How to politely decline a baby shower??

[DMarie919]

So, this is my second baby and I am having another boy.  I have always been from the thought that you don't really have a shower for a second baby.  Well, when my friend had her second girl, she really wanted a shower and one of my other friends planned it, thank goodness because I wasn't really into it for many reasons (the miscarriage and the fact that I planned her first shower two years prior and went ALL out...seriously)  

Anyway....so, these friends are now asking me about planning a shower for me....and I have really tried to say "I don't really need a shower, I have everything for a boy, blah blah blah..." but they are almost insisting that they do something.....   WHAT DO I DO??  I don't want to hurt their feelings, but I really don't want to make it awkward for anyone that I'd feel the need to invite to think that I needed another baby shower when it wasn't my idea to begin with??  

[Ready_4_Baby_2]

Enjoy ur day. I was just thinking of going to the spa.

[cocacolapanda]

What a great idea!  Enjoy your Spa Day!

[DMarie919]

So we decided on doing a Spa Day and I only invited a few friends and my mom and mother-in-law.  I'm trying to have her tone it down and telling everyone on the side NOT to bring gifts...as she still termed it "spa baby shower" but oh well...hopefully that makes everyone happy...

[mumuvtwogrlz]

Hubby and I did the BBQ/couples baby shower!
Was very low key! And super fun!
People BYOB
It was anounced that for everyone who brought diapers and or gift cards for diapers, their name would be entered into a draw for the door prize!
Everyone loved the idea!
Everyone brought diapers and GC's lol
We even had raffle tickets for little prize's.
The money being raised will go towards the 3D/4D Ultrasound!
We made quite a bit!
Everyone had a blast. Lots of food and great times!
This is my third girl but my first shower ever!

[cocacolapanda]

I'd suggest to ask them to wait until the baby's born, it's not 100% terditional but for next babies it's fairly common.  See if they can gear it towards meet the baby and ask for things like books, or ask that they bring a gift to donate to those in need if they must bring a gift.  Diapers are always good too.  Either way if you try to make it more about meeting the baby and less about gifts it might be helpful.  

Or, if you trust any of your friends to baby sit, ask that instead of a physical gift to just baby sit your kids for a night so you and DH can have some time alone.

I don't think I'll end up having a shower this time, but I do plan to have a party after the baby's born, Because of school and work it will most likely be when our child is baptized and make them one big party :).

[Ready_4_Baby_2]

Looks like everyone said what I was going to say. Just have a shower have the everyone buy diapers, wipes, lotions etc.  A few ppl can bring size 1 and size 2 and size 3 and others can bring wipes. That way you only get what you need.

[MissmyAngel]

I think the idea of a couples barbeque is a great idea!

[szw2008]

I actually am having this same problem. It's really hard to explain to people that you don't NEED anything. I like the diaper party though! That sounds like something I may have to suggest so my girls will stop hounding me!

[nickieb85]

I agree with the other ladies! Def do the diaper party and make sure that they know to bring different sizes =) I think the bbq idea with the couples is a great thing and then all friends can get together and you still get a much needed supply for your little boy!

[DMarie919]

Ok...what about like a diaper party bbq and we could have it be a couples thing, the guys could drink beer, etc....maybe try to get sitters for all the kids and just have a nice relaxing evening?

[Heatherm4]

Call it a "diaper party"! Then that's all you'll get if that's all you need. I agree with everyone though...if they insist...why not!!

[MissmyAngel]

I was about to say that..Have the party, but make sure everyone knows that you have everything you need. It will be fun for you to get together with everyone to celebrate your lil man!
Or you could make alist of small stuff you'll need if you think people will insist on buying stuff, like shampoo, wipes, diapers, formula..and make sure to specifically say you do NOT need any furniture or clothes.

[DMarie919]

hmm...thanks for the ideas...I'm just not sure how to go about this...I guess I could just tell people not to bring gifts...or only diapers or something like that...

[claud9]

I agree...Let them spoil you. A baby is a beautiful being and so precious, they just fill everyone's heart with joy.

[alaysha]

I agree with Tina. Try doing something away from a baby shower like a bbq or a shopping trip with the girls or something.

[TinaR10]

Just go let ur friends spoil u for a day u deserve it holding that baby in all change the name from baby shower to celebration of mother enjoy ur self dance and eat cake its all about U and tell them to bring mother gifts for u like a 2nd B-DAY!!!! enjoy it u deserve it and GOD BLESS U