baby shower invite question

famba

I wish you could just call it a "Baby Celebration" and tell people to please not bring gifts... Unfortunately, we have nothing for the baby so the gifts would be helpful

 My question.... My mom keeps telling me I should send invites to 5 of her close friends, who I have also known since a little girl. They live 3 states away, and definitely will not be coming to the shower. I feel like it is rude to send an invite to them since i know they won't be coming- it feels like I am flat out asking them to send a gift.  I told my mom that her friends know I am pregnant- if they want to get me a gift, they will know how to get it to me.  She says that they will feel offended and like they are not a part of it if they don't get an invite. 

What would YOU do?  Or what are your thoughts?