My mother held a Skype baby shower for me, as all my family and lots of friends stayed behind in South-Africa when we moved to Australia. She is coming over for the birth, and can only bring 20kg's with her, so we asked that unless it is really small or special (like the hand knit blanket from DH's grandmother) they rather give money. Mum will get something nice for baby when she gets here.

A environmentally friendly idea is to ask them to buy a tree that you can plant after the birth, or ask for a donation to a charity or local orphanage.