What do you think of baby showers? - if indeed you've ever heard of them.

It's definitely not all about spending money Bee.

I've been to a few now and thrown 2 for my daughters. We did tiny sandwiches ( willingly made by Grampy) , tiny cakes and a general afternoon tea theme. Nothing more than I would generally serve guests.

One friend arrangedthe games, all thatwas needed were a few nappies, pens, paper etc.

I made all the themed decor from my craftstash.

Everyone bought their favourite book, new or pre loved .

It was a joyous celebration in anticipation of a new arrival . I loved it.

I agree Iam , great fun all round.

I don't like them because I'm superstitious about giving anything before the baby's arrived safely and the mother is well.
I even thought I was tempting Fate by knitting a blanket well before my first Gdc was born! However I didn't buy anything until she'd arrived safely, after which at least I knew it was a girl before zooming hotfoot to John Lewis baby dept.

I don't like them have never known anyone who has given one and wouldn't like to be invited to one..... I dislike all things connected with 'expecting' because however low key of course people feel obliged to take things to keep face
A different thing but more money related stuff, a distant very distant relative died yesterday I see on FB today they have set up a crowd funding page to pay for the funeral They all own their own homes and have very good jobs why would they even think of asking others to ' give him a good send off'

Presents or money from the heart is lovely expectations or pressure is horrible in my opinion

....and I agree that most of our imports from US ( do we import anything from anywhere else ) seem to be crassly money related

I have never heard of crowd funding and do not like the sound of it at all.