2007-01-03 03:03:40 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Keep in mind that this is not my baby shower, but a shower for a co-worker of mine.
2007-01-03 03:15:09 · update #1
You really can't. Asking for specific gifts tells everyone that you expect gifts. Even though it is a baby shower, where gifts are commonly 'showered' upon the expectant mother, proper etiquette says that specifying cash or gift cards is still rude.
Now, if you want to register for gifts, you may. You may even just register for a gift card (most department stores do that these days). However, telling guests about this in an invitation is just as tacky as putting it into a wedding invitation.
My suggestion is to go ahead and register for gift cards. If anyone asks you what you'd like, tell them where you have registered. Don't put it in the invitation. If you get gifts that aren't cash or gift cards, you can always return them...but it is very rude to ask for cash/cards only.
2007-01-03 03:09:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
It's not proper to tell people what gifts to bring to a shower or any other occasion. Guests are invited to attend and most will bring gifts. Dear Abby and Miss Manners both say it's not polite to ask for cash (or gift cards for that matter). It is not proper to write the "requirements" in the invitation. If the guests ask, then, suggestions may be offered.
2007-01-03 12:19:04 · answer #2 · answered by Lizzie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was invited to 2 showers last year that were cash or gift card only and the invite said: No gifts expected, gift cards or cash appreciated.
Needless to say, I declined on both of the invitations! In one case, I bought the baby a $5 receiving blanket after she was born.
I just hope this isn't going to become the "norm" because it's pretty tacky.
2007-01-03 11:13:21 · answer #3 · answered by Jane 4 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Of course you CAN.
The person inviting guests to the Baby Shower should not be the future mom. Instead, I would recommend The party hostess to invite the group using the following polite wording on the invitation:
" In order to facilitate/make "Mary's life" a lot more simple in this important, sensitive time in her life we request that gifts will be provided in the form of gift cards and/or cash."
If guests really care for "Mary" they will definitely understand.
Good Luck!
2007-01-03 21:39:20 · answer #4 · answered by aleANDjohn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No-No-No that is rude and presumptuous! Never never ever predetermine what a gift should be! It is incredibly rude and disrespectful to the potential giver to demand cash or cards! If you are the hostess you must not do this. Emily Post and Ann Landers would positively roll!
Most givers include a gift receipt so the unwanted or unneeded item can be returned for cash.
If someone gave me these stipulations I would politely decline the invitation.
2007-01-03 14:49:26 · answer #5 · answered by Hetty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is absolutely no proper way to ask people for cash or gift cards. Check Emily Post or Miss Manners. This is the rudest thing you could do. Why not just put out an e-mail saying in lieu of a shower, just send cash. Very crass. It just isn't done.
2007-01-03 11:16:04 · answer #6 · answered by Firespider 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It's your shower and all, but that sounds like the WORST baby shower in history. All the fun is watching the mom to be opening up cute toys and clothes. Just write what you want on the card.
2007-01-03 11:09:29 · answer #7 · answered by BAnne 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, it's not really considered polite to tell people what kind of gifts they can give but since it's not for you it's relatively okay for you to do this. I'm not sure exactly why you want gift cards or cash only; perhaps the person is moving or something? In that case, you could simply say, "Portable gifts (such as gift cards or cash) appreciated."
2007-01-03 13:56:32 · answer #8 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't...It's tacky and unacceptable. Don't be ill-advised and write that on the invitations b/c you will find yourself short of guests or guests that will definitely talk about you behind your back.
That's not proper etiquette so don't do it. Cash isn't the norm at baby showers therefore, don't expect or request it!!
2007-01-03 11:17:17 · answer #9 · answered by Wife~and~Mom 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You say, "The recipient can't be bothered with actual gifts that you spent time and money to pick out, and instead would prefer to be a money-grubbing selfish boor. So cough up cash or gift cards only, or don't come."
That is the equivalent of what you are asking. There is no polite way to cover greediness and rudeness.
2007-01-03 11:20:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋