 dcs but never had or been to a shower.unpopular What's the etiquette- present for mum or baby? Or both?! Practical, joke-y or luxury? (she doesn't know the sex.) I'm planning a (hopefully) lovely gift for both mum and dc when born, so can't fund a huge present for this as well just now, but want to get something nice as she has been a great friend to me!

Generally its things bought for the baby, neutral colours if sex unknown and f its a first then it tends to be baby items. It doesn't mean that you can't get a little something for mum as well though. I have been to a few and it is baby items that have been bought, except for my own. As it was my 2nd and I already had everything, everyone put money in to get my vouchers for finger print jewellery that I really wanted but couldn't afford. When DD was older I had hers and DS's hand and foot prints done as a pendant. Was lovely but expensive!

I just had a baby shower thrown for me by my mum - ideally I wanted more practical things as I knew that when baby was here I'd quite want to buy my own clothes etc, particularly as we don't know the sex of our LO. I set up a gift list of more practical items (Moses basket sheets, digital thermometer, bottles, breast milk storage cups etc.) but said I was happy with anything.

Some of my lovelier unexpected presents: a frame for 'Babys first year' with little windows for a photo each month; a clay handprint/footprint set; a set of little white bootie socks saying I heart mum and I heart dad; a book called 'Great Lies To Tell Small Children' which DH and I have been chuckling at frequently; baby bath toys; a Baby Photo album; and a gorgeous Winnie the Pooh musical snow globe to go in the same themed nursery (out of reach of course!!)

Hope that helps :)

Thank you, really helpful replies from you both!