Baby Shower etiquette

[Deleted]

I was invited to a baby shower for a friend of mine. I don't know her that well, but I have been able to tell her things I can't discuss with other people. She is more than an acquaintance but not quite a close friend. I won't be able to go to the shower because of work. I didn't even expect an invite. It is on a Sunday, I work most Sundays, and am already taking the one off the week before for a concert so I know that I won't be able to get that one off also. Is it customary to still send a gift? How much should I spend? For my SIL I spent around $100, but was prepared to spend $200(my sister went halfsies with me on the gift for SIL) Is $50 reasonable?

[Deleted]

yes. that's reasonable. just look up her registries and pick something around that pricerange that looks useful. i'm sure she invited you, as i invited people to my shower, to say "i like you, you're important to me" and NOT to say "please make it so that i don't have to spend money to welcome my kid into this world."

[ECB]

I don't feel gifts are required for events you can't go to (weddings are an exception). So no, you don't "have" to send a gift.

I personally wouldn't, but most likely I'd want to see her after the baby is born and at that time I'd give her a small gift.

For an aquaintance, I probably wouldn't spent more than $25.

[sara76]

I also think $25 is acceptable for an acquaintance if you can't make the shower. Something off her registry or if you have her mailing address a gift card to Target so she can pick up what little things she doesn't get.

[nadasteph]

I would buy a gift and then wait until the baby comes to bring it to her and meet the baby.