So I’m planning our gender reveal party (if you don’t like them whatever, but I’m pretty sure hubbys grandma will host our shower and feel obligated to invite family we’re not close to and we’d really like to have a party just for fun with just the people we want to invite. I want to let people know that they don’t “have” to bring gifts (I hate phrasing it like that but you know gifts are expected at showers, I feel gifts should never be required)...

But I’m wondering if some friends may be able to make this and not our shower they may want to bring gifts. I don’t want to discourage my loving friends who may not be able to make it to both parties because of distance issues. How do I phrase on an invitation that gifts are not expected but would be welcomed if the giver really wanted to (without making it sound like we are somehow just trying to be humble when asking for gifts).

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Does any of that make sense?

EDIT: I’m planning on asking guests if they can bring their favorite finger food or maybe just a drink with them to share, maybe that will help make it more obvious? We’re providing food but think people may want more than what we’re providing. Maybe having it potluck-ish will make it obvious it’s not a gift giving party?