Vent--Pay to attend a wedding party?!?!?

marie2785

I just got an invite to a wedding celebration.  I'm generally low key about many etiquette things, but this crossed a serious line. 

To start, it was a facebook invite. Ok odd...but whatever. Not something I'll freak out over. Second, the event A GIANT dance party. That's cool, dance parties are fun, and they say they are throwing this party. And then in the invite the bride and groom say they're already married, so this is just a party. So far so good...they're honest, are throwing a fun party, and sent out clear invites with time, date, location, etc.  

And then...it falls apart spectacularly. A few lines down they make it clear that they are charging people to attend, and you MUST buy a ticket to the wedding party. They let you know the money you are paying is going to paying for the event, and any extra is going towards the honeymoon. At this point, my RSVP changed to no. But I was curious how much they planned to charge. So I went to the event website, when you go to buy a $10 ticket, there is an extra line to give the bride and groom cash on top of your ticket price before you check out. Umm...they are asking for additional cash even though they already say that the money they are charging you to attend this event will partly go to fund their honeymoon. Oh but you see, NO GIFTS is clearly specified! They just want you to come to the party THEY are throwing so they can celebrate with you (?!?)

I'm not sure this even warrants a "congrats" card. I'm pretty sure the wedding is just being used as an excuse to host and make money off a dance party. 

arrrghmatey

My reaction when reading this:

I would not be attending and they would not be getting shit from me. Except maybe a jar of dirt…..

Cookie Pusher

No card with well-wishes, but maybe this?

mikenberger

marie2785

Cookie Pusher said:

No card with well-wishes, but maybe this?

OMG my fiance had one of those metal birds--same size as this but a toucan or something. Right after we moved in together I sold it at a garage sale for $3 while he sat in a corner "crying on the inside" as he put it.

flutteringinfl

TNDancer

So if everyone is anoyed by this nonsense and no one pays to attend, do you think the couple will be able to afford the venue they rented, etc? This is a mess.

loveislouder

Sounds like a wedding social in Manitoba.

thisismynickname2

TNDancer said:

So if everyone is anoyed by this nonsense and no one pays to attend, do you think the couple will be able to afford the venue they rented, etc? This is a mess.

Well duh, then they'll just set up a Go Fund Me to get out of the debt. 

badbnagdway

marie2785 said:

Oh but you see, NO GIFTS is clearly specified! They just want you to come to the party THEY are throwing so they can celebrate with you (?!?)

I'm not sure this even warrants a "congrats" card. I'm pretty sure the wedding is just being used as an excuse to host and make money off a dance party. 

I am not sure why but it seems like there's a large segment of the population who do not seem to understand that a gift of cash is a gift - just as much as a place setting or a new toaster would be. It kind of boggles my mind. 

littlepep

Quite self-centered to ask people to pay money to spend time with you. 

drunkenwitch

BF sent me this GIF and said "you'll want to use this on The Knot boards."  I have been waiting for the right situation.  And today I found it.

Viczaesar

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

chibiyui

Shit man, I don't even pay $10 covers to go clubbing.

japlanet

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

themuffinman16

japlanet said:

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

If they want me to attend, they do. Lol. Just kidding, but I seriously hate baby showers

Viczaesar

japlanet said:

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

There seriously isn't a single aspect to this shower that isn't making me roll my eyes.  It's also an hour away so I get to add 2 hours of driving to the fun.

levioosa

Viczaesar said:

japlanet said:

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

There seriously isn't a single aspect to this shower that isn't making me roll my eyes.  It's also an hour away so I get to add 2 hours of driving to the fun.

Man, that means you can't even get hammered and then catch a cab.  Temecula?  

Viczaesar

It's in Lompoc.  Not a winery I've ever heard of.

levioosa said:

Viczaesar said:

japlanet said:

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

There seriously isn't a single aspect to this shower that isn't making me roll my eyes.  It's also an hour away so I get to add 2 hours of driving to the fun.

Man, that means you can't even get hammered and then catch a cab.  Temecula? 

levioosa

Viczaesar said:

It's in Lompoc.  Not a winery I've ever heard of.

levioosa said:

Viczaesar said:

japlanet said:

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

There seriously isn't a single aspect to this shower that isn't making me roll my eyes.  It's also an hour away so I get to add 2 hours of driving to the fun.

Man, that means you can't even get hammered and then catch a cab.  Temecula? 

At least there's a little wine available for this shit show of a shower.  

badbnagdway

Viczaesar said:

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  

I hate this word when it is used in the context of private persons asking for people to fund events/expenses in their regular lives. 

I know I'm preaching to the choir, but ew. Also, trust your friends to buy you the gifts they can afford within reason. For example we had a baby shower a couple weeks back in the office for a very well liked employee. She received a ton of gifts including a stroller, which was purchased by a couple of people who pooled their money together. How novel!

thisismynickname2

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Viczaesar said:

BOX

Viczaesar said:

The bolded makes me ragey. I've been subject to that bullshit before. In my circles, the expensive stuff is often bought by blood relatives- the grandparent(s)-to-be, or a close aunt. Anytime someone "suggests" how we buy gifts I want to slice someone. 

Viczaesar said:

The card thing doesn't bother me so much though, because even if you buy a pile of books, you can use one book as the "card." Or go to the used bookstore and pick up a vintage fairy tale for like 50 cents. EDIT--- Good grief my boxes and quotes are very screwed up! 

PrettyGirlLost

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

No, actually.  In my experience, pretty much no one even thinks about how expensive having kids are.  They just have them.

japlanet said:

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

A person who knows how to host a good shower?

I don't understand the incredulous tone.  Usually the only one pregnant at a baby shower is the mom to be. . . that shouldn't preclude the rest of the guests from being able to drink.  I've never been to a dry baby shower.

Now, in order for this to actually be a well hosted shower, the hosts should have covered the tasting cost for each guest.

flantastic

japlanet said:

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

H's friends were just talking about that and whether it was mean to the mom. It's not, IMO. She's not going to be drinking - nothing about her situation changes - and hopefully her attitude is that if everyone else gets to have fun with it, then great. She'll get the gifts. Might make a shower actually tolerable.

TrixieJess

flantastic said:

japlanet said:

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

H's friends were just talking about that and whether it was mean to the mom. It's not, IMO. She's not going to be drinking - nothing about her situation changes - and hopefully her attitude is that if everyone else gets to have fun with it, then great. She'll get the gifts. Might make a shower actually tolerable.

Our circle of friends always throws showers after the babies are born so that they are more of a meet and greet. There is always wine there and mama can usually partake. Whenever one of my friends has a baby, they get a bottle of wine along with cute outfits.

Viczaesar

flantastic said:

japlanet said:

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

H's friends were just talking about that and whether it was mean to the mom. It's not, IMO. She's not going to be drinking - nothing about her situation changes - and hopefully her attitude is that if everyone else gets to have fun with it, then great. She'll get the gifts. Might make a shower actually tolerable.

In this case I actually think she's going to be drinking - she told me a while back that her doctor okayed her for drinking a certain amount of wine a week.  I forget how much though. 

Semi-update: she just posted a picture on Facebook of all the wine glasses she painted for the shower.  I...don't want that in my house.    *sigh*

I don't have time to go to a thrift store and look for a $1-2 book (they don't have books for under $1 around here), so now the nice (and not cheap) board book I bought for her is no longer considered a gift from me and will be used in this game (I don't for a second believe that she's going to note who brought which book for her).  I truly loathe this shit.  Don't tell me how to spend my money, period.  It's my decision if I want to use a book as a main gift or part of a larger gift.

drunkenwitch

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

See my abive what the fuck gif

MyNameIsNot

Viczaesar said:

flantastic said:

japlanet said:

Viczaesar said:

IVY.  I'm attending a baby shower on Saturday that has me fuming (I feel the need to attend for personal reasons otherwise I'd be all hell no).  It's a baby shower at a winery and according to the invitation (that I had to go to ridiculous lengths to see) the tasting costs each guest $15.  On top of that they are requesting that people bring an unwrapped book instead of a card for a game.  I HATE this "request".  I don't buy expensive cards so you're asking me to spend more money and get you an additional gift.  Plus I like to give books AS GIFTS, not as an uncounted extra for a baby shower game. 

There was no registry or other gift information on the invitation so I texted my friend to confirm that she's having a girl and to ask if she's registered anywhere, and she replied that they're pooling gift cards to Babies R Us/"donations" for the car seat and crib because they're "surprisingly expensive!"  Why on earth would that be surprising?  Don't people research the costs of having kids before actually trying to have them?  The primary reason I'm attending this shitshow is because she lost a pregnancy last year in the 7th month, so I'm giving her more leeway than I usually would.  I also didn't find out any of this information until after they thought I had RSVPed (long story), and I didn't find out about the gift cards until this week.

Who throws a baby shower at a winery!?!?

H's friends were just talking about that and whether it was mean to the mom. It's not, IMO. She's not going to be drinking - nothing about her situation changes - and hopefully her attitude is that if everyone else gets to have fun with it, then great. She'll get the gifts. Might make a shower actually tolerable.

In this case I actually think she's going to be drinking - she told me a while back that her doctor okayed her for drinking a certain amount of wine a week.  I forget how much though. 

Semi-update: she just posted a picture on Facebook of all the wine glasses she painted for the shower.  I...don't want that in my house.    *sigh*

I don't have time to go to a thrift store and look for a $1-2 book (they don't have books for under $1 around here), so now the nice (and not cheap) board book I bought for her is no longer considered a gift from me and will be used in this game (I don't for a second believe that she's going to note who brought which book for her).  I truly loathe this shit.  Don't tell me how to spend my money, period.  It's my decision if I want to use a book as a main gift or part of a larger gift.

Do you have the dollar store or something similar? I managed to buy about 2 dozen baby books for under $10 last year to make center pieces for a baby shower. I'd leave the nice book as the main gift, to hell with her "donation" garbage.