Displaying gifts at a shower and not wrapping them, does anyone have any info on this how it got started?
475458
When a wedding party isn't planning on opening the gifts while at the reception, many just put a bow on their gifts to show off what they gave. As to a bridal shower, I would imagine it is following the lines of "gift basket" displays. They generally have just a card and bow. Personally, my family tends not to wrap because it is a waste of money (which could be used to get a better gift) or we wrap with cloth like they did (and do) in Japan. Silk scarves travel back and forth along with the ribbons. Once worn out, they are discarded or sent to a resale shop. Starting this tradition is environmentally friendly so try it with your family!
1130950
I know that beinggirl. com used to send my little sister stuff for free. But it was mainly tampons, but you can see what they have. Or go to freebies. com. SHe got something from them before. IF its posters that you want, go to your local Blackbuster, they sometimes giveaway promotional posters, after the movie is done being promoted. Or to you local music store, they give away free posters and CDs all the time. Actually it would be better if you went to the small, local stores, becuase they are more likely to have samplers and things like that.You could also go stores like Ikea, or walmart. You may not be able to get everything in one store, but one cheap thing from lots of stores makes a good buy. And you could go to Micheals( the best, cheapest craft store I know of) and get some DIY stuff. Just keep a look out. And small shifts in a room, make big changes, so just look around and see what you can do. Putting a picture in a nice frame is one way, or changing the curtains, or bed comforter. I hope this helps.
1117906
There probably is a p.o. box or something where this stuff goes.  I am pretty sure her staff sifts the entries & she only sees what they give her to watch. I sent a picture of a Christmas present that I thought was hilarious, but didn't even get an acknowledgement that it was received, so I think only a very tiny percentage of material ever makes it to her.  But keep trying - you never know!
877444
I love to wrap gifts. My husband even wants me to wrap my own and then be supprised when I open them. What a dork he is. I wrap for free.
104838
I would first try to remember some of the stuff that they had their old home and ask guests to buy those things. If it is not a surprise new home shower, get your parents input on what they would want for thier new home. Sometimes when tragic things like this happens, it can be a great financial setback and monetary gifts would be an understandable and wise choice. May God bless you all and I wish the best for you and your family.
831142
if you sold the product  you shouldn't charge for gift wrapping
66427
1st - on cost - i would spend $35-$50 on a shower gift if you're going to spend that much on a wedding gift. \n\nOn what to get - is there a theme to the shower indicated on the invitation? if so, that'll help narrow it down (for my "honeymoon destination" shower, some people got themed gifts from the countries we were visiting. very cute and thoughtful). If not, then you can do one of two things: \n1. buy off the registry. sure fire way to get her something she wants. your safest bet. \n2. since it's in St. Helena, she's obviously into wine. do something wine-related. maybe a Carafe, engraved wine stoppers. something along those lines. \n\nas for what to wear - since it's in february it'll probably be held inside. would say a long skirt or a nice pants outfit. as long as you're comfortable.
453804
my class did a company that did personalization stuff. like pens with name or desk sets that sort of thing, people went nuts for cuz they could use them for presents
844457
Make up a nice basket and fill it.  Some things to include: bottle of wine and bread, hand towels, bath towels, candles, gift card to Home Depot, Lowe's, HomeGoods, or Target, picture frame (with a pic of you two). It would show that you put thought and effort into the gift to put the basket together.  You could even use one of those wicker hampers to put the stuff in. Good luck!
490947
I didn't see your previous post or site before changes.  Site looked good and was easy to navigate.  Question: what will be the appeal to buy from your online store?  price, selection, specialty?  I thought the price for bed canopy was good for instance, and might purchase one.  But otherwise, people searching for gifts, home decor, what?  It doesn't seem to fit the "backyard" theme to me.\nAs for the donation, there's no way I'd do it with so little information about who it goes to and how.  It could be a padding for your good cause pocket for all we know.\nJust my thoughts - Good luck!
452707
Just a card is fine. acknowledge all the work she put into the shower. Try and remember or even write down the gift that were given so that when you do the thank-you cards for the rest of the guest youc an thank them for thier specific gift....it's always nicer when you make it personal. If you have the money and you feel the need or want there is nothing wrong with something small to say thank-you to the hostess but it's not nessisary. A lot of people when expecting are on a tight budget and don't have the money to spend.
829499
why wont you make the gifts like..........cholocate cover fruits or may be cookie......place them in a chirstmas box or bag
60788
It's sorta like Christmas, isn't it?? You have to wait and wait, and than all of a sudden you get a nicely "wrapped" gift from someone in your email box. Sure, you can see the 'wrapping paper' and sorta tell what is inside ( joke, forward, serious email.. blahblah).  Slowly you move your mouse towards the email and WOW!  Just what you've ALWAYS wanted!! You've very own, very modern EMAILLLL Yip PEEEEEEE.   Yeah..  I may know what you're talkin about.  Been there done that.  Don't worry about bein normal or not.  Normal is so boring.
891129
Try going to a uhaul or making your own box from pieces of cardbord. You can even take it to a shipping place and have them wrap it for you. Depending on where you live there should be a mail/shipping place near you. http://www.wrapnship.com/ try a place like this one. You might not be in that state but it is a good example
868544
I have a different twist on the first answer. \n\nWe play the gift exchange at our work Christmas party and have a $10 limit. In your situation being close friends you could always up the dollar amount and possibly have a theme. For example, have a Christmas quote and everyone has to buy something that relates to the quote.\n\nEveryone then randomly picks a number (1-15). The first person picks a  gift from the table. The second person also chooses a gift from the table and then can either keep theirs or switch it for number 1's gift. The third person can switch theirs for either number 1 or number 2's gift and so on. All gifts remain unopened until all 15 people have a gift. \n\nIt's fun to see what gifts are the most popular simply going by their size and shape and then opening it to see what it really is.
961307
I think that is a really nice idea - besides, that way you know that the person/people receiving it are needy. And you can witness their joy from afar when you know who recieved the gift. What a thoughtful gift.
1023373
Wow, I was thinking Hallmark until I read the part about the flashing.  You might try Spencer Gifts, especially their catalogue.