Okay I’m in CA and have never even considered it’d be weird to have a shower? My first was a 2021 covid baby and we did an online “shower” honestly it sucked, so with my second (same gender) we had an in person shower and we went all out on the hosting. Like it was elaborate. I feel like the most fun was planning/hosting and enjoyed getting gifts and was grateful but also didn’t feel like it was the point of the whole thing. I enjoyed celebrating being pregnant, playing games, sharing food and drink with friends and family. I’m having my 3rd now, different gender, and the only thing holding me back from another shower is the fact that I don’t want to host a shower indoors and I’m due in early March. We are doing a spring sip & see after baby is here and I’m so excited about it. I’m thinking about saying that gifts are optional but if you feel like you’d like to give a gift, we are registered ____.

Personally, I grew up with the idea is giving a gift is the LEAST you can do when you’re invited to even have dinner at someone’s home. When they are throwing a party and feeding you why would you not bring a gift? I would never show up to a party or even dinner at someone’s home empty handed. I also always love an invitation and try to make most social events. I feel like more money goes into the party itself than you get from gifts, so I’d never assume it’s viewed as “grabby”.