To Shower or Not to Shower....

[Genine]

Obviously I wash. I mean baby shower of course! What are peoples thoughts on this and if you had one, how did you do it? Is it tacky or normal now? I'm the first of any of my friends to have a bubba so it's not common place yet but my friends are all keen for me to have one (more keen than I am really) but it would be nice to have everyone in the same place for the day. And do I ask someone to organise it and who do you invite?? its so confusing!

[Hidden]

I didn't have one as such I just had a bbq when I left work bk in aug and it was just my work friends, 20 of them and they bought me loads. if ur friends want u too hav one I wud say to them they can organise it, invite who u want and maybe get everyone to bring a dish or food for a buffet so u don't hav to worry bout tht. let them do it all so u don't hav to worry bout the stresses of organising it, thts my view on things like tht lol xx

[Hidden]

I really wanted one but never found time!! x

[dons88]

My friends threw me a surprise one, it was lovely I'd ask a friend to host it for you and have everyone help put it together, you've got enough to prepare without a shower. Look online for some baby shower games , there are lots of funny ones x

[Armywag]

I didn't go down that route myself. I didn't want anyone to feel obligated to buy me or the baby anything, but more so, these American customs are just not my glass of vodka (that's my take on a cup of tea lol).

If your friends have all suggested it and they want to organise it though - let them! x

[Genine in reply to Armywag]

That's exactly my thoughts on the whole thing. Very American. Present begging party. All feels a bit forced but having all my friends in one place is the appealing part. X

[Hidden in reply to Genine]

Yes the American aspect didn't appeal to me I must admit....it's very in your face and I'm not really like that. My friends are not all from the same group anyway so it wouldn't naturally occur. I did have one though, randomly held by my boyfriends cousins whom I had met only once before but they insisted. It was awkward but not as bad as I envisaged thankfully. I'm quite loud but ultimately shy and attention from a room full of strangers was bizarre haha x

[Hidden]

Luckily my other half & my mum decided to arrange a baby shower for me / daughter just before she was born in November 2013.

I personally wasn't feeling it in the beginning but it was nice to see everyone who I Love & adore in one room together.

Awwwwwrrh!

xx

[Hidden]

I'm not overly keen on the idea of them, but My Oh and I have been thinking about a small 'get together' instead of a proper 'baby shower' before I give birth. We're hopefully moving, too, so it's a good excuse to have some people over.

Ultimately, it's down to what you'd like to do. If you've got time, I'd go for it. You don't have to see it as an event that's just about babies, but a social occasion? If it's easier, you could suggest going out for lunch or dinner (plus, then there's no washing up or cleaning up after people!)?

X

[cheekymonkey3791]

I had a baby shower with all my work colleagues at ours which was organised by myself and 2 friends. It was not about the presents (although I am not going to say no and they were all for the Bubba GB) but about a bunch of girls getting together, having some great food, chatter and party games. I decorated my living room, we had a hot & cold buffet where everyone brought something, I made cakes brought the party prizes and made up party bags (the big kids that we are).

Our games included...guess the girth, guess the nappy contents - great fun, I had mini dummies for everyone to wear around their neck and you weren't allowed to say baby, boy, girl or you would loose it and winner was the one with most of the dummies and we ended with everyone betting on sweep stake the date, sex and weight. I thought it was great fun.

If you want one....have one..if not....enough said

[Hidden]

I didn't have a baby shower first time, but have asked my sister to organise one for me this time. We are going for Afternoon Tea at a nice hotel in London. I have told people no presents, I just want to get together with some of my girly friends without small people about, for some slightly sophisticated adult time before re-entering the chaos of new baby time! It's up to you what you do and how you do it, but it sounds like you'll be setting the precedent! Have fun.

[uruztiwaz]

We had one a couple of weeks ago, more so that our families could meet in a neutral environment. It was a lovely day and we managed to see loads of friends that we hadn't caught up with (mainly due to me falling asleep at 9pm like clockwork). I asked everyone to bring cake/nibbles rather than presents as it was more about seeing them before we entered zombieland Either way it's your choice, don't allow yourself to feel pressured into it if you're not keen. x

[jacquibo]

I don't personally feel comfortable with calling it a baby shower, as that has the expectation of presents. I plan to have a party, so people can bring something if they want.

Getting people to bring food sounds like a good plan

[Genine]

Thanks all for the advice. Most of you seem to be barking up the same tree as me. Perhaps we'll have a BBQ or Party or something with no pressure to bring presents but just to gather everyone in one place before the big push! thanks a lot for all your thoughts on the matter xx

[Dancing_doris]

I organised a shower for a friend, it was so much fun! It wasn't a surprise as she was very conscious about people buying her things anyway, so she particularly wanted to request pre-loved presents only if they were absolutely necessary. It worked beautifully, with really thoughtful presents. Everyone contributed food, choosing their contribution from a list so noone was bringing duplicates of the same things, we played games like guess the tummy size with lengths of ribbon, everyone decorated babygrows and Mum had to guess which was from whom, and a nursery rhyme quiz I got online. Little prizes for each one. Just a lovely afternoon, mixing family, friends and colleagues all in one place to wish her well, and certainly not a present begging session. I'd recommend it, but let someone else do it for you

[Chelseaknight]

I used to think it's just another American thing that we have decided to do. However, now I'm having a baby and feel exhausted and feel I have no time to see my friends, I think it would be a nice excuse to relax and have a bit of fun. As the presents, whoever does the invite just tell them to make everyone aware that you are not expecting anything and of anyone really feels the need then get something practical like nappies or stuff to wash baby with or sudacream lol x