A coworker and her sister are both pregnant (one with a girl and one with a boy), and their mom is throwing a joint baby shower. I have never met the sister, but have known my coworker for about 3 years. Does ettiquette say I have to get her sister a gift?
To complicate the question, three other coworkers have been invited to the shower. Two of the coworkers DO know the sister and will be getting her a gift.
Should the coworker who doesn't know the sister and I get a small gift together just for the sake of manners, and a more appropriate gift for the sister we work with? Or is it acceptable to only get a gift for the person I know?
Thanks!
2007-08-30 15:38:16 · 6 answers · asked by Travis and Rachel 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I would say yes, it would be best to get both women a gift. It doesn't have to be of equal monetary value but a token gift would be appropriate. The biggest reason to just go ahead and buy a gift is for your own piece of mind, it would allow you to relax at the party (without the worries of "should I have gotten her a gift?"). Maybe get her a package of diapers, its a cheap but always appreciated baby shower gift. And $7 or $8 is worth your piece of mind. :)
2007-08-30 15:47:44 · answer #1 · answered by Nicole L 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is never wrong to give a gift, even if the situation doesn't really require one.
The spirit of giving is a noble one and since you are a guest at the shower I think that you should provide a gift for each of the women for which the shower is being thrown. If nothing else it says that you care. I would get a small one since I don't know her well, but something more personal than a simple gift certificate. Something like baby booties or a good rattle, or something equally small would be the best thing to do, and then you don't have to make a big deal about it.
If you feel uncomfortable giving her the gift at the baby shower then you can always hide it and later give it to your coworker. If you come prepared though then you can judge if the situation is right to give the gift or you can ask your coworker what she thinks. Personally, I would just get her a gift and give it to her. You can’t help but score some points with your coworker for that.
I also think that going in with the other coworkers would be a good idea, but if you do then your contribution shouldn't look stingy. If you give her your own gift then you have shown a little bit of extra care and consideration; how can that possibly be a bad thing?
Imagine if your coworker and her sister started talking about you after the shower. If you gave her a gift then she won't be saying anything mean, but if you failed to provide at least something then she could be offended. It won't matter to you that much, but it will matter to your coworker.
2007-08-30 15:57:29 · answer #2 · answered by Dan S 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say yes; you and your coworker should go in together on a gift. You know it's the thought that counts and every little bit helps out any knew mom.
2007-08-30 15:50:02 · answer #3 · answered by change 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go together with my other coworkers and get a gift for her also.
2007-08-30 15:46:00 · answer #4 · answered by Jai 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah, the double baby shower. Fraught with awkward possibilities. This is precisely why I don't recommend them.
It is best if you get a gift for the woman you don't know, if you plan on attending. Otherwise, you can get away with sending your gift for the mom you do know with one of your co-workers, if you do not attend.
2007-08-31 10:06:12 · answer #5 · answered by Diaper Cakewalk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would only buy a present for your coworker.
2007-08-30 15:46:14 · answer #6 · answered by pepsiolic 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋