help with social etiquette

[heatherindeskies]

I avoid social situations whenever possible and have no social etiquette skills....
A co-worker invited me to her baby shower and i have no intention of going. We are friendly but have never called/done anything together outside of work. Do I still need to get her a gift?
Thanks, folks!

 

[DuckLady]

You can if you want, but unless you are going to the shower, you don't need to.

She shouldn't be inviting you anyway.
You should have gotten an invite by mail from the person hosting the shower.

 

[heatherindeskies]

Quote:
K, thanks. Learning social stuff already here

 

[chicks4kids]

I would get her a gift. Even if you're not the best of friends and haven't done outside activities, she is a co-worker and invited you...even if you don't go. She is someone who you will see every day. You could spend a few bucks at Dollar General (a onesie, rattle, and cute bottle, or a gift with q-tips, vaseline, powder,etc) and there would be no awkwardness in the future..

 

[heatherindeskies]

Quote:
I was thinking the same thing, thank you. She is so excited about this first baby. I mean it's not a chicken, but I guess she is still entititled to be excited

 

[newfoundland]

Could I ask, What's a baby shower?

 

[Baymule]

A baby or wedding shower is a party for someone where the friends bring gifts to celebrate the new baby or a wedding. It helps the new parents or newly married couple set up house. It is a huge help for people. I recently attended a wedding shower for a young man at church and they recieved bath towels, kitchen towels, sheets, a set of stainless cookware, mixing bowls, all sorts of kitchen gadgets and other items for their home. Baby showers gift the Mother-to-be with bottles, blankets, clothing, strollers, baby beds(usually a item purchased by several people) and many other things for the baby.

 

[thechickenchick]

I also avoid all the social functions I can! No reason really aside from the fact that I like to choose the people I am around. Not a snob just don't like to feel like I need to impress anyone. If you like her, buy her a gift. I used to make excuses why I wouldn't be at the shower/candle party/BBQ(with more than just family). Then I got older and decided I would just say, ya know I really would like to spend time with you but I don't do those kinds of social activities. Lets get together for lunch. After a while the invitations stop coming and you find out who your real friends are. If they want your gifts or $ they stop calling, if they enjoy your company enough to spend a couple hours at lunch or in your kitchen over coffee, they will keep calling

 

[Judy]

Quote:

Agree, I'd get her some little thing anyway.

 

[Laurajean]

Yeah, if you really feel so inclined, I like the dollar store idea of a few simple trinkets, rattle, toy, etc and put them in a simple gift bag with colored tissue paper to give to her at work. "Sorry, I can't make it, but here's hoping you have a great time!" and hand it to her.

Alternatively, you could get a nice card that says something like, "Thank you so much for the invite, sorry I can't make it. Hope you have a wonderful shower!"

I agree that it's a little tacky for her to be inviting you to her own shower, but I guess people do things differently now a days...

Either way, keep it simple. No need for a fancy gift wrapped present with someone you've never even hung out with, just because she invited you!