Gift giving

by Aisha
(Philadelphia)

Is it wrong to tell people not to come to a shower if their not going to bring a gift?

Our Answer:

Hi there,

Thank you for your etiquette question. My answer is yes on both sides. It is considered rude to show up at a baby shower without a gift. Sometimes there are baby showers that state on the invitation that no gifts are required. In my opinion that is the only time it is ok to show up at a baby shower without a gift. It is a given that the party is thrown to help the mom to be prepare for the new baby.

On the other side, it is also considered rude to tell your guests that they are not invited unless they bring a gift. Any indication of insisting on a certain type of gift on the baby shower invitation is against baby shower etiquette. In this case it makes your party look like a money grab. No one likes to give gifts to people who act ungrateful. A gift is given with love, and no matter what kind of gift it is, it should also be received with thankfulness.

I've covered most of the areas on etiquette reguarding gifts at a baby shower. Hopefully it helps. Good luck!