XP: Out of State Baby Shower

1220winterbride

I live in FL but I'm originally from Texas. So my family wants to host a Texas shower...I love the idea of inviting my close friends and family there!

Would some you creative ladies have some Theme ideas to reduce the amount of gifts I actually receive at the party. Just looking for practical tips to reduce schlepping gifts home from across the country? I think most of the people are wise enough to ship something bulky directly to my home but you never know.

I do not want to appear ungrateful so I'd rather not limit too much, but I'm thinking maybe a kid's Book party? Is that crazy? I'm sure this has probably been addressed already so I apologize in advance (i tried to search it)

Thanks!

turquoisequeen

A storybook theme is a great idea. Also not sure of the timing but if that's the first shower you are having you could wait to put some of the large/heavy items on the registry until after the shower assuming you would be having a shower in FL too.

pblge

Would your friends actually travel to TX for a baby shower? I don't think many of mine would. Regardless, I adore the idea of a book shower, and I think that's what work people will be doing for me. You won't be in charge of making the invitations, but you could suggest that a note be put in saying that bigger gifts shouldn't be brought, and that a card with a pic of the gift is a good stand in. However, this might defy etiquette.

Not sure how active the Baby Shower board is here, but you could try asking there. I got good answers to a question I recently posed.

1220winterbride

Thanks , @pblge & No it would be a separate shower in Texas and another here in FL. I cross posted on the Shower Board, I hope one of them has some poetic way of graciously reminding folks to direct ship to my FL address when possible.

Good point @turquoisequeen ! I will def remove the bulky boxed items for the registry just in case

pblge

1220winterbride said:

Thanks , @pblge & No it would be a separate shower in Texas and another here in FL. I cross posted on the Shower Board, I hope one of them has some poetic way of graciously reminding folks to direct ship to my FL address when possible.

Good point @turquoisequeen ! I will def remove the bulky boxed items for the registry just in case

Aha! That makes more sense.

1220winterbride

actually, after reviewing the comments I think I'll just pray for the best and ship what I can't carry. It will be an intimate party anyway so I'm sure the hostess will be able to speak to everyone prior and politely make suggestions re: heavy items.

mrs.willie

I had the same thing come up with DS. My family had a shower back home 8 hours away from where I live now. We drove for a long weekend, but I realize it's longer from FL to TX. Guests were aware of this and shipped most of the big gifts. Some others also shipped gifts and put pics in the card. I'm sure the hostess might be able to make that suggestion where it's close family and friends.

iheartsippycups2

I agree- have the hostess politely say if you plan to buy a large item, ship it directly to you.

 In regards to books, for my shower with my son, my sister had this cute poem that basically said instead of a card, bring a book- most cards are $3-5, so you can easily find a book for that much. It was a great idea, it really built up his little library. People liked the idea too because a card would just end up in the garbage. Everyone wrote a little note in the book too.

Ecarabeo217

You could also just put gift cards on your registry or have the hostess say something to that effect on the invites...mom is travelling, please keep this in mind? I've never been great with etiquette...I'm more about practicality and wouldn't personally be offended by that suggestion if I were a guest. Just sayin