Supervisor having a baby shower

Lskypeck

Hey ladies, I am a teacher and I supervise/evaluate several paraprofessionals. I love the women I work with and I would love to invite them to my shower, but I don't want them to feel like they have to buy me a gift, or come because I'm their supervisor. What would you suggest? I'd like them to come because I genuinely value their friendship, not their gifts. Thank you in advance

Valie18

I would specifically have the host not invite them to the shower. That is a really weird position to be in, to be invited to a gift-giving event (even if the host said no gifts) for the person responsible for evaluating your work.

You could maybe invite them to lunch or cater in breakfast one day before your leave to tell them that you value their friendship/are going to miss them/etc.

Lskypeck

Thanks for the responses ladies! I really appreciate it!

ArgyleBride

If you see them socially outside of work, yes.  If you do not, no.  It really is that simple!

shutaff

I agree with the other ladies that if you don't socialize outside of work, I wouldn't invite them. I'm willing to bet that if you have a good relationship with them, they are probably going to do a little something for you anyway.

VOR

shutaff said:

I agree with the other ladies that if you don't socialize outside of work, I wouldn't invite them. I'm willing to bet that if you have a good relationship with them, they are probably going to do a little something for you anyway.

100% this.  There is no need for YOU to throw a lunch.  If they want to celebrate your baby, they'll plan something. 

JoyfulJuly

A few years ago my boss invited me to her shower and I felt uncomfortable going but didn't know what to say. So I went and I knew 2 others there and I got her a nice gift but I really wish she had just kept the boundary between her work and personal life. I think you mean well but know that they will probably feel obligated to attend and to buy you a nice gift.