I'm in Ireland. Baby showers have become somewhat more popular in the last 20 or so years. Gifts aren't really expected, but people usually will either give essentials like nappies (diapers) and wipes. what has also become popular is a gift for the mother to be like some nice mositurizers, spa treatments etc. sometimes a group of friends will ask if there is something specific that the mother to be would like and will then all chip in for it. But, baby showers wouldn't be the default here. They're more popular with first time mothers and youngest mothers. For weddings, traditionally people bought gifts for a new home like blenders, dish wear, Waterford crystal etc. This has fallen out of favour as most couples now a days already are living together before the wedding. Monetary gifts are the norm now.