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What is the etiquette on gift-giving without a list for a baby shower?

I am going to a baby shower for a woman at work that I was invited to orally a few weeks ago, but just received the invitation yesterday. The shower is on Sunday. The invitation doesn't have any kind of a gift registry notice or a gift list of any kind, but when I asked another woman who was attending, she said that the hostess was expecting gifts. All I know is that the baby is going to be a girl. What should I buy? How do I know if others have already purchased what I am going to purchase? What kinds of gifts do expectant mothers expect? Any suggestions on etiquette for this situation?

Public Comments

1. If I were you, I'd get a gift card to a department store like Target. That way it's easy for her to take from the shower, and she can get what she needs or even hold on to it for future use for diapers or whatever.
2. Buy what you want to buy for a girl and just include a gift receipt in case she needs to return it.
3. Gift cards are always a good option.
4. It's easy; go into a Baby's R Us store or something like that and look around. There are so many things you could get - a blanket, nightgown, teething rings, stuffed animal, bib, picture album, you name it. All kinds of possibilities here. Don't worry about it; buy whatever you want to, wrap it in cute paper and have fun!
5. ~I would probably give her a big box of diapers (everyone always needs these) and something pretty for a baby girl, such as a newborn size outfit, a age-appropriate toy, anything for a girl~
6. There really is no right or wrong way to do a shower. Some people feel its just nice to get together and open cute gifts and others like to make sure the Mom gets exactly what she needs and organizes a donation for a large gift, and then there are those who feel it impolite to ask for certain things or gifts. Trust me what ever you get will be ooooddd and ahhhhed. A nice soft pink blanket is nice with a rattle or small toy tied on top is good. A cute little dress that is for down the line like 12month size is always nice because sometimes you get alot of things for the infant size only. If this is her first maybe you could get all the different things you need to child prove the house would be nice. I use to like to get learning toy of some sort too. It will be fun and you will be amazed at what all everyone gets,just enjoy and celebrate.
7. buy something cheap - like one outfit from Kohl's (they usually have cheap baby clothes, when it's on sale) spend like 10 bucks....no big deal
8. I agree with the first 2 answers. When there is no gift list or registry, the gift choice is certainly the choice of the giver. Some ideas for gifts: Diapers, bottle set, plush blanket, crib sheets, pkg. of receiving blankets, sleepers, book for recording special milestones and growth of the baby. Let the expectant mother know that it is ok to exchange your gift if need be. It won't matter so much if someone else purchased the same gift as you, as multiples of some items are needed.
9. Gift card of any dollar value from a store like Target, Walmart, Toys R Us, Baby Depot, Burlington Coat Factory, or any major grocery store. I never give gift cards from major department stores because their prices are just so outrageous these days. Especially in their baby departments.
10. Whenever I go to a Baby Shower, I make a gift basket. It is something Different, Something Unique, and Personally Made. It will be appreciated no matter what you put into it, because it will look different. Be Creative. There are tons of adorable baby clothes, toys, rattles, bottles, etc. You can make one for as little as 30.00 or one bigger for 50.00. I'd make it for you, but we don't have much time here. :)
11. If I am going to a shower and there is no registry, I usually either give something that having extras wouldn't matter like clothes or onsies, or I give something that the Mom will contiually be buying more of, like disposable diapers and wipes. Either way, just enclose a gift receipt. Another idea would be to buy a couple of childrens books, having a collection of those is always nice :-)