I tend to be fairly anti-shower in general (baby or wedding). There's just something about parties for adults in which (1) presents are required, and (2) adults sit around and watch adults unwrap gifts, that skeezes me out. And then on top of that there's such a strong tradition of showers that sketch me out (highly gendered baby showers, lingerie bridal showers, etc).

Which might be why the relative prohibition, I guess? If the party is about getting stuff, family shouldn't throw it?