So the recent baby gear post had me noticing a lot of ladies mentioning how they spent a lot/a little on specific baby gear items such as bouncers, carriers, swings etc etc. I'm surprised to hear that so many ladies bought these things for themselves. All the baby showers I've ever been to had people gift these sort of items to the parents to be. The only things that were left for the parents to really purchase were the small every day toiletries and perhaps the large furniture items.

Is this different in different parts of the country or different social circles? What was your experience with what you received at your shower?