When is it too early to send a baby shower gift?

[ready123go]

Couple of baby shower gift questions. Thought I would solicit opinions.

At what point is it appropriate to send a baby gift? My niece is 27 1/2 weeks along. She lives in different state. I attended her wedding, but due to logistics will not attend her baby shower. I am not close to the family and have no idea when her shower(s) will be held or if I will even be invited. I prefer not to call and ask when she will be having her shower, as I feel that would seem to be inviting myself, which could be uncomfortable for her. However, I would like to send something. A couple of websites said "after 30 weeks" and "late in 3rd trimester".

I have been checking periodically and she has just registered with Babies R Us. I want to send my choice of gift before the "good" ones are all gone, if you KWIM. Can BRU delay shipment? Has anyone had experience with this sort of thing? Any advice?

TIA
ready

 

[mamamary]

Usually it says on the registry when the shower is???????

 

[msjprincess]

Usually it says on the registry when the shower is???????

I've actually never seen the shower date, just the due date. All of the showers I have been to were a surprise so the mother to be didn't know the date.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Couple of baby shower gift questions. Thought I would solicit opinions.

At what point is it appropriate to send a baby gift? My niece is 27 1/2 weeks along. She lives in different state. I attended her wedding, but due to logistics will not attend her baby shower. I am not close to the family and have no idea when her shower(s) will be held or if I will even be invited. I prefer not to call and ask when she will be having her shower, as I feel that would seem to be inviting myself, which could be uncomfortable for her. However, I would like to send something. A couple of websites said "after 30 weeks" and "late in 3rd trimester".

I have been checking periodically and she has just registered with Babies R Us. I want to send my choice of gift before the "good" ones are all gone, if you KWIM. Can BRU delay shipment? Has anyone had experience with this sort of thing? Any advice?

TIA
ready

Honestly, if she has her registry up, I would go ahead and ship it now. Esp. if you are buying linens, decorations, etc.

It is OK to send a gift at any time really.

Unless of course her culture dictated after the birth, which it does not sound like this is the case here.

 

[wiigirl]

Honestly, if she has her registry up, I would go ahead and ship it now. Esp. if you are buying linens, decorations, etc.

It is OK to send a gift at any time really.

Unless of course her culture dictated after the birth, which it does not sound like this is the case here.

 

[mamamary]

I've actually never seen the shower date, just the due date. All of the showers I have been to were a surprise so the mother to be didn't know the date.

You are right. Most are surprises. I live out of state so I knew about my shower so when I registered it was on there. But yes I must be thinking more about bridal showers.

 

[ready123go]

Usually it says on the registry when the shower is???????

I've actually never seen the shower date, just the due date. All of the showers I have been to were a surprise so the mother to be didn't know the date.

Due date, no shower date.

 

[ready123go]

I think you guys are right, if the gift registry is up, it's OK to send the gift. I would much rather do it now, with one big gift, than try to add up a bunch of little stuff later...Ugh.

Besides, I like the idea of leaving the little, inexpensive gifts for young couples/friends that can't afford the big stuff.

 

[DisneyDreamer2504]

I think when the actual shower will be held is irrelevant. I mean, if its well known that's she's pregnant, then you can send a gift anytime just bc you love her. The only caution I would mention is maybe you should avoid the truly big ticket items on the registry. The largest items, in my experience, are gifted by those closest like the mother, MIL or siblings, and they may not have had the chance to get it yet.

 

[ready123go]

Thanks for all the input. Love my Disser peeps!

 

[ready123go]

Went ahead and got it done! Texted my DyoungerB (older is her father) and we went in on a gift. He's single and happy to have a Sis that is willing to go through the 'headache' of gifting (girl thing, def not a guy thing!)

Plus, thanks to Disboards I signed up for Ebates a couple of months ago, got 1% back (Kindle Fire - one step closer) and a BRU coupon for 20% off! Now both my niece and I get more bang for my, my DH and DB's buck

 

[tigercat]

I never give a gift until after the baby is born. Babies need so little for the first few weeks and then I can give a gift to the baby boy or girl. Have had too many family lose a baby late pregnancy or during the early week after birth.
tigercat

 

[mrsklamc]

Well I don't know about traditional etiquette but I am almost to 26 weeks and just finishing up my registry, and would be thrilled to receive anything on it at any time. Most places offer a 'completion discount' for items left on your registry several weeks before your due date, so for us personally there won't be much left to purchase after the baby is born as we want to stick with things that are truly needed.

 

[aprilgail2]

I never give a gift until after the baby is born. Babies need so little for the first few weeks and then I can give a gift to the baby boy or girl. Have had too many family lose a baby late pregnancy or during the early week after birth.
tigercat

Most people here give a gift for the shower and then you bring another gift (like an outfit) when you see the baby for the first time. I got a few brought to the hospital when people stopped in to visit after the baby was born and then others brought it to the house when they stopped by to see the baby.

OP- I would buy the gift and then have it shipped to the grandma to b's house or another relative that will be going to the shower for them to take to the shower with them. That is what we typically do- at my shower I had gifts there from out of state family and friends that couldn't make it.