Is it tacky to have a baby shower if you’re a high earner?

[Anonymous]

Book idea is tacky

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH and I are on the fence about my MIL throwing us a baby shower. We make far more money compared to many of our family and friends who have been struggling under this economy. We don’t want to seem entitled when we can afford to buy all the things we want. Mil suggested we buy the big ticket items and only put $50 or less gifts on the registry. WWYD?

Struggling in this economy of record high employment and record asset values? Yeah I suppose if you’re struggling in this economy you’d be struggling in any economy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Book idea is tacky

How are books tacky?

[Anonymous]

You can re-write the rules on gifts, OP. Or have no gifts, but just invite people to share in the joy!

[Anonymous]

While I love the book idea in theory, it may a bit difficult in practice. My cousin ended up with five copies of Goodnight Moon when she had a book shower!

[Anonymous]

Agree on having low ticket items. I grew up poor and people were always generous. Anyone of any income can buy a cute baby outfit for someone they care about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While I love the book idea in theory, it may a bit difficult in practice. My cousin ended up with five copies of Goodnight Moon when she had a book shower!

Yeah maybe just add some books to the registry.

[Anonymous]

It’s tacky to have hour MIL throw a shower.

[Anonymous]

It’s not tacky to have a baby shower, no matter your income. Just don’t put the registry info on the invitation. Then if people want to give a gift they will either ask if there’s a registry, in which case your MIL can tell them where you’re registered, or they will pick an item of their choosing that’s in their price range. When you make the registry have plenty of low price items like books, onesies, pacifiers or whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask the host to tell people you want everyone's favorite childhood book.

People here would bring War and Peace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s not tacky to have a baby shower, no matter your income. Just don’t put the registry info on the invitation. Then if people want to give a gift they will either ask if there’s a registry, in which case your MIL can tell them where you’re registered, or they will pick an item of their choosing that’s in their price range. When you make the registry have plenty of low price items like books, onesies, pacifiers or whatever.

A registry will make it look like it’s a gift giving event. No need for a registry. The book idea is good.

[Anonymous]

Just do as MIL suggested and post a registry with all items under $50, and most items at $25 or under. Your friends want to celebrate you. People from all different income brackets have baby showers. Keep it fun with plenty of low price point items and everyone will feel happy and comfortable.

FWIW, in the past the MIL or mother shouldn't throw the shower, but that rule isn't as followed anymore. Keep it tasteful and low-key and all will be well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not tacky to have a baby shower, no matter your income. Just don’t put the registry info on the invitation. Then if people want to give a gift they will either ask if there’s a registry, in which case your MIL can tell them where you’re registered, or they will pick an item of their choosing that’s in their price range. When you make the registry have plenty of low price items like books, onesies, pacifiers or whatever.

A registry will make it look like it’s a gift giving event. No need for a registry. The book idea is good.

But as PP said, if you don’t put registry info in the invitation then the only people who will know about the registry are those who are already planning to give you a gift anyway.

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on what you mean by high earner, if you live in a 12,000sqft house with a pool and staff then yes it’s tacky. If you’re making under 400k a year it’s not tacky.

[Anonymous]

We did a book shower and it was lovely.