Like Dave, I'd never heard of it (in the UK) either, so quick shufti at Wikipedia...

I'm curious. Does present-giving at a bridal shower (aren't there "baby showers" as well?) replace wedding presents? If not, what would you give in one and not the other?

In Britain we just have "stag" and "hen" parties, and these don't always involve getting utterly wasted (although there is always some alcohol content). Hen parties are often a trip to a spa or beauty parlour; stag parties might be paintballing or off-roading. The stag or hen isn't given extra presents, because the guests pay their own way for whatever's happening (which can be pricey, given that stag/hen parties today tend to be a whole weekend rather than just an evening out).

Graham.