MeaganS Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 So I was going to get on and ask this question today, but after reading the other thread, I am a little afraid to :001_smile:. Here's the story. I'm due with our second baby, a girl, in a month. My other daughter is just barely 2 years old, so I still have EVERYTHING. I deliberately saved everything knowing that we would be having more children soon. We just moved to a new city a month ago and a few days ago a girl from church asked if it would be ok for her to throw me a baby shower. I know she's doing it to reach out to me and help me feel welcomed, and I really appreciate that. But here's the thing. She asked what I needed, and I honestly can't think of a single thing. We cloth diaper even, so I don't need disposables. I'm very practically minded, but I can also understand that they would want some direction too. So what should I tell her? We have more than enough clothes in great condition (my daughter was the first grandbaby on both sides of the family and we have generous parents). I have all the gear I can possibly use. I've decided to let her throw the shower because I really want to get to know everyone and it was sweet of her to offer and I'd feel rude for not accepting. What would you do and what would you tell her that you need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda in FL Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 Just be honest and tell her what you told us - definitely let her know that you don't need disposable diapers! You could even tell her that a shower without gifts would be OK. Your hostess will probably be able to come up with some creative "gifts" on her own. A book of prayers that everyone will be praying, or meal sign-up, etc. I think its nice that she's offering to so this and will give you a chance to bond with the other ladies at your church. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 I'd just make my siutation known and then ask for unusual things. How about the brand of laundry detergent you use for washing diapers or the components to make your own if that's what you do? Baby wipes, casseroles for the freezer, diaper pail liners if you use them, dryer sheets or whatever equivalent you use as softener, nursing pads for your bra (if you BF) or formula if you don't bf, burp cloths (so many look terrible even after only one child), coupons for pizza or take-out that dh can use during those first few weeks when you won't be up to cooking meals, homemade certificates of "service" from the ladies i.e. "this certificate entitles new mommy to call me and ask for me to do a load of laundry, or wash the dishes, or vaccum the living room carpet", etc. Disposable diapers for those first few weeks when you shouldn't be lifting baskets of wet diapers and clothing anyway....basket of your favorite foods for when you come home from the hospital. I would just be creative with my requests and gentle in explaining that your family was very generous when you had your first baby so your needs are non-traditional. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 Maybe you could ask her if instead of a baby shower before the baby is born, maybe you could have a "welcome baby" thing afterward (if you think you would feel up to that, some moms are good with company after having a baby, some aren't!) and see if instead of traditional gifts, as you don't need anything, maybe they'd be willing to bring meals instead, the kind that you can freeze and heat for the next week or two, so that you don't have to worry about cooking with a new baby in the house? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 My sisters had people bring children's books in lieu of cards to my first shower. Great way to build the kids' library. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldilocks Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 For my 2nd - 4th children we have done a blessing shower. We eat and socialize then everyone says a prayer or blessing or "wish" for the baby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeanestMomInMidwest Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 Maybe you could have a baby shower with the understanding that all the gifts would be donated to a worthy cause. Surely there is a woman/child organization that could benefit from new baby items? Or even a foster care organization that places infants. That way, the ladies would get the party they desire, you'd get to know everyone, and someone who really needs it will benefit from their (and your) generosity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXMomof4 Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 How about a casserole shower? That is something that has been done here and it is really appreciated. Food in the freezer is always welcome. ETA: OR a book shower? We did this for a friend for her second child. Everyone brought their favorite book and wrote something to the baby inside. The books ranged from board books to Treasure Island - whatever books people loved. I think she had a wish list at Amazon that we could peek at if we needed ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 Given how new you are to the area, if you don't want anything physical, you could ask for an advice shower. Best pediatrician, best park, best place to go for a walk with a stroller, the time and location of any local playgroups, which stores have special parking for mothers with infants, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest janainaz Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 I've heard about the book shower also. Everyone brings their favorite book and writes a little note to the baby. I think that is the cutest idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 You could also get the shower, but have gifts go to a spot of your choosing for unwed, or other "mom's spot" or a foster place for babies... etc.... That way you get the fun... and others get the presents... or... if you need one big thing.... I love the http://www.kanoe.us/3.html :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 Or you could just get together and have a celebration to welcome the new person, no gifts needed, just the gift of friendship and life! Lara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciyates Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 Great ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 New nursing bras? A sling? An Ergo carrier? Meals delivered after the birth? Housecleaning? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herbalgirl Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 Do you have some stores that you like to get baby things at, or your cloth diapers? Are there gift cards for those websites or stores? You could ask for a "giftcard" shower, then use those to get things when you need them. :) Oh, yes, and MEALS after the baby comes as the PP said is very wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 How about a "fill the freezer" baby shower... meals ready to reheat and eat! Children's books are a great idea too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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