Got invited to a baby shower - what to give?

[frosty]

I've never been to one. What do people do there? Isn't this traditionally a women get-together sort of thing? The shower is being thrown for someone from work who's having a baby, but it will be held at another coworkers home. Since I got an invitation, I take it that other people from work, particularily those from my dept., also got one. I don't know if I'll go, but if not I'd still like to give a gift since the mother-to-be is someone I know and talk with at work. I did a little research and gift baskets usually pop up as popular gifts. I also like the idea of a gift card from maybe Target. But how much should I give? I don't want the card to be too cheap or too much. I also like the idea of a spa gift card. I hear that people give diapers, but what sort of gift is that even though it will come in handy. Maybe baby clothes will do.

So what do people do at baby showers? I'm not one to go to these social events. I suck at small talk and can be socially awkward amongst people at a social event. I'll have to find out what sort of food will be served!

[John Doe]

Condoms.

[Chad300tdt]

My wife and I either buy off their registry or give one of these:
http://www.brooksbabygifts.com/category/Baby-Diaper-Wreaths/c45

We got them for both of our kids, and as hard as it may be to believe they are very cool to receive. They can have more than just diapers on them too.

Also, in my experience all the guys invited end up bailing out and sending a gift unless it's a shower held at the workplace.

[John Doe]

Liquor.

[Kuan]

Check the baby registry at Target or Babies 'r Us.

[Chad300tdt]

Here's another great , inexpensive shower gift. I've given this to friends with newborns and everyone has been amazed at how the techniques really work (including my wife and I).

http://www.amazon.com/Happiest-Baby-Block-Crying-Longer/dp/B0006J021C/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212762039&sr=8-1

[MS Fowler]

My wife is planning a baby shower for our son's wife. My other son is providing the food, and, knowing his repuatation for cooking, I want to be at the shower. However, the guys are all expected to go to my son's house ( the father of the soon-to-be born son) for meat cooked over a fire.
Decisions, decisions...

[John Doe]

It has been markedly in the last two years, that I have noticed some people have begun to include males on baby shower invite lists. I do know or care to know the reason for this, but mercifully, my wife agrees that for a male to attend such a gathering is unnecessary at best and inappropriate at worst.

[Mistress]

Originally Posted by John Doe

It has been markedly in the last two years, that I have noticed some people have begun to include males on baby shower invite lists. I do know or care to know the reason for this, but mercifully, my wife agrees that for a male to attend such a gathering is unnecessary at best and inappropriate at worst.

What if it was held at Shelly's Back Room?

[John Doe]

Originally Posted by Mistress

What if it was held at Shelly's Back Door?

Although my brother and brother in law say its a great place, I still feel like it is a none-too-subtle attempt to emasculate, so I'll have to pass

[aklim]

Originally Posted by Mistress

What if it was held at Shelly's Back Door?

Shelly is a "back door" girl?

[Carleton Hughes]

Originally Posted by aklim

Shelly is a "back door" girl?

Sure, she speaks Greek,as the saying goes.

[Mistress]

Originally Posted by aklim

Shelly is a "back door" girl?

It's Shelly's Back Room- sorry i corrected it. Continue on, continue on.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/shellys-back-room-washington

[Dee8go]

Originally Posted by John Doe

It has been markedly in the last two years, that I have noticed some people have begun to include males on baby shower invite lists. I do know or care to know the reason for this, but mercifully, my wife agrees that for a male to attend such a gathering is unnecessary at best and inappropriate at worst.

Hear! Hear! Yeah, both sexes need not do EVERYthing together. I think that would make us all a lot duller and less interesting. Men and women need to retain a little bit of mystery in their lives to stay interesting to their mates.

[John Doe]

Originally Posted by Dee8go

Hear! Hear! Yeah, both sexes need not do EVERYthing together. I think that would make us all a lot duller and less interesting. Men and women need to retain a little bit of mystery in their lives to stay interesting to their mates.

You are wise beyond your years, Dee. It is understood and accepted in proper culture that the men are to gather at a bar while the shower is being undertaken, the only dilemma being where the cab is supposed to go first to pick everyone up after both factions have had too much to drink (a true gentleman wouldn't suggest that the abstaining expecting mother shuttle everyone in her suburban)