[Sam914]

Alright so a little backround about me, i have terrible anxiety about being the center of attention. I should probably be on medication but i didnt have insurance for a while so i never went ahead and got on it. I've mentioned this before but my anxiety gets worst in the oddest situations, such as opening presents in front of people. I specifcially planned a wedding shower where i wouldnt have to open presents, and nearly had a meltdown when someone brought something for me to open.

Since i know my family is probably going to start bringing up a shower over the holidays when i see them next (and my best friend has already mentioned a shower) i'm trying to decide how to handle it. So far i can think of a couple of different options,

asking that gifts be shipped to my house and then we just go to dinner at a restaraunt or something (so it wont really be like a typical shower)

having a "gift card" shower where i request gift cards - but i know many many people think this is tacky......

Both of these would be great since my shower will probably be in Ohio and dh might or might not be able to go, usually if i go see my mom without dh i take the train. If i take the train i obviously can't bring home a ton of gifts and even if i drive depending on what i got it might be rough fitting it all into the car, kwim? And honestly i'de much prefer picking out my own things anyway, i know that sounds bad but i would rather use any gift money for larger things rather then tons of small things we wont use.

Or should i just simply decline to have one all together but register anyway in case anyone wants to get me something anyway?

So, any thoughts/opinions/comments/suggestions?

[CandaceDianne]

What about if DH opens them up for you at the shower? Or someone else that is close to you?

[ChristinaR]

I hate being the center of attention as well. My sister (the host) was an amazing help with helping me out with this. While I was opening up my gifts she was playing a game to distract people. She was also up front with me opening up everything with me so it wasn't just me up there. Thank god!

I've also been to showers where the Dad was there too opening up the gifts. Like he opens the cards and announces who they are from and you open the gift. That type of thing.

I definatley like the game idea though. That takes alot of the attention off of you and it makes it more fun. Definatley don't not have a shower and jip yourself out of one.

[Sam914]

I'm working on convincing dh to go, but he's of the stupid opinion that showers are for women... yeah. The thing is though i dont know if he'll be able to come like i said, he's saving as much vacation for baby and other stuff we've got going on over the summer (two weddings and two vacations) and might not know if he can come until the last minute so i dont want to rely on him in case he can't come

[NortheastWifey]

I have a friend who is very earth conscious and she had a bridal shower and asked everyone not to wrap gifts in an effort to reduce consumption of paper, etc., etc. We just had a couple of tables where we laid all the gifts out and people got to look at what everyone brought. Then she was able to spend the time visiting with everyone while we had a little luncheon.

[CandaceDianne]

Originally Posted by NortheastWifey

I have a friend who is very earth conscious and she had a bridal shower and asked everyone not to wrap gifts in an effort to reduce consumption of paper, etc., etc. We just had a couple of tables where we laid all the gifts out and people got to look at what everyone brought. Then she was able to spend the time visiting with everyone while we had a little luncheon.

I think that's a very good idea. You could still have a little get together and mingle with everyone, but still receive (much needed) gifts.

[ChristinaR]

Aww, hopefully your dh can make it but I like the other idea suggested too. It's so true...look at how much paper people go through wrapping up all those gifts.

[~April04~]

I really hate being the center of attention as well - my shower is next Saturday and I'm dreading that part more than anything..

We live 6 hours from family - have a small car and also have to bring our 2 dogs with us - so there's no room for gifts... So we're having a gift card shower - my sister and Mom worded the invites perfectly.. Hopefully everyone listens to that.

[ChristinaR]

Originally Posted by ~April04~

I really hate being the center of attention as well - my shower is next Saturday and I'm dreading that part more than anything..

We live 6 hours from family - have a small car and also have to bring our 2 dogs with us - so there's no room for gifts... So we're having a gift card shower - my sister and Mom worded the invites perfectly.. Hopefully everyone listens to that.

That's a really good idea April!

[Sam914]

April would you mind sharing how your mom worded the invites? you can PM me if you'de like... i want to make sure i word it well if i decide to go that route.

[MommaLee]

I'm sure my nieces will be at my shower (since their mother is already planning it) and I plan to have her 2 little girls open the gifts. And I'll include anyone else's child who is there to take turns opening the gifts.....can you do that?

[Mrs.Paradise]

I dont think its tacky to have a gift card shower!!! I say go for it!!! is it just your close friends and family? Im sure they would understand!!! you may get a few wrapped presents too good luck!!1

[~April04~]

Originally Posted by Sam914

April would you mind sharing how your mom worded the invites? you can PM me if you'de like... i want to make sure i word it well if i decide to go that route.

I'll have to type it out tomorrow sometime - the invite is upstairs and I'm headed to bed now Just PM me so I don't forget