Ive always bought first rather than waiting for relos, friends.....i have a particular taste too.......thats why ive always done my list and bought from that. , i dont expect others to buy something for baby anyway.
Having my 4th child now, but when pregnant with DD#1 i couldnt see the point in having a baby shower either - 'come to my house, bring presents'. I felt very uncomfortable about the whole thing.....and i knew these people i would be inviting would be wanting to see my baby too....not just me !!! I had a get together (not a 'baby shower') 10 days after she was born. Yeah sure, people brought gifts, i dont think you can get around that, but i felt proud and not so guilty...coz i had a cute little bundle to show off at the same time.
We did not find out sex of this baby on friday. My mum said 'oh if its a boy you will get plenty of blue things anyway from people, dont buy anything......'........ i would never, and am not going to rely on other people to provide my child clothes. Anyway i am sure i will get gifts......and sure its a bonus and i am forever grateful...but for us, thats our responsibility.......