OP - That sucks! … It’s so weird that it makes me think that there is more to the story. You realize that most people keep sort of keep a running tally in their minds - Did the guest of honor previously give to my event, was it a nice gift, etc… To be honest, I’d doubt if those 48 or so missing guests were really “friends”. There is a difference between co-workers, acquaintances, neighbors, and friends. While I am all in favor of celebrating important events, it sometimes looks like people throw events just to get presents - And if that appears to be the situation many people don’t really want to have anything to do with it. OP I am sorry for the embarrassment and hurt feelings, this really shouldn’t happen.

Nah, it's just that the wife and him are too tired to organize a baby shower, which is why the mother-in-law did it. Maybe it's better that there was only two persons. Mom and Dad need to rest, and the leftover food will give them enough meals for twenty days.