Meet the baby party & book theme...

JD2007

I'm helping to plan a meet the baby party approx 4-6 weeks after the baby's birth.  This would take the place of a shower beforehand.  Do people typically bring gifts for this type of party???  The mom will probably have most of what she needs, right?  I was thinking of making the party a book theme.  Bring a book instead of the typical shower gifts.  Any suggestions on how to word the invite? 

Maybe I just say something like Mom and Baby X would appreciate books for baby's library???  

Thanks for any help!

RachandJer

I'm not very familiar with "Meet the Baby" parties, but I don't think guests are expected to bring gifts to these.  I'm sure a few do anyway, though.

I did host a book shower several years ago, after a friend's baby was born...but we called it a book shower, not a MTB.  The computer I had the invitation wording on was stolen, so I can't pull that up any more

hopefulmom

Since a "meet the baby party" is not a gift giving event I would not mention anything about what you would "like" for them to bring.

Most people will bring gifts and many of them will be clothing.  If people call to ask if they "need" anything it can be mentioned then that books for the baby's library would be great.  You might want to check with mom though...she might have some things in mind other than books.  Again...only mention these if they call and specifically ask.

JD2007

Ok thanks, I didn't know if people would bring gifts.  The mom actually doesn't want gifts, so that is preferable anyway.  If people ask, we'll just encourage books. 

K.a.T.e

I wouldn't dictate gifts on a "sip and see" or "meet the baby" party. 

SimDoh

I think If you will be inviting the exact same people that possibly attended a shower, you shouldn't ask for gifts, or books.

rmaxim

If I was attending a Meet the Baby party and not a shower, I'd bring a gift. If I had also been to the shower, I would not (or I might bring something small, like a stuffed animal).

However, I don't know much about these parties, I've never been to one! My MIL plans to throw one for me at her home which is a couple hours away, since most of her friends in that area won't make it to my shower. It's more for her than for me