While you want guests to bring a gift of their choosing, it is also important to encourage them to bring something that will make parent’s life easier, especially to use right after birth of child. Therefore, let each guest know in person or via invitation that if they would like to bring a frozen meal or coupons for baby products or even their services, it would be greatly appreciated.

As a host, you need to consider people that will be on invitation list. Sometimes, finances are tight and buying gifts tough. You have a couple of options. First, you could set tone on invitations advising that while gifts are appreciated, they are not mandatory. This way, people know they can attend shower but not feel embarrassed if they come without a gift.

Another option is to purchase a few extra, inexpensive but nice gifts from funds collected. As host, if you know someone is one a tight budget, you could tactfully let them know that you had extra gifts purchased so if they need one, they are certainly more than welcome simply to take one to give couple. This way, that individual could choose a gift to give without feeling bad.

SIBLING GIFTS

Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour 1 tsp. salt 1 cup margarine ½ cup sour cream 2 tbs. grated Parmesan cheese 2 tbs. chopped green onions 2 tbs. chopped mushrooms 2 tbs. chopped ripe olives