Baby Shower - help!

[teenmom2be]

Hi all,

My family want to throw a baby shower for me and have asked me for what I want. However, I have never attended one of these events or given it much thought.

Can anyone tell me what generally goes on at these and give me some suggestions?

I think it's a nice idea but I'm clueless.

Thanks!

Prepare your hard hat op, they aren't popular on here.

There's numerous styles.

Do you expect people to cover their own costs ie afternoon tea or a pub meal?

Or could your family put on a small buffet and drinks either in a hired room or at home?

Are you the sort to want games (pin the dummy on the baby, etc)?

If they're asking what you want then just say what you want.

Chinese food? Nachos? Steak?

As for gifts, people generally buy baby stuff. Just tell them what things you need.

Some people say they're grabby but if someone is offering to throw you one then just enjoy it.

I went to my first one yesterday. It was nice, an afternoon tea with a few 'games' e.g matching celeb couple to celeb baby name quiz and predict the mum-to-be's baby's birth weight, DOB etc.

I'd never want a shower for myself (hate being centre of attention) but it was fun to attend. Everyone bought a small gift but the focus was definitely on just all being together, chatting and eating tbh!

The ones I’ve been to have consisted of a buffet/afternoon tea. I have been to ones where the food was provided and ones where I paid for my food in advance (someone collected it).

There are usually various baby related games and then people do tend to bring a present.

I find them a bit of a chore to attend so won’t be having one!

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies.

I was planning on having a small one in my house with afternoon tea, which we will cover the costs of.

The whole centre of attention is my issue also but I want to try and make it more about being with everyone I love than about me getting presents (which I feel most people see it as).

It wasn't my idea but if I'm having one I definitely want it to be the I'd want it to be.

I have seen where people request no presents or if someone really insists, then a book. I think that's quite nice and only a few pounds for attendees.

I had one, I'd previously poo-pood it. I loved it, it's one of my happiest pregnancy memories. I couldn't believe that all these people had come to celebrate with me. My sister organised it and I just gave her free reign as I wasn't too fussed.

A small group of close friends and family members, some nice cakes and nibbles, drinks. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. People are usually happy to attend a party to celebrate a new arrival, especially if it's your first.
I prefer ones without many games as I don't really like that kind of thing much and prefer to eat & chat. It's a nice chance to see your close friends / family before the birth.

If someone is doing it for you, then surely its up to them to organise?

The mum to be is not normally asked what she wants imo

I think because I'm super picky/control-freak they wanted to make sure they don't do anything I'm not comfortable with.

If you care about the etiquette then you should not host. It can take place at your house but a friend of family member should send the invitations etc.

If you don’t want gifts then don’t call it a shower.

The whole point of shower is to shower with gifts

If you don't want to oblige people to give, then give your party some other name.

There is no set form for the party elements of a shower. It could be a nice afternoon tea, it might or might not include games or themed activities.

What sort of party do you like, and what sorts of parties do your family like to throw? Have that as the party attached to the showering