Expert: Patty Sachs - 10/17/2009

Question
We are planning a baby shower in Michigan for a mom to be that lives in Washington.  She'll be attending the shower buy has no way to get gifts to Washington.  She will be registering at various stores in hopes that guests will purchase gift cards at those stores.  What is the polite way of suggesting this on the invitations? Thanks.

Answer
Angie:

http://www.google.com/search?q=long+distance+shower%26btnG=Search%26hl=en%26rlz=...

Since there are so many different takes on this subject I am not comfortable posing as an "expert" in such a controversial concept.

I pulled this link from Google for you to surf through for some ideas and suggestions from other hosts.  They do address the invitations and possible themes that they have used.

One thing that might not be covered is the importance of getting the mom-to-be's comfort level on this.  Typically, guests are not limited in their gift selection.  Selecting gifts is a big part of the fun of a baby shower--depriving guests of that can be touchy. You would not want to appear rude or cold about it.

Perhaps letting your guests know that you will be shipping lighter, smaller items like baby clothing--a pretty large box will go UPS reasonably.  An extra suitcase will hold a lot, too. Then suggest that sizeable and bulky items could be selected, paid for and picked up in another city--Target is ideal for this.  Then cards are not in the mix only certificates.  This would make the gift personal, having been chosen by the guest.  

Personally, I like to put a name on each item received...whether at the shower or with a gift certificate.  It may be where the term "cold cash" originated.  

Best of luck to you in your planning.  Keep it personal and thoughtful and you should be fine.

Patty Sachs