Baby shower hostess gifts?

[gilder40]

I haven't seen this discussed, so if it has been and I missed it, please point me in the proper direction.

For the hostesses of your baby showers, are you planning on giving gifts? If so, what are you giving? I've looked it up a bit online, and it says proper etiquette doesn't require you to bring gifts, but they would be an appreciated gesture. I just want to do something for the girls who are throwing it, as one is driving 6 hours down to come help.

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks y'all.

[gigi3126]

Yes! I was just thinking about this!! Obviously, I don't have an answer, but I'd love to know what other people are doing. One of my showers is being thrown by my sister, so I had planned on getting her an "aunt" Alex and Ani bracelet. But I don't know what would be appropriate for my friend who's throwing my other one.

[honeybunches101]

I got my shower hostesses some flowers in a base and a gift card to a spa I knew they liked. They are good friends of mine and eachother so they ended up making a spa day of it. I think I gave them 75 each or enough for a mani/pedi but I can't remember exactly.

[billyhorrible]

I got them gifts as a thank you - hostesses put in a lot of work to throw a party where we get all the gifts!

My shower for my son was bird themed, so I got each of them a necklace with nest pendant filled with semi-precious stone "eggs."

[carolyngrace]

I wandered into williams sonoma the other day, and put together little gift bags for people. For the 3 people "helping" I got gourmet jelly bellys, a tulip-shaped cookie cutter, and a candle. For the hostess I added a spring cookie decoration kit, cookie mix, and a few other small goodies (she loves to bake).

I only spent like $50 total on everyone, but I wanted to give them something that shows I know how much work they put in!

[gilder40]

I thought about getting them each a bottle of wine or some rum from the local distillery. Is that appropriate? We are on a tight budget, so I can't do jewelry or anything like that. I'd love to be able to afford that though.

[mcp6286]

I got each of my friends a bottle of wine and a $50 gift card to Massage Envy. My BFF, who took charge of the whole thing, also got a dinner date the next weekend

[Bluedaisy]

Apr 4, 2015 20:14:30 GMT -5 gilder40 said:

I thought about getting them each a bottle of wine or some rum from the local distillery. Is that appropriate? We are on a tight budget, so I can't do jewelry or anything like that. I'd love to be able to afford that though.

I think if you know that they drink it is absolutely appropriate!

[dogmama22]

Apr 4, 2015 18:18:27 GMT -5 gigi3126 said:

Yes! I was just thinking about this!! Obviously, I don't have an answer, but I'd love to know what other people are doing. One of my showers is being thrown by my sister, so I had planned on getting her an "aunt" Alex and Ani bracelet. But I don't know what would be appropriate for my friend who's throwing my other one.

Now I'm off to investigate this for my sister, who is throwing my shower as well. I hadn't thought of a hostess gift before, but I think she would love this!

[billyhorrible]

Apr 4, 2015 20:14:30 GMT -5 gilder40 said:

I thought about getting them each a bottle of wine or some rum from the local distillery. Is that appropriate? We are on a tight budget, so I can't do jewelry or anything like that. I'd love to be able to afford that though.

Cost is never the determining factor - it's always the thought.  Really, anything that shows your appreciation is appropriate.

[mathistm]

My sister will be 36 weeks pregnant at my shower next weekend and is throwing it for me. I put together a bunch of crockpot meals for her freezer and got her a couple of gift cards for food places around town because I know she's stressed about time management for food once the baby comes. I think whoever is throwing your shower probably knows you really well, and you know them well too. So it's a pretty personal gift and I think anything thoughtful works.

[erbear]

My mom and MIL and sister are jointly planning our big shower and I have no clue what to get them. I don't have a lot to spend (and really the moms will get mad at me for getting them anything), so I was considering painting them picture frames that said "grandma & me" and "my aunt & me."

[gilder40]

Thank you ladies! Lots of great input and ideas. I'll probably go on a little shopping trip to see if I can find something special and unique for each one.

[dmoney]

My sister is throwing my shower for my... and even thought 2.5 years ago when I threw hers she didnt even so much as say thanks (I spent a full two weekends cooking and cleaning and decorating for a Bris and then Babyshower with a 2 hour turn around) I am going to get her a bottle of her favorite wine and a small bouquet of flowers to say thank you.

[Bluedaisy]

Apr 5, 2015 17:49:48 GMT -5 dmoney said:

My sister is throwing my shower for my... and even thought 2.5 years ago when I threw hers she didnt even so much as say thanks (I spent a full two weekends cooking and cleaning and decorating for a Bris and then Babyshower with a 2 hour turn around) I am going to get her a bottle of her favorite wine and a small bouquet of flowers to say thank you.

Your sister sounds a lot like mine....

Stupid question but...what's a Bris?

[dogmama22]

Apr 5, 2015 17:58:43 GMT -5 Bluedaisy said:

Apr 5, 2015 17:49:48 GMT -5 dmoney said:

My sister is throwing my shower for my... and even thought 2.5 years ago when I threw hers she didnt even so much as say thanks (I spent a full two weekends cooking and cleaning and decorating for a Bris and then Babyshower with a 2 hour turn around) I am going to get her a bottle of her favorite wine and a small bouquet of flowers to say thank you.

Your sister sounds a lot like mine....

Stupid question but...what's a Bris?

Google says it's the ceremonies/ events surrounding a Jewish boy's circumcision at 8 days old.

[Bluedaisy]

Apr 5, 2015 19:28:25 GMT -5 dogmama22 said:

Apr 5, 2015 17:58:43 GMT -5 Bluedaisy said:

Your sister sounds a lot like mine....

Stupid question but...what's a Bris?

Google says it's the ceremonies/ events surrounding a Jewish boy's circumcision at 8 days old.

Thanks....apparently my preggo brain can't function well enough to google right now....    Hosting two events with a two hour turn around? Not fun!

[dogmama22]

Apr 5, 2015 19:32:49 GMT -5 Bluedaisy said:

Apr 5, 2015 19:28:25 GMT -5 dogmama22 said:

Google says it's the ceremonies/ events surrounding a Jewish boy's circumcision at 8 days old.

Thanks....apparently my preggo brain can't function well enough to google right now....    Hosting two events with a two hour turn around? Not fun!

Haha it happens! The only reason I thought to google was because I vaguely remember the term, but didn't remember exactly what it meant. I sat here for five minutes going "I hope she replies soon because I really want to know" before realizing I could google it.

[dmoney]

Apr 5, 2015 19:50:26 GMT -5 dogmama22 said:

Apr 5, 2015 19:32:49 GMT -5 Bluedaisy said:

Thanks....apparently my preggo brain can't function well enough to google right now....    Hosting two events with a two hour turn around? Not fun!

Haha it happens! The only reason I thought to google was because I vaguely remember the term, but didn't remember exactly what it meant. I sat here for five minutes going "I hope she replies soon because I really want to know" before realizing I could google it.

Sorry ladies!! My computer died not to long after i posted this and I stupidly left my charging cord at work!!  In Judaism when a baby boy is 8 days old it is a ceremony where he will publically have a circumcision.  No one can really see what is going on except for the Mohel (Dr./Rabbi- Most of the time the person is both) and the g-d father who has the honor of holding the baby during.  

 It was a short turn around and because my sister is not the nicest of people she demanded 2 different themes.  When she mentioned having more kids and me hosting again, i flat out said no.  I let her do all of the work for my other Nephews bris this time.  (It was in January) After being treated like I was a slave (not actually but the way she talked to me last time was not the best) I was not having it.  This was before she even KNEW she was pregnant.  She is throwing mine and I am very grateful for that. But its nothing like I would of wanted but I just have to go with it and deal with it because G-d forbid i say anything she will throw a hissy fit.    

So I am just going to smile and show up and deal with whatever shit show of a shower she throws together.  ( our ideas of nice are 100% different) Im not stuck up in any means but I carry myself differently then she does so our outlook on parties are 100000% different. 

[baytosa2013]

I just put this on my "to do" list this weekend. I am planning to give my friend either a bottle of wine from a place locally that we all love or possibly treat her to a lunch out just the 2 of us before baby comes. She has a little girl as well and I know she loves when she gets to get out of the house and be kid free for an afternoon!

[mrsholley1344]

My DH grandfather makes homemade wine and it is AMAZING. We will be giving each a bottle.

[mrsmonogrammed]

My mom and MIL are hosting our shower jointly, I'll probably just get them nice flower arrangements to give them at the end of the shower when I say thank you!

[Bluedaisy]

Apr 6, 2015 7:26:19 GMT -5 dmoney said:

Apr 5, 2015 19:50:26 GMT -5 dogmama22 said:

Haha it happens! The only reason I thought to google was because I vaguely remember the term, but didn't remember exactly what it meant. I sat here for five minutes going "I hope she replies soon because I really want to know" before realizing I could google it.

Sorry ladies!! My computer died not to long after i posted this and I stupidly left my charging cord at work!!  In Judaism when a baby boy is 8 days old it is a ceremony where he will publically have a circumcision.  No one can really see what is going on except for the Mohel (Dr./Rabbi- Most of the time the person is both) and the g-d father who has the honor of holding the baby during.  

 It was a short turn around and because my sister is not the nicest of people she demanded 2 different themes.  When she mentioned having more kids and me hosting again, i flat out said no.  I let her do all of the work for my other Nephews bris this time.  (It was in January) After being treated like I was a slave (not actually but the way she talked to me last time was not the best) I was not having it.  This was before she even KNEW she was pregnant.  She is throwing mine and I am very grateful for that. But its nothing like I would of wanted but I just have to go with it and deal with it because G-d forbid i say anything she will throw a hissy fit.    

So I am just going to smile and show up and deal with whatever shit show of a shower she throws together.  ( our ideas of nice are 100% different) Im not stuck up in any means but I carry myself differently then she does so our outlook on parties are 100000% different. 

Thanks for updating...I have to admit that most of what I know about Judaism (other than the very basics) comes from "Being Erica"- not the most reliable source.

Your relationship with your sister sounds so much like mine it's scary! I'm older so I generally do things first and she always insists on being super involved even though we are nothing alike and there are tons of people who would do a better job because they know me better (she loved Sex in the City and even though my friends are super casual and had never watched it she wanted to throw me a Sex in the City bachelorette party where everyone had to dress as a character).
Good luck with your shower! I definitely feel for you!

[belle0720]

For my bridal shower I gave everyone who helped throw it gift certificates.

For the baby shower I'm either going to do gift certificates or wine. I don't think you can go wrong with wine(if they like wine), gift certificates, and food really. And a thank you card of course.

I always liked the recommendation on TK etiquette board about shopping for bridal party gifts, shop for them like it's their birthday.

[lalamomma]

i got my gals gift sets from Lush cosmetics. They loved them. I've gotten texts randomly since the. About what they are using/loving and want to order more of. So I think it was a hit.

[ombradellarosa]

I'm planning to buy my mum a brag book to put baby pictures in. I know she'll want to show off pictures of her grandbaby, so it makes sense. Maybe also some nice chocolates, although maybe I'll save that for Mother's Day.

[ombradellarosa]

Apr 6, 2015 7:26:19 GMT -5 dmoney said:

Apr 5, 2015 19:50:26 GMT -5 dogmama22 said:

Haha it happens! The only reason I thought to google was because I vaguely remember the term, but didn't remember exactly what it meant. I sat here for five minutes going "I hope she replies soon because I really want to know" before realizing I could google it.

Sorry ladies!! My computer died not to long after i posted this and I stupidly left my charging cord at work!!  In Judaism when a baby boy is 8 days old it is a ceremony where he will publically have a circumcision.  No one can really see what is going on except for the Mohel (Dr./Rabbi- Most of the time the person is both) and the g-d father who has the honor of holding the baby during.  

 It was a short turn around and because my sister is not the nicest of people she demanded 2 different themes.  When she mentioned having more kids and me hosting again, i flat out said no.  I let her do all of the work for my other Nephews bris this time.  (It was in January) After being treated like I was a slave (not actually but the way she talked to me last time was not the best) I was not having it.  This was before she even KNEW she was pregnant.  She is throwing mine and I am very grateful for that. But its nothing like I would of wanted but I just have to go with it and deal with it because G-d forbid i say anything she will throw a hissy fit.    

So I am just going to smile and show up and deal with whatever shit show of a shower she throws together.  ( our ideas of nice are 100% different) Im not stuck up in any means but I carry myself differently then she does so our outlook on parties are 100000% different. 

It's possible that you are just venting to us here, but if any of this attitude leaks out to your sister, I would have to say it does not convey gratitude at all. If you knew that she has such different ideas to you about what is appropriate and that she would not be respectful of your preferences or open to your opinion, why didn't you decline her offer of a shower in the first place rather than suffer through it?

[dmoney]

Apr 6, 2015 20:40:37 GMT -5 ombradellarosa said:

Apr 6, 2015 7:26:19 GMT -5 dmoney said:

Sorry ladies!! My computer died not to long after i posted this and I stupidly left my charging cord at work!!  In Judaism when a baby boy is 8 days old it is a ceremony where he will publically have a circumcision.  No one can really see what is going on except for the Mohel (Dr./Rabbi- Most of the time the person is both) and the g-d father who has the honor of holding the baby during.  

 It was a short turn around and because my sister is not the nicest of people she demanded 2 different themes.  When she mentioned having more kids and me hosting again, i flat out said no.  I let her do all of the work for my other Nephews bris this time.  (It was in January) After being treated like I was a slave (not actually but the way she talked to me last time was not the best) I was not having it.  This was before she even KNEW she was pregnant.  She is throwing mine and I am very grateful for that. But its nothing like I would of wanted but I just have to go with it and deal with it because G-d forbid i say anything she will throw a hissy fit.    

So I am just going to smile and show up and deal with whatever shit show of a shower she throws together.  ( our ideas of nice are 100% different) Im not stuck up in any means but I carry myself differently then she does so our outlook on parties are 100000% different. 

It's possible that you are just venting to us here, but if any of this attitude leaks out to your sister, I would have to say it does not convey gratitude at all. If you knew that she has such different ideas to you about what is appropriate and that she would not be respectful of your preferences or open to your opinion, why didn't you decline her offer of a shower in the first place rather than suffer through it?

First of all I'm not suffering through it. My sister is not on this forum and she knows that she and I have different tastes in EVERYTHING that we do. So that wouldn't be a surprise to her.  I have tried to offer my suggestion multiple times directly to her and through other sources and it has been shot down.  She is the know it all type and thinks that she knows what is best for every situation.  It will end up being a nice shower I know that just not my idea of what I would like to see happen. 

[ombradellarosa]

Apr 7, 2015 7:22:34 GMT -5 dmoney said:

Apr 6, 2015 20:40:37 GMT -5 ombradellarosa said:

It's possible that you are just venting to us here, but if any of this attitude leaks out to your sister, I would have to say it does not convey gratitude at all. If you knew that she has such different ideas to you about what is appropriate and that she would not be respectful of your preferences or open to your opinion, why didn't you decline her offer of a shower in the first place rather than suffer through it?

First of all I'm not suffering through it. My sister is not on this forum and she knows that she and I have different tastes in EVERYTHING that we do. So that wouldn't be a surprise to her.  I have tried to offer my suggestion multiple times directly to her and through other sources and it has been shot down.  She is the know it all type and thinks that she knows what is best for every situation.  It will end up being a nice shower I know that just not my idea of what I would like to see happen. 

To clarify, by "if this attitude leaks out" I didn't mean if she finds out you posted here. I meant if she can tell you have this attitude when you talk to her about it. It seems like you were just venting because now you're saying it will be a nice shower whereas before you did not seem to think so. If you are venting of course there's nothing wrong with that. It just wasn't clear from your post.
As the host, your sister gets to make the decisions about the shower. It can be frustrating, but at least you don't have to stress about doing it yourself. That's the trade-off--if she does the shower, she gets to make the decisions. That's why I wondered why you wouldn't decline it if you are so different. But it doesn't sound like a big deal after all, so I hope venting made you feel better and you are able to relax now.