Shower etiquette question

[sunnyd]

My supposed-to-be-a-surprise-shower shower is next Saturday. Nobody knew it was a secret so the cat''s out. Oh well.

I have a question about hostess gifts. So my mom''s friend is hosting the shower, but the invite said that my sister requests your presence at a shower...etc. Do both get a gift? My mom''s friend is loaded so it''s not like I would buy her a normal hostess gift (whatever that means...

). What should I do? What do you even get the hostess(es)?

 

[Haven]

If you are unsure of who is hosting this shower, I think it''s fine if you wait until after the shower to purchase the hostess gifts (This is supposed to be a surprise shower, after all.) That way, you''ll know who, exactly, is hosting the shower.

My best guess is that your mom''s friend and your sister are both hosting the shower. My concern about bringing gifts the day of would be that maybe there are other hostesses, as well, and I wouldn''t want to leave anyone out.

There are so many gift options for shower hostesses--you could buy them each a nice serving dish from Crate & Barrel, or something unique that you know they would appreciate, or even just a pretty potted indoor plant. I don''t think you can go wrong with a hostess gift, that is, unless you don''t send one at all!

Enjoy your shower!

 

[havernell]

I gave my shower hostesses potted orchid plants which they all seemed to like a lot. In my opinion, it''s better than a knick-nack (especially for your Mom''s friend) but lasts longer than a cut bouquet of flowers. You can order them online if you don''t have any local sellers.

And I ditto Haven- I''d wait until after the shower to get hostess gifts for the reasons she listed.

Have tons of fun at the shower!

 

[sunnyd]

Thanks Haven! Yes, you''re right that they are both hosting. My sister is coming here from across the country so the friend is providing the house and the food and general funding? Not sure, it''s a surprise. LOL... Thanks for the suggestions, I was thinking a nice bouquet from the farmer''s market or something, since my sister will only have a carry-on and the friend already has everything. Haha!

 

[sunnyd]

Date: 7/27/2009 11:52:47 AM
Author: havernell
I gave my shower hostesses potted orchid plants which they all seemed to like a lot. In my opinion, it''s better than a knick-nack (especially for your Mom''s friend) but lasts longer than a cut bouquet of flowers. You can order them online if you don''t have any local sellers.

And I ditto Haven- I''d wait until after the shower to get hostess gifts for the reasons she listed.

Have tons of fun at the shower!

Ooh orchids would be great too, thanks!

 

[ficklefaye]

uh oh, are you supposed to give the person hosting your shower a hostess gift? what if this person is also a bm? would it just be one big gift or two little gifts?

 

[sunnyd]

Yes! It can cost a lot to throw a shower. I would do two seperate and equally good gifts. Two small or one big is like having your birthday at Christmas, you get screwed on gifts.

 

[havernell]

Date: 7/27/2009 12:02:28 PM
Author: sunnyd

Ooh orchids would be great too, thanks!

The orchid (or other potted plant like bamboo) could be especially good for your sister since it can be ordered online and delivered after she''s arrived back to her home after the shower. Nothing to carry on the plane with her!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I would give the hostess (homeowner) a gift and give a gift to your sister (or at last a card) as well. I gave my Aunt, who hosted my shower, a potted orchid that I picked up at Whole Foods for $15. It was affordable and very impressive. She loved it!