beyond the pale wrote:

Yes, the more I think about it, the more I want to make an excuse out of the
shower, and just have a come-meet-baby party. Knowing people like I do,
though, people will still feel obligated to bring a gift. I looked up
etiquette and apparently it is poor etiquette to include something on an
invitation such as "Your presence is our gift" or something to let people
know not to feel obligated. So, how do you let them know NOT to worry about
it?

You don't. Of course, the very fact that you're deliberately having
something other than a shower will help, and you can hope that your
friend spreads the word. But *you* can't go round raising the subject
of gifts with people, even to say that you don't want them.

And you know - if people really want to give you gifts, why not let
them? They'll decide for themselves whether they want to and how much
they can afford. The important thing is that you're not pressuring
them, dropping hints, etc.


All the best,

Sarah
--
http://www.goodenoughmummy.typepad.com

"That which can be destroyed by the truth, should be" - P. C. Hodgell