Gift question

[MrsC]

This is going to sound silly but I am completely clueless when it comes to gift registries and baby showers and all that. I've never bought anything off a registry or been to a baby shower. It's a cultural thing, it's all new to me!
A friend who I've gotten to know since we moved here three months ago is expecting her first baby next month. Our DH's work together too so I'd like to get them a gift. She mentioned that she's having an online baby shower, which I'm guessing is just for family. I know where she's registered for gifts. Are gift registries reserved for people who are invited to the baby shower or would it be ok to get something off that? How much do I spend? $50?
TIA. Most of our friends have older kids or none so I have no idea.

[MrsK]

Registries are for everyone but IDK what an "online shower" is. Does that mean that she expects people to just send gifts and not have a get together?

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[Deebs]

Gift question

I'd send something off the registry. The online showers I know of have been for moms on bed rest or very far from family/friends. They have been get-togetherness with the mom skyping in. Kind of weird, but a cool use of tech.

[MrsK]

I'd send something off the registry. The online showers I know of have been for moms on bed rest or very far from family/friends. They have been get-togetherness with the mom skyping in. Kind of weird, but a cool use of tech.

Okay. That makes sense.

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[MrsC]

I'd send something off the registry. The online showers I know of have been for moms on bed rest or very far from family/friends. They have been get-togetherness with the mom skyping in. Kind of weird, but a cool use of tech.

I think this is what they're doing, not sure though. Her family are hours away and she'll be 38 weeks so can't travel that far.
I kind of wish I'd known such a thing existed last year!
Thanks!

[spotty_dog]

My friends and family threw me an online baby shower for my first. I was in Arizona, my parents in Alaska, my college friends in Oregon, former coworkers in Ohio, and my ILs in Washington, along with some other far-flung family and friends in New York and Texas and elsewhere, and we all logged in to a private chat board at the same time. It was kind of cheesy but the best we were going to be able to do. I opened a few presents "live" and was able to thank people, talk about baby stuff, and just be the guest of honor.

Anyway yeah, registries are for anyone who wishes to give a gift to the person who registers! As for how much to spend, depends on your budget mostly. For a casual friend I would probably be thinking $30-40, close friend up to $50 OR a hand-knit. But I'm pretty sure I'm relatively cheap when it comes to gift-giving, it just doesn't come naturally to me and I don't like spending a lot on something unoriginal.