True story. I attended my cousin's baby shower last Sunday. That invitation asked for a book in leu of a card, which allowed me to make my first cloth book, so cute with prairie points around it. After visiting for half an hour without the guest of honor, I asked my aunt why she was late. She was at the hospital at the NICU. Yep...had the baby the day before! We Facetimed and saw the baby!
I think a Display Shower might work if the gifts were highlighted like they are in a Silent Auction type display--all spread out and highlighted around the room with a place card or something identifying the gift-giver. The shower could culminate in an acknowledgement of each gift as the guest of honor admired each one aloud with a verbal thank you.