Work shower thank you gifts?

[ProfessorChaos]

I'm in academia, in a female-dominated department, and two of my colleagues are throwing a very low-key work shower for me. I'm the first person to have a first baby on the job in at least a decade, so this is relatively new territory for everyone involved. After some discussion, we decided to just send out a general invite to all staff and faculty (about 45-50 people total, I would not expect most of them to participate). The invite clearly says gifts are not expected, but that those who want to bring one should bring a favorite kid's book or small toy. The two women putting this together for me will get some beverages and a cake. They've established that the classroom (yup, it's that fancy!) we'll be using won't be available in advance for much decoration, so I doubt they'll even put streamers up or anything.

So, it's a very low-key event, and I'm hoping it's not too much of a burden on them. I don't know these women well, and neither of them are the sort who go to spas or use nail polish. I'd be surprised if bath products are something they're into--we are talking about professors here. ;-) They do both drink, but I don't know much about what they like. Both have school age children, FWIW.

Any suggestions for thank you gifts to them? Or for about how much $ I should spend? TIA!

[Bluedaisy]

My husband is a prof and when one of the women has a baby shower they always throw a low key shower (if the profs are male the wives are invited) and I've never heard of a thank you present. I would say a thank you card is more appropriate but if you really want to get a gift I'd go with a potted plant.

[earthian]

I didn't get my coworkers a gift when they threw me a shower for my dd, I did write everyone a thank you card though. I think if you really want to get the hosts a nice gift, wine is always nice. I also agree with pp about maybe a potted plant.

[supertrooper1]

I brought in bagels for everyone that contributed to the group gift at my work. For the person in the office that organized the party, I gave her a gift card to a local coffee shop that she enjoys with a thank you card.

[helenahhandbasket]

I don't really like "thank you gifts"-- because it seems like where does it end, you know? Thank you for thanking me for thanking you.

Anyway, IMO, a very heartfelt handwritten note to each hostess I think is more than enough.

[AnnexationOfPR]

Can you take them out to lunch one day after the shower?

[andindria]

I actually think that a thank you card to all who participated and shared the day with you is enough. I can understand you wanting to supply a gift, but I don't see it as necessary. You could definitely bring in a cookie tray or something, but keep in mind you will more than likely have to supply enough for those who didn't participate as well.

[econmarie]

I gave a box of fancy chocolates and a card for my hostesses.