I have two friends who wanted to give me a shower for my third child. I insisted very strongly to them that I did not need a shower, nor did I want one. Where I come from this is just not done! I thanked them profusely for wanting to, but I insisted on them not giving me a shower. Well, they surprised me with a shower, a lovely little dinner out with about 10 people, neighbors and friends who weren't around when we had the first two, since we had lived in a different state then. I was overwhelmed with emotion. So grateful that I had friends who wanted to do this for me, who wanted to celebrate my third child in this way. They went to a lot of trouble for me and I will never forget it. Let them throw you the shower. Amy

I agree with this "like any other gift giving occasion. How much you spend is a function of your means and you closeness" but would add, that is it also a function of the means of the recipient. I might give a very impractical cashmere baby blanket (albeit washable) or baby china to an affluent couple. For a couple with very limited means, I would choose something very practical ... even diapers (a lot of them clearly). For any occasion where someone is registered, 80% or so of what I give is from the registry, with the other 20% a total surprise based on my own ideas (like gift giving of yore). And yes, a baby book, pref a board book, and not one of the top 10 most popular.

I had a unique one. I was working in Detroit and living in Ann Arbor and took the New York Central train that ran between Chicao and NYC, which came through Ann Arbor at just the right time to get me to work. One of the other commuters worked in the art department at J. L. Hudson department store and planned a lovely surprise shower in the bar car of the train going home. More men than women, but lots of fun. Just the other day I found the large tri fold card she drew with me on the front in my favorite maternity dress, and inside she drew a head on picture of the front end of the engine with drawings of each commuter hanging from the front, all signed of course. They bought me as lovely layette. Even one of the bar car attendants slipped me a bottle of Johnny Walker Red from the train after I slit. One of the best hours I've ever had. Great party.

You guys are the kindest people I know. I am beaming reading these comments. My daughter went home today (with the leftover cake) and I just posted the backdrop and blocks on our community giveaway page. Hopefully someone else can put them to good use. Also, I could not have done all this without my co-hosts. Especially the one who owns a printing business who ensured that all the packages were sent out in time. In this case, it takes a villiage to throw a shower. ETA: It was snapped up in under a minute on the site by someone who is planning a shower for next month. Happy all around.