Per my mother's insistance...

SOON2BMRSHOLTE

So my mother informed me that if noone else was throwing me a shower she would. I hadn't really planned on having one since between me and DH its our 4th kid. But to avoid this thing being lame my BFF is helping me throw a celebration bbq instead of a traditional shower. I assume people are still going to get gifts for the baby so I went ahead and registered for some small items at target (nothing really necessary, but extras I wouldn't mind having). Last night while I was laying in bed trying to go to sleep I had the idea to encourage people to bring us frozen meals for after the baby comes instead of gifts. WDYT? Would a sort-of shower seem less tacky if we weren't asking for normal gifts? How would you feel if you got an invite like that? TIA!

mabma80

that is a brilliant idea!  I'm sure people would love to do that!

ERINPETERSON

I think its actually a fantastic idea, even for first time mommies! I say go for it It would be fun as a guest to have someone enjoy their favorite dish... well for me it would be fun. Good luck and you may be starting a trend!

Ceridwen21

I would try really hard to ensure that the word "shower" isn't used to describe the party, since many people (myself included) would find that to be tacky given that it's the 4th child in the family.

I think that the host suggesting frozen meals instead of regular baby gifts is a great idea.  I would be happy to help out a friend that way, and I would assume she didn't really need any baby stuff anyway.

Ms5586

I love this idea, so long as you have the freezer space! 

I agree with a PP - don't use the word "shower".

And I'd find a way to ask if they could bring the recipe too, in case it becomes a new family favorite

SOON2BMRSHOLTE

I am avoiding the word shower at all costs, like I said we're trying to make it clear that its a celebration bbq. I don't really expect to get gifts, but knowing my fam and friends, most will prob want to give us something. I was hoping that encouraging meals would make it more obvious that we're not trying to be gift-grabby.

firsttogo

Have your friend look into takethemameal.com... or something like that. It is a site where people can sign up to bring meals... maybe she can send out an e-mail to people, and get it going that way. You could have no part of it! And get meals!

 

Ms.Jade

I am a very strong believer in not having showers after your first child and even I like this idea!

baby3ob

LOVE the frozen food idea!! And agreed maybe avoiding the word "shower". Who knows, maybe those who don't love to cook will get you a nice dinner gift certificate or something

Liz4444

Don't call it a shower and don't mention gifts of any sort.  If people want to bring you something, they will.  If someone asks you or your friend what you might like, feel free to tell them, but don't put anything in writing and don't say anything without being asked first.

AmyLaurel89

Ms5586:

I love this idea, so long as you have the freezer space! 

I agree with a PP - don't use the word "shower".

And I'd find a way to ask if they could bring the recipe too, in case it becomes a new family favorite

 OOOhhh. I like this idea. The party sounds great, the frozen food too and I would want recipes too. I think I might steal your idea. 

 

Kml9876

I think all babies should be celebrated so I am not offended by a shower for the 4th baby. The meal idea sounds great.

SOON2BMRSHOLTE

Thanks for the input everybody. I will def be leaving it off the invites but it gives me an answer I'm more comfortable with if they ask.

varkeyr

Go for it.