Is it rude and sinful to ask for shower gifts?

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Is it rude for a mother to host a shower for her daughter, with an attached list, written by her daughter, of items she wants? I have been taught that this would be rude and self-centered. But is it sinful? I do not know whether or not I should go, thereby encouraging this method of getting gifts. I want to give a gift, but I don’t feel this method is appropriate.
 
Is it rude for a mother to host a shower for her daughter, with an attached list, written by her daughter, of items she wants?
Yes, yes, and yes. The reasoning behind these etiquette rules is that it is rude for a relative to beg friends to do for another relative what she should be doing herself (assist the relative in transitioning to a new state in life); even on occasions on which gifts are traditionally given, it is rude to specify exactly what should be given; and it is rude for the guest of honor to be in any way involved in deciding what she should be given. All of these actions, however common, are abuses of hospitality and the generosity of others. As an authority on these kind of matters, I recommend Miss Manners.
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Lorna68:
I have been taught that this would be rude and self-centered. But is it sinful?
Sin requires knowledge and consent. It is possible that some people think it is perfectly fine, based on current practice, for relatives to use the major milestones of life as an opportunity to pass the hat for each other. They are objectively wrong about that, but they do not sin if they are not acting maliciously.
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Lorna68:
I do not know whether or not I should go, thereby encouraging this method of getting gifts. I want to give a gift, but I don’t feel this method is appropriate.
It’s not necessary to shun people to make your feelings about this practice clear. If you would otherwise enjoy going and genuinely wish the person well, then go, bringing a gift that you think appropriate and that is not “registered for” or placed on a “shopping list” distributed by the host or the guest of honor.
 
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