Is a bachelorette party a gift-giving occasion?

[wonderdogs]

I say no. The party IS her gift.

I am going to a Bachelorette Party tomorrow. It starts at a very expensive restaurant and then they are going club-hopping downtown which entails parking costs and cover for all the clubs. I plan on sharing a couple drinks with the bachelorette (whom I have not known to drink much anyway in the 10 years I have known her) and she should not have to pay for any part of the evening.

Is it customary to also buy gifts for the bachelorette? I went to a party a couple of years ago and the bachelorette got smutty lingerie and bed-toys. I don't feel this is necessary but I don't want to be the only one who does not partake in the giftgiving.

As I said, the party starts at a high-end restaurant so I probably wouldn't buy anything trashy but maybe some bubble bath and massage oil and candles and stuff. What is everyone else's opinion?

I am also going to her shower on April 13 so I will bring a gift to that occasion. The wedding is in Chicago and I won't beable to make the trip but I will send a gift.

[Bernard]

A bachelorette party is not a bridal shower. You are supposed to tease her with your gift (should you decide to get one) and have fun with it IMO.

[keyna]

I don't think you should have to get her a gift, that should be saved for the shower.

[RobinN]

It certainly isn't expected, but a pretty candle would be a sweet gesture.
Or if you want to get a bit wild, a can of whip cream might be a giggle.

[brain]

Grab the Popular Classic Movie

Gone With the Wind ... And a Box of
Microwave Popcorn ...

In case of a White Elephant game
going on ...

Trust me - a lot of woman would
want that one!

[Zuri]

My cousin is getting married in May. I am invited to her shower (& I dont even know her, my cousin is the groom), & her bachlorette party. I was told 3 gifts were expected : wedding, shower, bachlorette party - & was sent registry information. I have to travel there & stay in a hotel. It's an incredible expense (at least for me). This is not the first time I've been invited to 3 separate things & 3 gifts expected for one wedding. When you take in hotel, gifts, food (if you want to eat while you are away) - & thats like my rent for one month.

I am young but I dont remember it being quite this much for one wedding .... I cringe when I see wedding invites lol.

I've heard too that the thing to do now is to evaluate whether or not your guest is worth a head for catering .... like the amount in gift that they can afford. Generally I send a nice gift & dont go - because I can't afford to do it all.

[maureen]

I don't think a bachelorette party is a gift-giving occasion. The party is the gift.

With showers and weddings, it can get incredibly expensive for people. I know that I would have felt terrible if one of my friends experienced hardship by having to keep up with gift giving when I was getting married. The fact that you are there is gift enough. Enjoy the party.

[stilldancing_98]

I think it's up to you. Buying her some chocolates or something fun. I also like the candle.