Baby Showers

[Daisy]

What are your views on Baby Showers - are they a fun way to celebrate an impending New Arrival, a chance for the Mum-to-be to spend time with friends and family, or a materialistic money-grabbing US import?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_shower

[Glammanana]

I can't make my mind up on this one really,it is a good way for all friends and family to get to-gether and enjoy babytalk for a few hours but I feel the party & gift side of it can go overboard with families and friends trying to outdo each other,its a good idea if people know they will not be around when the birth happens but otherwise I would imagine people would buy again when the baby is actually here (or would they) ? then they buy for a Christening present its none stop,I my self have always bought pram or nursery items my DD has needed and will do the same for DILs if they want but "baby showers" seem to me to be more for the mother to be's friends & work collegues.

[Grauntie Mag]

A no-go in our family. Both DDs were very definite about that. I have never been to one but it does seem a tad commercial from what I hear.

[Oma]

Never been to one but my DD has and she said it was all about who bought the biggest most expensive present DD and two friends all bought vouchers for when the baby was older as everyone bought for new born she said the only other person there who bought a sensible gift bought 3 boxes of nappies and a box of baby wipes . I asked if she would have liked a baby shower when J was born she said no way it wasn't for her

[Plantaholic]

Just another import from the USA, can't see the point of it, I am sure the friends and family of the expectant mother would prefer to buy after the baby is born. I lost a baby full term so imagine if I had all the presents to remind me what I had lost. I think it is tempting fate.

[Oma]

Never thought about that point Plant you are so right xx

[Nanto2girls]

I never had one, but they weren't done were they 40 odd years ago.Never been to one, just another thing that has come from America, in my opinion.We had things bought for us once the babies were born.

[Daisy]

My OH thinks they're a really Good Thing because they keep the baby nice and clean!!! 😏

[Nanto2girls]

Oh dear. ...........

[Grauntie Mag]

Hahahaha. 😂😂😂

[grannyjules]

My work mates gave me one 31 years ago! I thought I was going to a "Dress Party". I thought it was strange that they told me to bring my Mother along, as there would be clothes for her too. I'm so naive, I hadn't a clue. I still thought there was going to be clothes, even when they brought out my gifts and the nibbles. LOL

[Daisy]

I asked the question because DIL2 went to one this afternoon. It was held in a very posh and expensive local hotel and Mum to be had issued a gift list which was all expensive, upmarket brands. I thought it seemed rather mercenary!

[Elisi]

I don't like the idea and don't see why we have to import everything from the States! I love it over there, but they can keep Halloween, and most of the other stuff as well as baby showers. Very silly, very expensive and very boring.

[Gemini]

We had one for DD1. DD2 ( mother of my first grandchild) was to have one. Unfortunately she spent so much of her later pregnancy in hospital that we couldn't do it.
Our baby shower was not materialistic. In fact people were asked NOT to bring gifts (although several did) It was about celebrating the coming baby. We booked a private room in a tea shop , and had afternoon tea . We had baby vests in various sizes, and fabric pens. Everyone decorated a vest. It was fun, and happy. Friends of DDs travelled to be there.
. So you see, just because the original from the states is all about big presents, it doesnt have to be!!!

[Mimi]

Call me an old fuddy duddy but it is just another way for big companies to make more money.
What's wrong with carrying as we have always done, family and friends buying gifts for baby after its born .
On the other hand I quite like the idea of a get together with family and friends with handy tips for first time mums with perhaps a few hand me downs from other mums who no longer need their baby items , maybe some hand made clothes for baby but what I would have enjoyed the most when I was pregnant would have been a manicure, or a some one to run a few errands and generally fuss around because heaven knows it will be 18 years at least till mum will have time for herself again .