We are throwing a shower for a mom to be who lives across the country. She cant fly home with bulky gifts. Is there a polite way to ask the guests (on the invitation) to give money or gift cards instead?
2006-10-18 07:19:34 · 14 answers · asked by helloworld 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
For the people you've invited, I'm sure they know she lives cross country. We live in Hawaii and went home for two weeks (Ohio) and had my daughters birthday party there. Everyone knew we had to fly back so they automatically gave us gift cards and cash. Some, like my mother in law and mom, bought her clothes but I was able to pack them. If someone really wants to buy her something have them ship it to her house. But just in passing let everyone know she's flying back and something small gift wise or ever a gift card would be nice and convenient.
2006-10-19 09:53:49 · answer #1 · answered by Tara C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not polite to tell guests what to bring to a shower. Even though the mom-to-be has to fly home with gifts, it is still not proper.
However, if your guests ask what does the mom-to-be need, you may suggest gift cards and state the reasons why. Some of the gifts may be mailed later to the mom's home.
There are some sites that will send the gifts to the mom's home. Perhaps your guests can try that. Then, take a photo of the gift from the webpage and include it in a card. The mom will have some nice packages on her stoop when she gets home.
2006-10-18 09:34:40 · answer #2 · answered by Malika 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that half the fun at a Baby Shower, is watching the look on the New Mother or Mommy-to Be's face, when she opens the gifts for her new baby( or babies)! I think it unfair to cheat guests out of this pleasure. I think it cheap and pretentious of the Hostess, not to offer to ship any items that can not be checked at the airport. AND, it probably would cost less to send with the other checked luggage, than to ship through USPS, DHL, etc. Rather, why not suggest in the invitations, that the Guest of Honor will be flying home shortly after the Baby Shower, so if the items are of a large nature, such as Strollers, Carseats, etc., that they specify what the gift certificate is for. That way, it minimizes the amount of luggage and extra packages that will need to be taken home. But does not take away from the delightful atmosphere at the Baby Shower.
2006-10-18 08:17:54 · answer #3 · answered by ocean_luvin_mermaid 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So what you are saying is, "Hey, we don't appreciate the time and money you will spend on a personal gift, so please come across with cash and cash only."
There is no polite way to say this.
Consider yourself lucky to be getting gifts, which can easily be returned for money or store credits, which seems to be all you really want.
If the mom lives far away, why are you having the shower here?
Note that truly considerate guests will probably take the distance into account, and give transportable gifts, like gift cards. They will do this without you needing to be mercenary. However, some people will always be boors. Just hope that they retained the receipt.
2006-10-18 07:31:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Ok, the whole point of a shower is to "SHOWER" the mom to be with GIFTS! Puhleeze, showers are boring enough sitting at a table with smelly aunt betty, eating bad catered food killing an entire weekend day. If I don't at least get to oooh and ahhh over some cute stuff, then I AINT GOING! How FUN .... oooh another gift card to Target , or babyland, and oooh whats this??... ahhhh a gift card from cousin Phyllis for Baby Gap!!!! What a DRAG!
Have a normal shower and suck it up and ship the gifts home.
2006-10-18 13:54:15 · answer #5 · answered by Coco 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There really isn't a polite way to ask for money. Instead I suggest setting up an on-line registry on www.amazon.com
Your friend can register for gifts from Baby's R Us, Target, and other places. Shipping cost is usually free for that kind of thing. Just make it known there is an on-line registry and why.
People are bound to give gift cards or gifts, but most prefer actually buying the gift.
Good luck!
2006-10-18 07:37:20 · answer #6 · answered by moonie 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
include a note in the invitation or verbalize politely in converstation. With todays travel restrictions your guests should be understanding. If guest insist on gift purchase, suggest politely to the guest it would be considerate to send gift directly to mom's home.
2006-10-18 07:31:53 · answer #7 · answered by herbestgirl 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes on the invitations you put "money tree" provided during shower.You can also just put no gifts please.A money tree or a wishing well done in baby colors would be fun. I had a money tree at my bridal shower and it was a hit.Colored clothes pins make cute hangers for the money.
2006-10-18 08:12:26 · answer #8 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Best way to do it.....
On the invite write that the host would like to request that instead of gifts any small gifts be forwared to a small fund that will be for the child as he\she grows up
2006-10-18 07:30:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
just say it on the invitation-
Her name_ will be flying home soon so in place of gifts please give money or gift cards as she will not be able to bring everything home on the plane and this way she will be able to get and keep what she needs when she gets home.
Thank You
Your Name
2006-10-18 07:27:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋