My niece is coming in for a wedding in Sept. She lives in Arizona.
We would like to throw her a "gift card" baby shower because she could not possibly bring all the gifts from Chicago to Arizona. We thought it more practical to suggest gift cards so that she can buy everything she needs for her first baby when she gets home. She has no friends or family in Ariz, as she recently moved there.
Any ideas/suggestions for this situation? Or does this seem rude to "tell" inviteee what to bring?
2006-08-24 08:44:45 · 14 answers · asked by Kare♥Bear 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Also, one of the reasons we would all like to see her is that we have not seen her in about 1-1/2 years, and have not seen her pregnant. She has had a hard time conceiving, too (about 4 years). I know it's no fun to open gift cards - but it's really more about seeing her and celebrating with her! Some really great anwser from you all so far- thanks!
2006-08-24 08:57:28 · update #1
Goodness - I wouldn't dream of mentioning an amount!
2006-08-24 09:23:07 · update #2
i think that is a very creative idea!! it will give her a chance to let her pick out stuff and she can tell you what she got in the thank you cards. a suggestion for a gift.....lots of gift cards for diapers and onesies and blankets!!!!! oh and don't foget to get something for the mother-to-be as well. i just went to a friends babyshower and brought her a bouquet of flowers and a gold locket that said "MOM".
2006-08-24 09:24:22 · answer #1 · answered by Lil Tiff 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hmmmmmm.... it is extremely tacky to mention gifts (other than a theme) in an invitation but at the same time, you are almost suggesting a theme with the form of the gift. Maybe if you turned the whole thing into a "joke" and blamed TSA (transportation safety administration)... Call it a "Carry-On Only Baby Shower"!
Seriously, the way I see it, you can do this one of two ways. You either make it a "Gift Card Shower," call it that on the invitation and leave it at that (no mention of stores, amounts, etc) or you can not mention it at all and spread the message by word of mouth. The second option is more classy, in my opinion.
2006-08-24 16:16:24 · answer #2 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a great idea. It would only be "rude" if you said what amounts the gift cards should be. Also, if someone can't make it but would like to contribute, they can just send a gift certificate over the internet, for online shopping. That way the new parent(s) can purchase exactly what they want and need!
2006-08-24 15:54:02 · answer #3 · answered by hrhtheprincessofeire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The idea you have is a very thoughtful one, but it is considered poor taste to tell one what to bring. Also, how would it be any fun to go to a shower with only numerous gift cards to be opened? With the current situation with her living far away, maybe suggest in the invitation small items that can travel easily. The items can also be shipped, if need be. Good luck with the shower, and congratulations on your great niece or nephew!
2006-08-24 15:50:54 · answer #4 · answered by alone1with3 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm sure if you explained on the invitation as you did here, everyone should understand. BUT You have to understand that some people will bring an actual gift no matter what!
I agree with moonmist..... Also to the one who mentioned it boring to watch the mommy-to-be open a bunch of gift cards......That's why you play shower games, so you aren't bored!
2006-08-24 15:52:40 · answer #5 · answered by startwinkle05 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think this is a nice and easy way to throw a shower! If people insist on gifts, they could mail them to Arizona for the mother so save her the hassle of carrying them home on the plane.
2006-08-24 15:49:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she registers for a store online, the guests can ALWAYS send the present to her house. Gift cards are very impersonal. Maybe you could put an extra sheet on the the invite that she is registered on babiesrus.com and huge gifts sent to home address is preferred.
2006-08-24 16:23:34 · answer #7 · answered by the_memory_of_ashes 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well you could always word the invite to say, if bringing a gift, a gift card would be best due to traveling back to AZ, or something of that nature
2006-08-24 15:48:21 · answer #8 · answered by Moonmist 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What about having her register for gifts at TARGET. That way, she could get what she wants in AZ.
You might say that anyone who brings a gift, it will have to be mailed to AZ. Might discourage the knuckle-heads.
2006-08-24 16:27:47 · answer #9 · answered by Lottie W 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no. its not rude.. its very thoughtful.. and if anyone brings a gift.. offer to mail it for her.. dont ask the gift giver or the mama to do it.
2006-08-24 15:48:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋