Gift for You Shower Host??

Updated on February 15, 2008
A.A. asks from San Diego, CA
47 answers

Hi all,
So, seeing as I don't have any family in the area I live in, a good friend is throwing my shower for us! While this is very nice of her, I realize that it can get expensive, and I would like to get her a thank you gift. Unfortunately I really don't have much to spend on such things right now, so I was wondering if anyone has any ideas? She's young (24) and not "with child" so no mommy related stuff would really work. So... ideas?? and, is gift-giving for the host customary?

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J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi I would get her a gift card to Target or a book store. And no it is not customer to give the host a gift.

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T.N.

answers from San Diego on

I too had the same situation not too long ago, and I had three friends who threw me the shower!! I went out and personalized little baskets to fit each friend. One of them I got bath and body, one I got movie tickets, one I got gift certificates for starbucks. I added their favorite candy and a nice card in each one and they loved them!! Now I am pregnant again, and a different friend is throwing it this time, so here I go again!! =)

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D.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

A.,

go on my web site, order something for her and I'll ship it free of charge to you to her address from you. OR, you can order a gift certificate from me, so she can choose herself what she likes best. All you pay is the price of the product and 8.25% tax, which I had to pay. Hope this helps.

www.marykay.com/dythomson

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L.H.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

I'm thinking your friend knows your circumstances and is not throwing this shower for a gift. I bet she's doing it because she can and wants to do this for you. A thoughtful note, a bouquet of flowers from your own yard if you have them. You could write out a card "good for lunch with a grateful friend" We get so caught up in a world of material things when the whole idea is people doing good for others. I like the simple beauty in gift giving from the heart. Good Luck and congratulations. Breathe deep and be the blessing in this friends life.

2 moms found this helpful
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L.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

I always like giving something personalized. It shows you really thought of the person. What about a set of personalized note paper or stationary? You can pick the style depending on the person! And she'll use it!

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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

hi have you thought about bath and body works they have lotions and great gifts

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H.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A.,
I actually threw my own baby shower (I had other people offer but I'm a bit OCD and had to have things the way that I visioned them so I just did mine myself) lol... but some friends allowed me to use their house since their backyard is bigger than mine, and I had over 100 guests including kids with a bouncy. So as a thank you to them for letting me use the house, I got them a nice bottle of wine from Cost Plus World Market (I think I spent like 10 bucks on it and it was tasty) to say thank you. Another idea that is inexpensive would be a gift card to Starbucks or a book store if she is into that or two movie tickets. All of those could be less than 20 bucks, to help keep the cost down. Another idea is take a great picture of the two of you that you already have and put it in a nice frame (you could also make a collage of pictures of the two of you through out your friendship). And even if you can't get her a gift, acknowleding her at the shower when saying thank you to the guests, you could give her a special toast and that might mean more to her than an actual gift. Hope this is helpful. Congrats on your little one! =)
Take Care,
H.

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S.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

How about a scrapbook that she can fill in with pictures???

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L.Q.

answers from Los Angeles on

for a 24 year old without kids or single -- i think it would be nice to get her something at victoria secret or bath and body if she is the type of person to go for stuff like that. you would know her better. gift basket kinda! anyway, congratulations!

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T.W.

answers from Honolulu on

A nice candle or a nice baked pie or cookies, wrapped nicely. This is under $20.00.

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T.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A.,

I run a beauty website (www.BeautyIntuition.com) and am offering 10% off all items for MamaSource members - use coupon code mamasource at checkout.

There are so many great things on the website, but I would recommend the Ebba Abundance candles - you can choose from Love, Wisdom, Happiness, or Courage. They are beautiful soy candles with an uplifting message printed on them. There are several other candles in various price ranges.

If you'd like any other ideas, feel free to email me!

Best,

Tricia
____@____.com

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J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

A thoughtful gift for someone her age would be a gift certificate for Bath & Body....everyone at almost any age would appreciate that and she can pick which ever scent she likes.

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J.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

A supermarket bouquet of cut flowers and a Starbucks gift card might do. Hostesses are always delighted with flowers for them, in a vase if you can afford it. (Hostesses don't expect gifts, so anything is a treat).
J. F.

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H.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have a business that makes gift pails called pail party. Check it out on www.pailparty.com
there are lot's of $20 something gift ideas. Call me if you are interested and I can make whatever you want!

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D.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

As a grand mommy of 11, I have found that a gift card to a wonderful restaurant is always welcome. If money is tight for the hostess, a gift card to a local grocery store would be welcome too. If she is a gardner, perhaps a rose plant from a local nursery.

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S.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

When I am looking for a gift for someone special, I always check out www.findgift.com because they have all kinds of items and you can search by gender, age, and stuff like that! You'll find gifts you never knew existed. It's really very kewl!!

Also, I've never met a woman who didn't enjoy a Chocolate Emergency Kit!! You can see what I mean here: http://store2.candycuteness.com/index.php?main_page=produ...

Have a great shower!! Congratulations on your upcoming arrival!! :D

Huggles!!
~S.~

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T.Y.

answers from Los Angeles on

Give her a 50 dollar gift card or whatever you can give on a card and she can spend it her way.

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L.L.

answers from San Diego on

I love to give gift certificates for pedicures. All most every woman I know loves to get a pedicure. And it's not too expensive.

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F.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

A.,
Be sure to thank her publicly- so at the shower. I would not do the gift card thing, which can be impersonal. Unless, a good way to do it, would be to put together a gift basket (where you could give gift cards) and then maybe $5 gift cards to her favorite drink shops- or put together a theme basket, like movie tickets and licorice or a movie and popcorn or find whatever she is into.

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M.Z.

answers from Los Angeles on

How about a gift card to get a manicure/pedicure or a massage? You should get her something...it doesn't have to be big, just something to let her know you appreciated all she did for you. Even a card and an orchid plant or flowers, just to show your appreciation.

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M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A.:

How about giving her something you can do with your hands - cook her a pot of spaghetti; or a meatloaf or something. Or write her a poem or sing her a song. I know I would both appreciate something like that, and I would certainly remember it a lot longer than a token purchased gift

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K.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

For my baby showers, I got each hostess a gift certificate to a day spa. If you don't have the money to spend on a massage or a facial, maybe a manicure/pedicure? Almost all women appreciate these kinds of gifts-"with child" or not!

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A.C.

answers from San Diego on

Hello,
what area are you in? I am a mary kay consulant and have some great gift ideas at a low price. the gifts also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee!! She can return it. what a great way to find someone a gift.Thank You!!!!

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A.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A.;

Since she is your friend, sometimes a material things is not necessary to give to your friend. A friendship is something you treasure and it is not all material things. You can bake her something like cookies and cakes, just a simple one but coming from the bottom of your heart. Especially, since you're limited budget. Or else, make her a homemade card and use all of your extra paper,recycles stuff then go from there. If you have extra different shape of empty bottle or jar, you can make her a flower vase. Be creative and recycle things that you have in your home, you will be surprise that you have so many things around your house. Good luck.

A.

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A.,
I adore the products from www.soapboxco.com. The prices are fantastic and most of the products if not all of them are made by hand and are both inexpensive as well as beautiful. I am sure you can find a great de-stress gift for your friend and still have money for that nursery!
J.

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T.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I just threw a shower for a friend of mine and she gave me a friends candle and friends angel both from Hallmark. Not an expensive gift yet when I pass each item I immediately think of her.

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V.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

If she is a working girl, it is always nice to have a day to "oneself", so how about you get her a gift certificate for a Manicure-Pedicure or a Foot Massage or even a body massage. You can find out where she has her hair done and get her a gift certificate for that as well. I get those from my friends at xmas and b-days and I just love it!!!

Hope this suggestion helps

V.. R

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K.H.

answers from San Diego on

Gift giving for the host is not customary, however I see why you want to do that. I have 4 children and my best friend threw all my showers. I don't know how close you are to her, but I personally like sentimental things. It can be very simple.Anyone can give a little gift basket, but something meaningful between the two of you is much more personal. Is there anything she really loves? On my friends birthday I wanted to give her something and did not have much money. I showed up at her door with a little package and a smile. Inside was a bag of "Mother's Cookies." Another friend bought her a beautiful bracelet. The cookies gave her a laugh and meant so much because it was something I once heard her talk about. They were her favorite. They showed her that I pay attention to the small details in a loved ones life. A true friendship is much more valuable than any material things. Give her something simple with a special note attached. She is probably not expecting a thing from you. It is an honor for her to throw the shower. Good luck! Congrats on the new little addition coming soon. Enjoy every moment. They grow so fast.

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N.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

a gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure is always nice. a great way to pamper herself after working so hard and they are not too expensive.

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P.W.

answers from San Diego on

How about a magazine subscription to a magazine about something she's interested in? It's a gift that keeps on giving all year and is pretty inexpensive. Pick something she loves and every month she'll think of you!

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M.W.

answers from San Diego on

A manicure pedicure gift certificate is always a nice gift for any women. A nice wine basket with wine glasses is good as well.
Good luck and congrats on your first baby. Cherish every moment because it really goes fast.
Regards,
Nikki

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C.Y.

answers from Los Angeles on

My sister bought me a necklace as a gift when I threw a baby shower for her (and I was not a mother-to-be at the time). I love it- its totally my style - and I don't think it was that expensive. I would recommend buying a little something for your friend. Jewelry is good, candles, or fancy lotions/soaps are good. A gift certificate to a spa would probably be nice - but those can get spendy.

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J.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

I gave a shower recently to a friend and the bride gave all of her bridesmaides personalized stationery with a nice pen that matched. I love personalized gifts.

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M.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A.,

I think a facial would be fabulous. Check out Mai Skin Specialist. You can buy a gift certificate for an hour and half facial for $65 and if you mention the add on this website you will get $10 off. It is a great way to treat someone for after all the hard work I think.

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J.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

What a nice thought. The last shower I threw, the mommy to be brought a nice bouquet of flowers to the shower and they were a lovely centerpiece. Just that she thought about it and brought such a lovely item that I enjoyed for weeks was plenty. At Trader Joes or Henrys, they have lovely arrangements for less than $10. If you wanted to do more, clip one of those plastic floral posts in the bouquet and insert a gift card for $20 for a pedicure to a local salon...or a gift card for a local dessert place (ColdStone Creamery, Golden Spoon, Starbucks) she likes. The key is not to spend more than you have, but to show that you truly appreciate her gesture.

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S.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

When I was 24

.... A mani -pedicure was a great gift that my sisters & I would do together

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A.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

You could get her a gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure.$25.00(If she has a salon she gose to they can even tell you what she has done and make your certificate for any amount).There is also Starbucks gift card anywhere from $5.00 on up.Or the movie theaters have a $25.00 gift card. You get 2 tickets to any movie & I think $10.00 for popcorn ect.at the snack counter.Hollywood & Blockbuster video have snack packages you can get.Buy a gift card for a movie rental or two and wrap it up for $10.00-20.00 . You can go to Wallmart and get a little gift bag to put the gift card in or skip the bag and it will fit in a nice thank you card.
I hoped this helped a bit.

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H.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

How about a gift card to her favorite store or a basket filled with bubble bath etc? A small gift along with a nicely written note thanking her should be all that would ever be required. Remember that she's throwing the party because she loves you not because she wants anything in return.

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C.N.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

Dear A.,

Maybe you could take her a very nice house plant. C. N.

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C.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

A gift that says more than the money spent is the time invested. Find out what kind of desert she likes and bake her a pie or apple crisp! Invite her over for tea to eat it!

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M.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

A.,

I gae my friends potted orchids. Trader Joes sells nice ones. I bought a pretty pot and tied a small organza ribbion on it and they loved them.

M.

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D.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I actually was in the same situation. I sent a gift certificate from Spa Finder for $100 of spa service. Spa Finder lets her choose from a number of spas in here area which is great, she can get a facial, massage, etc.

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L.U.

answers from Los Angeles on

Yea it's pretty customary to give a little thank you gift for the host. Hopefully you know what she likes and you can get her something that you know she will like. To one host I gave her a fleece blanket and a portfolio organizer, to another i gave her a costume jewelry bracelet that i knew she wanted, to another i gave her perfume she wanted and a sweater, to another i gave her scarfs and some godiva chocolate bars.

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A.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi, it's kinda corny, but I was in the same situation and
what I did was give my hostess a book of IOU's for cleaning
her house. I could do this and not cost me anything and
give her a day off, I suppose you could put one in there
for going shopping for her one day too. Yes, gift giving
is customary.
Good luck.

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K.Y.

answers from Los Angeles on

I had a similar situation. I brought a large table arrangement of flowers to the shower. My mother-in-law, who was unable to attend, sent a thank you basket of yummy foods from a local company.

When I was 24 (and even now!) I would have loved a gift certificate to a spa pedicure or massage. (I'm thrilled whenever my husband brings me one.) If you're in the South Bay, Burke Williams is wonderful and they do a lovely presentation of a gift certificate. I'd skip the movie tickets unless she has a steady beau (too much pressure to find someone to go with you).

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J.P.

answers from San Diego on

Giving a gift to the host is customary. A gift certificate for a pedicure would be nice. And they're affordable- $25 or so.

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M.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

congratulations on your pregnancy! and so very nice of your friend to throw you a shower, and doubly nice of you to want to give her a gift. i think a great gift for her would be a massage at a spa, or gift card for a spa activity. i'd spend between $35 and $50 depending on your budget.

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