I'm not sure this is a matter of etiquette, but more a personal preference. I would think if you give a shower gift, that is definitely sufficient enough and does not mean you should feel compelled or obligated to give a gift when the baby is born, unless you just want to for personal reasons.

IMO, it'd depend (1) on what *I* wanted to do (2) the budget (3) how close you are to the g'child....which goes right back to (1). If I want to give my g'child a gift, I do so. Phooey on what anyone else thinks!

Phyllis, I'm glad you asked. I'm wondering the same thing, except in my case it's an invitation to a baptism for a newborn. I sent a nice gift for the shower and won't be attending the ceremony, so I think I'll pass.

I think you do what you want. I would give a nicer gift at the shower and maybe an outfit after the babe is born~~~but that would be only for family or close friend. But, if I spent my limit at the shower I would just be done.

You've got to draw the line somewhere. My DH was a principal w/ a large staff. There was always somebody getting married, kids finishing HS, babies coming, etc. etc. You just can't buy for everybody on every occasion. We also attend a church that is mostly young adults. We just had HS grad. and there's always a bridal shower or baby shower. You just have to pick and choose or go broke!

If it were me, I would definitely give a gift for the baby at the shower. Then, if I were close to the mother, I would give HER the gift when the baby is born. Maybe a massage certificate or some flowers.

I would do both...especially if it were a grandchild. BUT I also say you can do what you want or what you can afford to. Not sure about proper etiquette, I just do what I can and what I feel. For just a friend Iwould do one or the other..depends on how close I am to her.

I guess it depends on how many great grandchildren you have. Do you have like 25 or more like 1?

In the case of a great grandmother, if finances permit, I would give a nice shower gift and then also bring along a little something the first time I see the baby. It could be anything from a pricey embroidered baby throw to just a little rattle or book. But I think at least a little something for the baby on the first visit would be nice.

I don't think there are any real etiquette rules on it. You can really do whatever you feel is right for your situation.

I don't think there is any etiquette that says ANYBODY has to give a gift at the birth of a child. Whether they attended the shower or not.

And I *KNOW* that etiquette says that you CAN give both gifts if you want to.

Of course, if this is a family member, and you don't give a gift at EITHER occasion, you run a serious risk of hurting some feelings and sending a negative message about how close you feel to the family.

And if you are a family member, and you gave a shower present, you shouldn't have the same risk if you decide not to also give a present when the baby is born, or when you first visit.

And if you have given a shower present, the mom could feel a little awk. at getting so MANY presents from you. (sometimes, oddly enough, generosity can be a burden)

when my son was born (29 now) my grandparents did this-
Grammie had the gift for the shower (sweater, hat, mittens, and leggings that she knit, Papa read her the directions cause she was blinded by cataracts), then when they came to visit he got a stool that Papa had made, and a piggy bank with both a Canadian and American quarter from that year. (They lived in Canada, we were in the states)

When the others were born we lived to far away for them to attend either.