Hostess' gift question

MercyC1130

I would like to get my Mother and SIL gifts as hosting my baby shower and being so incredibly generous. It is going to be coed after all (this seems more common with Hispanic families) and so I would also like to get my older brother a gift. He has been invaluably helpful emotionally, he has helped pay for the shower, and he helped immensely to put together a registry (I was clueless).
Should I do a joint gift for my brother and SIL or individual gifts? Any suggestions?

Also, when do you think I should present them with their gifts? I was thinking in private before or after but then was thinking it would be nice for them to have some recognition from the guests as well for putting together the shower. Many of my moms friends will be there so they might like that.. BUT, my stepmom will be there and it kind of makes me feel weird presenting only one of the "grandmas".. My stepmom offered to throw me one and I politely declined and had even declined the one I'm having now, but it was insisted upon by my mom.
So, am I looking too much into this (I tend to do so)? How would you guys go about these probably pretty simple matters?

Sassenach1743

I would do separate, more personal, gifts for your mom, brother, and SIL. 

For your mom and SIL, probably a small novelty or luxury household item/ something that they might not purchase for themselves but would be nice to have (e.g. a triple wick scented candle in a decorative glass or tin holder, a cute set of tea towels and/or apron, small gourmet basket of teas and jams, a nice (within your budget) bottle of wine, etc.) I would shop for these items at World Market or Pier One Imports. You could also get them a pamper gift, like a gift card to a spa for a facial or massage, or a nail boutique for mani/pedi.

For your brother, is he a sports fan? If so, why not a new hat (even if he already has one you can always get him another to save for later). I know my husband likes a brand new Dodger hat every year! If you can, find out what size he wears and order a fitted version on NewEra.com (they carry all teams). If he's more of a tech nerd then either an accessory for his favorite gadget or gift card to Best Buy. 

As far as when to present, sounds like a private moment after the shower would be best to avoid any awkward tension with your stepmom. Instead, just thank them graciously in front of your guests and then wait until everyone leaves to bring out your gifts. 

Hope this helps

Knottie1442268460

A private moment maybe even the day after would be a good time to present the gifts. Doesn't the invite say who to RSVP to? That's their acknowledgement IMO.

MyCousinVinny

When shopping for my hosts' gifts, I just got them each something that I knew they'd like.  One of them is into wine so I made her a little basket with wine, some chocolate, cheese, and crackers.  My other host is always doing things for others but never for herself so I got her a gift card to her local spa.  Whatever you know they'd enjoy, I'd head in that direction.

As far as when to give them the gifts, I'd do so privately.  If you'd like to acknowledge them at the shower, perhaps you could take a moment after opening gifts to thank everyone for coming, as well as thanking your hosts for gifting you a wonderful shower.

MercyC1130

Thank you ladies All very helpful.

ketobaby

Question to the Group. What if you have 3 main hosts (I think) and then various family members pitching in? My mom is a host should I ask her who the main planners were and what their contribution was? There was literally a planning party for my shower with over 10 people attending (I obviously wasn't there but heard about it).

Linsbins

ketobaby said:

Question to the Group. What if you have 3 main hosts (I think) and then various family members pitching in? My mom is a host should I ask her who the main planners were and what their contribution was? There was literally a planning party for my shower with over 10 people attending (I obviously wasn't there but heard about it).

Whoa what a party! Maybe $5 gift cards to Starbucks for people who weren't the main hosts, and a nicer gift for your 3 main hosts. You could adjust for your budget, but 10 presents seems like a lot to me.