Money Moral Dilemma: Can I buy a cheaper baby-shower gift?

MSE_Sarah

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I've been invited to a baby shower, being held in a function room at a theme park. We've all been asked to pay £25 to get in, but this was roughly what I was planning to spend on a gift, and I'm reluctant to shell out £50. Is it OK to spend less on the gift?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.

Got a money moral dilemma of your own? [URL="mailto: mmd@moneysavingexpert.com"]Suggest an MMD[/URL].

[purplesignup][/purplesignup]

Rubik

Spend what you can afford. Or better still, make something yourself. Never overspend on a gift.

marliepanda

It is always OK to spend whatever you want on whatever you want. Not a moral dilemma. End if.

Gloomendoom

As above. There is no moral dilemma. If you can't (or don't want to) afford both, don't. Send your apologies along with a card and gift that suits your pocket.

Red-Squirrel_2

This moral dilemma should have been 'Is it ok to hold a baby shower in a venue that will charge my guests £25 to enter and then still expect a gift on top?' and the answer would have been a resounding no!

If the cost of the venue is £25 a head, the host is supposed to pay that, its their choice to hold it there.

I think I'd have an unavoidable prior engagement that day and go round with a lovely card and present when the baby is safely arrived.

seven-day-weekend

I wouldn't go if I was expected to pay £25 to get in. I would take a gift to the person's house at another time.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

I give what I think is right for me. If anyone suggests a figure, they get short thrift.

Spendless

Do either/or. Either go to the venue with a cheaper gift or decline and take the baby a more expensive present when born.

Now, I'm going to have to ask the rest of the respondees since I won't get an answer otherwise. Do theme parks have venues that cost this much and it's 'just' to have a room there or do you get something else for your money? I'm guessing it's not a free day pass to the rides as it's unlikely mum to be could participate.

Owain_Moneysaver

Twenty-five quid?!? What are they including, 3-course dinner and a free bar?

Go and see the baby for free another day.

Wikipedia says

Guests bring small gifts for the expectant mother. Mothers are usually given pampering treats.

You can probably pick up a Baylis and Harding gift set in a charity shop, or Poundland has some quite nice-looking things now.

REJP

If you were going to spend £25 on a gift, don't go to the event but send the mother to be the money so that she can buy something for the baby herself.
That way you save, and she buys what she really wants.

gloriouslyhappy

£25 to attend a baby shower in a theme park? Good grief, next we'll be having American style 'gender reveal' events! What's wrong with a pretty card and a little gift, why does everything have to be so extravagant these days, it's so tedious constantly trying to out-do one another.