That's exactly how it is done! All the hostess give the bride and groom one gift, usually cookware, a KA mixer, vacuum or comforter and share the cost. They each contribute to the refreshment table and the only other things that they share a cost in are the invitations, stamps and a coursage for the bride. All the gifts are displayed through out the house, with cards attached. The one hosting at her house will have a reception line at the entrance and introduce the bride, her Mom and the grooms Mom, if any are from out of town. The guests view the gifts, visit, get refreshments and leave. Most of the things purchased for the wedding shower are from the bride and groom's registry. The kitchen/recipe shower is different. We will probably invite 30-40 people, everyone is sent a recipe card with their invitation and asked to write their favorite recipe and bring something to help make the recipe. It can be anything from a pan, spice or an ingredient. The bride opens the gifts there. Usually cake and punch are served or maybe a few finger foods and punch. That's the way it is done here. I know everyone does it different. Thank you all for your responses. Back to my original post, my DD for her shower where she lives has already got hostess gifts, there are only two there. We are still waiting to see how many hostess we have here. The kitchen shower doesn't bother me, I can think of a bunch of things. All the showers, except for the one where DD lives are going to be after the wedding, probably mid August. I think we have enough to think about now and by the time they get back from their honeymoon it will be late in July. Thanks again for your help!

Seriously? Someone invites me to their home for food/fun/party but I should run by Walgreens and buy them a package of napkins or a dusty candle? I, for one, detest "hostess gifts". Flowers!, "How beautiful!" Now I gotta run to find a vase, the flowers for the party are already on the table. I got 50 people arriving so I really can't take the time to cut the ends in my kitchen, already full of food stuff. I'm trying to find which toilet is clean enough, out of the party trail, to put the flowers in until tomorrow. Ohhhhhh, and the candles and trinkets. I've probably already been dusting and cleaning for days for this partay. Someone shows up with a "hostess gift" that is going to need dusting, cleaning, pruning, feeding, whatEVER! I still have to be nice. Think about it, 50 people, say 20 couples and some singles. They all bring a "hostess gift". What are you gonna do with that "stuff" the next day even after you get done cleaning up from the party? Since I got there, I have your address, since I have your address, I probably know your name. I would send a card after the party for a big thanks. That's about as "old fashioned" as you can get. No, I will never "stop off" to get a hostess gift. It's the thought that counts.

I wouldn't use products, though Ravencajun's sound good, and if they're working outside the sun protection might be very welcome. It's just very personal and you don't know who has allergies and sensitivities. Having to say no thank-you and give the products away can be disheartening, when the point of the gift is the opposite. You didn't mention a price range. Awhile back I did something a little similar, but it was only for six girls and I had a high budget. They LOVED it! It was inexpensive train case style organizers with the tacklebox style trays that lift/hinge out, with a few little things inside. Each got a thumb drive, cute ball speaker for the iPod/phone, pretty pencil, goofy animal notepad, a cute keychain and a screen cleaning cloth. I think they cost about $60 each to put together, but you could keep it under $40 and still put a few little things inside, or you could do under $15 just with a thumb drive, pocket notepad, etc. Another very popular such gift was Leathman micras. Those are around $20. Going back to Ravencajun's suggestion, if they'll be working outside, there are cute (like young cute) full on sunhats which protect the neck as well as the face for less than $10. Still, I like your own idea of the hair wrap and shower shoes, especially those superabsorbancy towels that fold to nothing. Even if they already have shower shoes, those get gross and need replacing. The only thing would be knowing the right sizes. You could add a few spa items like a small loofah and a pretty emery board.

Make sure the house is just as clean when you walk in as when you walk out, and bring your own towels so she does not have to provide/launder for you. Save your hostess the work :)