It is customary , but if you cannot afford it , we can hope your friend understands.
usually yes
I know you're doing a lot, but you do need to give a wedding gift.
Either a mother; mother-in-law; sister or good friend has a bridal shower and does not require a hostess gift. If the bride wishes to thank the hostess she could send a thank you note along with an arrangement of flowers.
You could give a quilt. That would be a nice gift.
When you go to a Bridal Shower then you give a gift and it's not considered a wedding gift. The Bridal Shower is a celebration for the Bride-to-be. Yes, you would place money in the wedding card box at the reception. Only put the money in that you can afford because the bride and groom should appreciate any amount.
You would either have to go where your son is to give the bridal shower or talk to your son and his fiancee and see if they can come to where you live for a visit so you can give the bridal shower.
You don't HAVE to give a gift, as you have already provided your time and hospitality and probably most of the food, BUT if you are really special friends, a small but meaningful gift would be nice. A simple silver charm bracelet with a starter charm or an anklet would be a relatively long-lasting, inexpensive gift.
For a bridal shower, gifts that you can give can range from clothing to household tools and the perfect site to get those things range from Macy's, Sears, JCPenny, or Bed Bath and Beyond.
There isn't a set time frame between a bridal shower and the wedding. Normally, it is best to have the bridal shower at least a month prior to the wedding.
Give them tiger blood.
A recipe box would be a nice gift. You also could give a rotisserie.
If the rest of the family has no objections then there is no reason the grandmother could not have a bridal shower for family members and letting the maid of honor have another bridal shower for the bride's friends.