Etiquette question

laurenrobbie

My family has a very large circle of "acquaintances" and three of the ladies would like to throw a shower. They want to invite so many people and honestly I just feel weird having so many people that I don't know well at a shower for me - I don't think they should have to get me a gift and it just makes me feel weird. (I am having a smaller, family shower instead.)

However the ladies are really pressing to do something so I agreed to them throwing a sip-n-see after the baby is born, mainly because a sip-n-see does not carry a gift obligation.

My question is, how many people do you think know that they do NOT need to bring a present to a sip-n-see? Is it tacky to print "no gifts" on the invitation? WWYD? TIA ladies!

RickeyandDani

Never even heard of a sip and see.

MrsRebecca

I have never heard of a sip n see. So I would bring a gift assuming it was a shower type thing.

OregonPachey

You could say "no gifts", but I guarantee that people will still bring you something.

I am the same way that you are about gifts.  I feel odd when people buy me things out of obligation.

britishbride05

honestly, it's not like you're throwing it for yourself.  and if theses ladies want to throw it for you and wnat to give you gifts, then go for it.  it's not like you're telling people you want them to throw you the shower!

PurpleK26

I don't think saying something on the invite is tacky, but maybe putting a little card into the invite that says something like

You're presence is requested, no gifts are expected

or

(cheesy and over used) Let your presence be your only present

I only say to not put it ON the invite because some people would rather just have the info for the party on the invite and keep it for a scrapbook or something. 

laurenrobbie

RickeyandDani:

Never even heard of a sip and see.

It is a get together at someone's home, usually in the midafternoon...where people drink tea or champagne or other drinks ("sip") and the baby is there in a bassinet ("see"). Sort of like a shower but the baby is there and no gifts, it's more of a drop in while you can sort of thing.

This might be more of a southern tradition; I'm pretty sure that everyone who is sent an invite will realize what it is but based on y'alls feedback it sounds like I should print no gifts on the invite.

Thanks ladies!!

Anna&Matt

With a sip and see I typically bring a gift but something smaller - like a nice outfit or a box of diapers. I would assume that's the types of gifts you'll get from a sip and see - and people love buying those things (atleast I do).

carney09

I think a sip n see is about the same as a shower, only post baby!  Its going to be hard to say no gifts, but perhaps word of mouth is the best way to get that message out there

laurenrobbie

PurpleK26:

I don't think saying something on the invite is tacky, but maybe putting a little card into the invite that says something like

You're presence is requested, no gifts are expected

or

(cheesy and over used) Let your presence be your only present

I only say to not put it ON the invite because some people would rather just have the info for the party on the invite and keep it for a scrapbook or something. 

I really like this! I am going to suggest it to them to use! Thanks!

12bailey18

Word of mouth is always good but I imagine people will still bring gifts. People love to buy things for new babies! 

SpiffyTiffy

I think the sip-n-see is a cute idea. I haven't heard of one before, but I think I get the idea. If you are wanting to say not to bring a gift, a polite way to state it is "Your presence is your present!" Or something of that nature. Then people who want to bring you something will, but most will understand it is not meant to be for presents. Hope it all works out! I know it can be tricky!

lpstl

I've never heard of the term sip n see, but I take it it's like an open house.

Nothing about gifts should be mentioned on the invitations. That's not my opinion, it's an etiquette rule that applies to every type of invitation out there. Saying "No gifts" is considered in poor taste because it dictates to the guests how they should or shouldn't spend their money. If someone wants to give you a gift, they will, and you can only accept graciously.