My husband's second cousin and her mother are very generously hosting a baby shower for me. How much would it be appropriate for me to spend on thank-you/hostess gifts for them? (My sister said the amount I was planning to spend was too much.) Does it matter if I give the presents before/after instead of during the shower? Any suggestions of a good grown mother/daughter gift? (One idea would be to get gift certificates for two manicures they could use together, although I generally don't like gift certificates.) In case it matters, this is in the San Francisco Bay area.
posted by espertus on Jan 22, 2010 - 8 answers

If my wife hosts a baby shower, fairly large (30+ people) for her friend (with all the expense, labour and effort that requires) would she still be expected to give a present to her friend on top of this?
posted by iTristan on Jun 11, 2006 - 20 answers

A petty question for pet owners (or animal companion parents, if you prefer) on pet presents: what are your feelings on pet accessory gifts (e.g. cat toys, dog shirts, hamster wheels) given to you for birthdays and holidays? That is, on special occasions, do you find it uncouth to be given gifts which are actually for your pets? (e.g. Dear Joe: Happy birthday! Here is a catnip mouse for Furry Felicia. Have fun! Love, Jane.)
posted by brownpau on Nov 17, 2005 - 20 answers

Is there a good way to go about returning or exhanging gifts without embarrassing anybody? [MI] [more inside]
posted by bonheur on Jan 3, 2005 - 14 answers

My 6 year old daughter has been invited to an American child's Hallowe'en party here in the UK. Is a gift required?
posted by Pericles on Sep 30, 2004 - 11 answers

Wedding etiquette question. We live in the US, but are having a ceremony in the UK. We don't want to have to haul the booty presents back, and many UK appliances will not work in US because of the voltage. Any Mefites had experience of the correct way of asking for cold, hard cash for wedding gifts? [more inside]
posted by carter on Jul 8, 2004 - 25 answers