Originally posted by Cataholic
There is nothing wrong with a POLITE decline, sent with a gift. Nothing said beyond, "I am so sorry I won't be able to attend...". End of story. End of situation. End of discussion. Any questions, and you simply say, "I won't be able to make it...." again and again and again. If they want to keep askin' you just keep repeatin'.
Totally agree. Send a polite note declining and a great gift (directly to the expecting Mom). They don't need to open at the shower. How about a "future" gift? With your wonderful artistic talent, offer to do a drawing of Mom and newborn. Something like that will mean so much more over time than a diaper bag, etc.