I don't think they are out of fashion at all. I wouldn't throw one for myself but would let someone else do it for me (my sister has already started planning!). I see it as a great opportunity to catch up with family and friends before the baby arrives and I'm not worried about gifts at all (by then I probably would have gone crazy and bought everything myself :P ). Your family and near and dear friends will most likely buy bubs gifts anyway. What woman can resist buying cute baby stuff?