I agree, times and what we used to consider good manners are changing.. but so is nearly everything else many of us thought of as standards everyone held. I also remember my grandma getting on hat and gloves to go to the doctor or grocery shopping, and my dad driving her in his suit. Some ideas need to change.

This was new to me, but not nearly as shocking as lots of other things I've had to adjust to. I just needed to make sure I was understanding this correctly.

and... sadly, I must confess, I was one of those that never did get thank-you's sent out after we got married.. I still have the cards with what the people gave us written on the back.. We will have our 43 anniversary on the 22nd of this month... do you think I should still send them?? We were working full time, I was working 10 hour shifts, and we were both in college.. It just didn't get done, even though I knew it should. sigh... more guilt to deal with...

All that wrapping paper never went to waste with me. I took the paper home after it was folded at the shower. I used it to line the bottom of dresser drawers, and it reminded me of the wonderful shower. I often reused other paper to wrap other gifts, or for packing things instead of packing peanuts, or to wrap and insulate a hot dish take to a friend. I would miss the unwrapping of the gifts.

If you still have them, I think it would be a hoot!! Personally, I would love to get one, even late!!

I've been to a shower where the gifts were to be wrapped in a diaper, if possible. The parents to be were very 'green' and making a conscious effort to save the environment. I used a pretty receivng blanket.

I think it would be a great idea, I think the ones still alive would enjoy the thought and knowing that you still think of them. I was one of my daughter's showers and one of the guests and I were talking about our showers, the things we were given and the ones who gave them to us. People like to know that you are thinking of them

Times are definitely changing. Gifts are now loot - don't spend time presenting in a beautiful package showing how much you cared to make it special - don't write a thank you to show how much you appreciate the thoughtfulness- just leave the loot so you can compare how you compete with the others. Will anyone wear anything remotely dressed up to show that a shower for this new mother is a special event or perhaps they are just stopping off before they go buy groceries or after they have been to the gym? I think I would decline and just send a check after the event, or perhaps just send a coupon good for some babysitting. I would enjoy the babysitting more than comparing the loot and if the coupon was used, I would probably get thanked.

It's probably just a good idea for not creating extra waste, but it may also be that the host has to pay extra for trash pick-up, as one of my friends does in a rural area. A "green" wrap, such as a receiving blanket or reusable fabric bag is an idea whose time has come (except for companies like Hallmark!). For several years now I have added a few more Christmas bags to our collection: just pretty seasonal fabric, sewn like a pillowcase with a pinked edge on top and tied with re-usable ribbon. My family loves it. They arrive with their gifts unwrapped and use the "Santa bags" - quick, easy and cheaper in the long run (while they stay in the family). Also, I figure if I need any of that fabric for a quilt, I wouldn't hesitate to raid the supply, since it's all from my stash.

Judie, Send out those Thank you notes. Everyone will get a chuckle and be very happy you are still married. However, the postage will cost you 10 times as much as it would have 43 years ago. Hmm- I think I still have one to send that I didn't know the address and it will be 44 years for me this summer. She is now in the nursing home and one of her daughters is now a very good friend.

I might ask why the no wrapping request is made. Some people are very shy and would be mortified by sitting in front of so many people. Sometimes there is a major discrepancy bw the families' (in laws) incomes and opening in front of others would highlight this. There may be a cultural reason or they just may be environmentally concerned. I find that asking works better than pondering. I also prefer to assume good motives. Maybe the recipient wants to focus more on the people and less on the gifts.

I actually wrap all birthday gifts in newspaper and skip the card. I write directly on the paper. Shredded paper works well instead of tissue paper when I reuse the gift bags I receive.

I only wrap with fabric and fabric bows now because I can't stand to see paper tossed into the trash. Not everyone recycles. As for the fabric, no one I know sews so they always give the fabric back to me. Some think I'm cheap and eccentric (I am and proud of it.)