Baby Showers - The Basic Etiquette

Baby showers can be a lot of fun, but they can also cause a lot of stress and confusion.

Let’s face it, gifts are one of the main features of the shower. It’s an occasion to spoil the ‘mum-to-be’ and get together with your closest friends.

If you’ve never been to one before, you may be wondering what the correct gift etiquette is. Whether you’re hosting the shower or simply attending one, there are a number of things you need to know about the process.

Big or small: What is expected?

One thing you might be worrying about is how large the baby shower gift should be. Do you give a big gift at the hospital when the baby is born or at the baby shower? Typically it’s best to give the larger gift at the baby shower. Then you can send flowers to the hospital along with a card and maybe a balloon or teddy bear congratulating the couple on their new arrival. It’s worth noting that not all hospitals allow you to send flowers these days, so you may need to order flowers online and have them delivered to the home of the proud new parents.

Gift registry

If you are hosting the shower, it’s recommended that you create a gift registry.

This includes a list of gifts the new parents need for the baby. Ideally, it should have items of various prices, so there is something that everyone can afford. Don’t include the gift registry on the invitation though – send it on a separate piece of paper. It is also important not to insist that guests stick to the gift registry. They should always have the option to give you whatever they want to.

Should you ask for money?

If you have everything you need for the new arrival, you may be thinking about asking for money.

This would be a mistake! It is considered rude to ask directly for money, even if you feel it would be easier. Instead, it is a good idea to ask for gift vouchers.

Should the hostess send a gift?

While it isn’t essential, it is considered good manners for the hostess of the baby shower to send thank-you gifts to the guests. You don’t have to give these at the baby shower, you can wait until a week or so later.

The way baby showers are conducted these days has changed a lot since they first originated. Although there are no set rules you need to follow, the above tips are considered standard gift etiquette.

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