Thoughts on Baby Showers?

[Imgoingonanadventure]

It may just be me but I find the concept of baby showers a bit grabby... however I do like the idea of a last ‘hoorah’ of sorts, as in maybe a get together for both males and females - friends and family on both sides before we have our first (due in August and VERY excited and terrified!!)

So I just wondered what people thought? What is the common conception of baby showers (in the UK) and would it be weird to have a final party before we officially become parents? MIL thought a ‘meet the newborn’ party might be a good idea but I’m not sure how I feel about that, and no idea how I will feel post birth!

I’m another one that isn’t a fan of baby showers. I didn’t want one myself but my friends organised a surprise afternoon tea which was lovely as it was a genuine surprise and was a chance to spend some time with my close friends before baby arrived. There were no games, and no baby presents but they had put together a little basket of goodies for me (think bottle of wine, bath bubbles etc). I’ve been to a couple of showers and I’ve never taken a baby gift. I’ve always explained that I will buy my gift once baby is safely here and taken a small gift for mummy to be.

I had two, one afternoon tea and one at a really nice restaurant. Really enjoyed them both and appreciated my friends/ sister putting the effort into organising them.

I had one and it was so lovely - my 2 friends and sister organised it, we had afternoon tea (which everyone happily paid for) and they all brought me gifts too - shock horror!!! Baby showers are very much like marmite - people love them or loathe them but don't let anyone on here put you off - if you want a gathering of people before you have your baby that's up to you!

Sheesh, just imagining the shrieking and puking at a meet the newborn party.
Mil must have not met a newborn recently.

I love the idea of a get together of friends from both sides. I’ve been to some really sweet baby showers too so do whatever you prefer. Although I have been to two showers where the mums-to-be had gift lists - was always going to bring a nice gift anyway but thought that was a bit presumptuous!

I'm in the same boat OP, find the idea of asking friends to 'shower' us with gifts a bit crass - and wanted something the men could be involved in to!

We decided instead to have a BBQ with close friends/family about a month out from due date. Have emphasised it's because we want to spend time with our nearest and dearest (recognising we prob won't be heading out much in the first few months of life with a newborn!).