https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 07 May 2026 07:21:09 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower/page/2#post-1446309 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:34:08 +0000 bunnylove08 1446309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally i dont think its a big deal. I wouldnt mention it on the shower invitation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower/page/2#post-1446177 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:06:56 +0000 Mommy Finger 1446177@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't been to a baby shower where gifts weren't opened but I did attend a wedding shower where they weren't and it was awesome. More time to socialize with others rather than sitting and watch someone open a blender. My mom threw a fit when I suggested it so I get that some wouldn't like it but I am all for it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower/page/2#post-1444674 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:58:08 +0000 jedeve 1444674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No one likes sitting and opening gifts in front of people. But it's not real about her being the center of attention, it's about people wanting to see their gifts admired or appreciated. It's part of saying thank you. </p> <p>That being said I've been at a shower where the mom just opened gifts while people were still up and mingling and was more laid back about it. That could work fine. I do agree that if it is an all women shower the expectations might be greater. If she does the display route she should go around to everyone and thank the. For their gift at the shower which IMO seems like way more work when you have a baby in tow!</p> <p>Sorry she is being difficult! Maybe you could just open the presents for her while she nurses haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1444635 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 00:48:14 +0000 tysonja 1444635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>as an attendee, i love watching the mom open gifts! at my own shower... omg i totally wished i didn't have to do it during the party :). </p> <p>i've been to showers where they open gifts and ones where they didn't. nothing was indicated on the invite and it wasn't awkward :). </p> <p>i voted no big deal, don't mention it :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1444569 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 23:16:28 +0000 peaches1038 1444569@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here is some ''Display Shower" wording...</p> <p>You could include a little poem, such as</p> <p>It's time for (mother's name) Baby Shower<br /> And for us girls to have some fun,<br /> So we're trying something different<br /> And we hope that you can come...</p> <p>Please wrap your gift in celophane<br /> or leave it unwrapped, you see,<br /> We'll have more time to socialize<br /> And visit with the mom-to-be...</p> <p>or more simply - ”At the request of the mother to be, this will be a casual “display” shower. Please bring your gifts unwrapped, so that (NAME) has more time to enjoy your company.”</p> <p>or put a 'green' spin on it - 'as to be kind to the environment the mom-to-be requests any gifts brought to the luncheon be unwrapped but creatively labeled. Gifts will then be displayed for everyone to admire.' </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1444168 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 19:04:04 +0000 NurseMommy 1444168@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: it's going to be about 25 ppl.<br /> @nadsia: how did it go over - other than the no tags thing? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1444161 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 19:01:10 +0000 Lindsay05 1444161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is kind of why we are planning a man/woman 'shower' for #2. We are focusing on just a celebration of new baby with all close family and friends rather than showering with gifts. I am sure there will still be gifts but less obligation for that to be the focus. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1444095 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 17:22:09 +0000 nadsia 1444095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We Did this st my shower, the invitation said "gifts unwrapped". I was worried it was presumptuous that people would bring gifts (even though that's what you do!). Some people didn't gt it and the main problem was that gifts came without tags and we had no idea who they were from. Martha Stewart calls it a "display shower" and recommends something like: In order to save time and paper, please leave your gift unwrapped. Just place a bow and a card on it.</p> <p>Gl! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1444093 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 17:21:14 +0000 nadsia 1444093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We I'd this st my shower, the invitation said "gifts unwrapped". I was worried it was presumptuous that people would bring fits (even though that's what you do!). Some people didn't gt it and the main problem was that gifts came without tags and we had no idea who they were from. Martha Stewart calls it a "display shower" and recommends something like: In order to save time and paper, please leave your gift unwrapped. Just place a bow and a card on it.</p> <p>Gl! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1444081 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 17:04:15 +0000 spaniellove 1444081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Agreed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1444078 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 17:00:32 +0000 looch 1444078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Really? Since when is sitting around for 2 hours watching someone else open gifts fun?</p> <p>I have previous little time as it is, so if I could skip the gift opening, I'd be happy.</p> <p>Eta: it totally depends in the size if the shower. 60 people? No. 10, okay. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1443415 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 07:46:30 +0000 ladybee 1443415@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The new trend in my area is to say (in nicer wording) not to wrap gifts. We did it at mine after seeing it at a few before hand. People seemed to love it. We had tags left out for people to label who got what. My older guests who wanted their gifts wrapped and open I did privately with them for a special moment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1443312 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:57:54 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1443312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't mind going to a shower where the guest of honor didn't open gifts, so I voted "no big deal". I thought the whole point was to celebrate her. Some people don't like the big fanfare, and I've been to wedding and baby showers where gifts weren't open at the event. Maybe it's a regional thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1443299 Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:36:38 +0000 sunny 1443299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't realize that opening gifts was a requirement for a shower. I would think everyone would be more interested in seeing the new baby anyhow. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1443238 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 23:24:31 +0000 googly-eyes 1443238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would just not call it a shower so the emphasis is not on the showering part. ;) Plus, if baby will be there everyone will be focused on seeing the new lo! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1443174 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:24:12 +0000 blackbird 1443174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If it's an open house, and I see gifts piled at, say, the doorway, I don't think about it. But a traditional shower? I tbink it's expected! I have never been to a shower where presents aren't opened, though! Sorry she's being difficult: it doesn't reflect on you if she tells everyone she isn't opening gifts </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1443164 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:18:35 +0000 spaniellove 1443164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: I also agree that with the timing and not opening gifts it sounds more like a sip and see than a shower! But I suppose no one needs to be told in advance that gifts won't be opened there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1443157 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:13:12 +0000 NurseMommy 1443157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skipra: I've never ever been to a shower before the baby's born. It just doesn't seem like it's done around here. </p> <p>My sister is being difficult (what else is new) and refusing to call it a sip n' see. She said we'll just call it a shower and she will tell people she's not opening gifts. So, fine. After tonight (there's more to the story than just that) I want to not even plan the damn thing for her anymore, especially since I'm planning another big party for dd's first birthday two weeks later! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442950 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 19:15:46 +0000 autumnlove 1442950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think opening gifts is a requirement for showers! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442917 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 18:55:30 +0000 skipra 1442917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the only shower I went to after the baby was born was more of an open house/meet the new baby kind of thing. They did not open gifts that I remember and it wasn't a big deal at all. I don't know if the invitation mentioned anything but probably not. I don't see what's wrong with just a regular party with food and drinks, etc. BTW - is this for women only? Because I'd think that type of party would have higher expectations of gift opening. If it was all family and friends being invited then I imagine the expectations might be different? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442906 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 18:34:32 +0000 babycanuck 1442906@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@heartonastring: This. I find sitting around watching someone open gifts for an hour kind of boring...I'd actually rather leave the party. lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442896 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 18:30:33 +0000 knittylady 1442896@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't at my wedding shower (I'm super shy!) and no one seemed to care. I think if I hadn't at the baby shower there would have been a riot though! (1st grandbaby both sides) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442781 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 15:43:33 +0000 wonderstruck 1442781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also like the idea of calling it a Sip n See, less obligations all around that way, you're just inviting people to come meet the baby! In my mind (and I think most people's) shower = gifts. And yeah, if I'm coming to a gift-giving event I would like to see the person open it and that they like it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442767 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 15:24:21 +0000 heartonastring 1442767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Call it a sip 'n see instead of a shower? We had one of these after dd was born and it was totally fine. We specified no gifts, but everyone still brought them. Everyone was way more interested in meeting dd and socializing than in the gifts. We opened them the next morning and, of course, sent thank you cards.</p> <p>Honestly, I hate opening gifts in front if everyone and I don't really like it as a shower attendee either....it's definitely not the highlight of the day for me :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442746 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 15:06:51 +0000 daniellemybelle 1442746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you don't call it a shower, I think it's okay, but I totally think she should suck it up!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442686 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 14:01:07 +0000 Foodnerd81 1442686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What @SweetMamaM: said. Don't call it a shower and it should be ok. She will have already purchased a lt of the big gear anyway and people will still bring smaller things, but without te if expectation of the opening. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442685 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 14:00:14 +0000 ALV91711 1442685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It would seem strange to be at a shower and the gifts not opened. To me the whole point of the shower it to spoil the mom with gifts. </p> <p>But if she really doesn't want to then I wouldn't make her. I don't think you have to put anything on the invite about it. If someone puts up a big stink then she could open their gift with them. Maybe just let people know gifts won't be opened so not everyone is surprised. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442683 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 13:53:28 +0000 anandam 1442683@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, people have their expectations. But at the end of the day, the whole thing is intended to honor and celebrate your sister, so whatever makes her happy should be accepted by guests who care about her. I wouldn't mention gifts ahead of time at all unless she actually doesn't want any - getting all into specifications about wrapping or unwrapping on the invitation feels tacky to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442669 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 13:29:43 +0000 NurseMommy 1442669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetMamaM: ooh, I like that idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-acceptable-for-a-baby-shower#post-1442665 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 13:19:49 +0000 meganmp 1442665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If she doesn't want to open gifts while everyone sits around in a big circle, an alternate would be to quietly go up to everyone while they are talking/mingling and open the gift in front of the gift giver. That way, they can see you open their gift, but she's not on display in front of the whole party. We did this at our baby shower, and it worked beautifully. Granted, this only worked because we had our shower at our friend's brewery, so the logistics worked well. </p>