Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Moving Over To Technorati
Signed up with Technorati P7GDB7GS9256 so hopefully add some more exposure.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Use Clipart To Make Baby Shower Invitations Colourful
If you're planning a baby shower and starting to look at invitations, you'll certainly want to look into finding some quality baby shower clip art. Putting baby shower clip art is the easiest and most affordable way to make your invitations, announcements and even party favours more interesting. They can help you design the perfect card, poster, flyer for the up and coming baby shower. And the best part about using baby shower clip art is that you don’t need to be an artist to use them. Aside from invitations and favours, you could also use baby shower clipart to create baby gifts and scrap booking accents for you, your family and your friends
There are many types of baby shower clip art. The range goes from the outrageously funny, irresistibly cute to the heart-warmingly sentimental. Of course on top of the list are drawings of babies in various positions. You have babies alone, babies with bottles, babies with teddy bears, babies with blankets or babies tucked in a cradle. You will find baby clip art pictures of babies with diapers, babies with no diapers, babies with a brother or sister, babies with a cute animal or pet, etc.
Everyone finds babies cute, cuddly and adorable and everyone simply loves looking at baby pictures. Putting baby shower clip art in your wedding invitation or flyer is a wise decision since it will definitely attract attention.
Another good thing about baby shower clipart is that it is very easy to find. And usually you can get them free of charge. And even if you have to pay a fee, it is often very affordable. And the money you shell out will definitely be worth it since baby shower clipart have hundreds if not thousands of uses.
The Internet is a treasure throve of baby shower clipart ready for you to download. There are literally thousands of available baby shower clipart on the World Wide Web. You wouldn’t have a hard time finding them.
And whatever baby shower you are planning to do, for sure there is a baby shower clipart that is appropriate for it. That’s because there is a very wide category of baby shower clipart which contains different styles and designs that are perfect for any baby shower needs. And it doesn’t matter if the baby is a boy or a girl. For sure there is a baby shower clipart made for specifically for each gender and there are many that are made for both.
The only real rule that you need to remember when using baby shower clipart is to use a single theme all throughout your project. For example, your invitation and thank you notes should match so you must use the same style or design of baby shower clipart when making both.
Another rule is not to clutter your project with too many different baby shower clipart. Doing so would only make your project look messy. You must also pay attention to things like colour, size and format of the baby shower clipart.
You must also learn how to experiment with sizes, colours and themes. Put some clipart together and see what works for you. All you need is a little practice and patience and you’ll soon be creating your baby shower masterpiece.
Save money by using baby shower clipart. You need not spend a fortune on baby shower invitation and favours. All you need is your creativity and some baby shower clipart and you’re ready to make the most memorable baby shower.
There are many types of baby shower clip art. The range goes from the outrageously funny, irresistibly cute to the heart-warmingly sentimental. Of course on top of the list are drawings of babies in various positions. You have babies alone, babies with bottles, babies with teddy bears, babies with blankets or babies tucked in a cradle. You will find baby clip art pictures of babies with diapers, babies with no diapers, babies with a brother or sister, babies with a cute animal or pet, etc.
Everyone finds babies cute, cuddly and adorable and everyone simply loves looking at baby pictures. Putting baby shower clip art in your wedding invitation or flyer is a wise decision since it will definitely attract attention.
Another good thing about baby shower clipart is that it is very easy to find. And usually you can get them free of charge. And even if you have to pay a fee, it is often very affordable. And the money you shell out will definitely be worth it since baby shower clipart have hundreds if not thousands of uses.
The Internet is a treasure throve of baby shower clipart ready for you to download. There are literally thousands of available baby shower clipart on the World Wide Web. You wouldn’t have a hard time finding them.
And whatever baby shower you are planning to do, for sure there is a baby shower clipart that is appropriate for it. That’s because there is a very wide category of baby shower clipart which contains different styles and designs that are perfect for any baby shower needs. And it doesn’t matter if the baby is a boy or a girl. For sure there is a baby shower clipart made for specifically for each gender and there are many that are made for both.
The only real rule that you need to remember when using baby shower clipart is to use a single theme all throughout your project. For example, your invitation and thank you notes should match so you must use the same style or design of baby shower clipart when making both.
Another rule is not to clutter your project with too many different baby shower clipart. Doing so would only make your project look messy. You must also pay attention to things like colour, size and format of the baby shower clipart.
You must also learn how to experiment with sizes, colours and themes. Put some clipart together and see what works for you. All you need is a little practice and patience and you’ll soon be creating your baby shower masterpiece.
Save money by using baby shower clipart. You need not spend a fortune on baby shower invitation and favours. All you need is your creativity and some baby shower clipart and you’re ready to make the most memorable baby shower.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
All About Your Baby’s Growth And Development
Unlike many of us who struggle to keep up with our work duties during the day and can sit back, watch TV and really relax only during the night your little baby is not governed by the rules of night and day. They will sleep whenever they feel like it, wherever they feel like it, and however long they want to.
On an average, babies sleep close to 17 hours a day. A whopping nine hours more than what we can just about manage. However, unlike us they don’t nap for long stretches of time - most of their sleeping spells extend only up to 2-3 hours. When they do wake up they expect to be fed or changed, and in case you forget to meet those expectations they’ll create a ruckus just to remind you!
To help your baby’s routine get more conventional, in terms of its sleeping/feeding time etc. you can take a number of steps. To make sure he/she learns that night time is the time to sleep and daytime the time to stay up and throw tantrums, put your baby in a room that is too bright during the day to fall asleep in. However, be careful not to put your baby in direct sunlight.
At night either shift your baby to a room that is cool and dark, or use the same room but just curtain it up and switch on the ac to make it cosy enough for baby to fall asleep. You can also put your baby in a sort of routine just to condition him/her to what comes before getting to sleep. Give him/her a warm bath or feed her or play soothing music right before putting him/her to bed every day.
Every child is born with certain reflexes. If you touch his cheek with the tip of your hand or your breast he will turn towards the tip and open his mouth; if you put your finger in his palm he will grasp it etc. These reflexes disappear after the few initial months after his/her birth and are duly replaced by more voluntary actions.
Although a large variety of baby food is available in the market today nothing is as high in nutrients as the mother’s milk. The antidotes found in a mother’s milk protect the child against infections and makes his/her immune system stronger.
After birth the baby’s weight undergoes rapid change. Within a matter of six months it becomes twice its birth weight. In the next six months its weight shoots up to around triple the weight at its birth. Once it crosses the one-year mark its growth pattern settles down and continues at a comparatively lower speed. At one years of age any average child is about 30 inches in length and 20 pounds in weight. At two these figures become about 33 and 26 respectively.
At three months of age, your child will love to study faces and try and grasp toys and moving objects of interest hanging over its head. He/she will also respond to voices and sounds and volume. By six months most babies will be able to stand and sit with some assistance. At nine months of age, your baby will be sitting alone and will also be able to pull herself/himself on furniture (provided their strength matches their weight). Their babble will now start taking a concrete shape and fingers will come handy in pointing and of course eating little pieces of food.
By the time your baby is 1 she will probably learn to walk on her own and also crawl up over more difficult terrain, like the stairs or over the crib or play pen. She will also show greater preference for one hand over the other, and will tend to do most of her movements with the preferred hand. They will also learn to recognize faces and thereby be afraid of strangers and will express love and affection.
On an average, babies sleep close to 17 hours a day. A whopping nine hours more than what we can just about manage. However, unlike us they don’t nap for long stretches of time - most of their sleeping spells extend only up to 2-3 hours. When they do wake up they expect to be fed or changed, and in case you forget to meet those expectations they’ll create a ruckus just to remind you!
To help your baby’s routine get more conventional, in terms of its sleeping/feeding time etc. you can take a number of steps. To make sure he/she learns that night time is the time to sleep and daytime the time to stay up and throw tantrums, put your baby in a room that is too bright during the day to fall asleep in. However, be careful not to put your baby in direct sunlight.
At night either shift your baby to a room that is cool and dark, or use the same room but just curtain it up and switch on the ac to make it cosy enough for baby to fall asleep. You can also put your baby in a sort of routine just to condition him/her to what comes before getting to sleep. Give him/her a warm bath or feed her or play soothing music right before putting him/her to bed every day.
Every child is born with certain reflexes. If you touch his cheek with the tip of your hand or your breast he will turn towards the tip and open his mouth; if you put your finger in his palm he will grasp it etc. These reflexes disappear after the few initial months after his/her birth and are duly replaced by more voluntary actions.
Although a large variety of baby food is available in the market today nothing is as high in nutrients as the mother’s milk. The antidotes found in a mother’s milk protect the child against infections and makes his/her immune system stronger.
After birth the baby’s weight undergoes rapid change. Within a matter of six months it becomes twice its birth weight. In the next six months its weight shoots up to around triple the weight at its birth. Once it crosses the one-year mark its growth pattern settles down and continues at a comparatively lower speed. At one years of age any average child is about 30 inches in length and 20 pounds in weight. At two these figures become about 33 and 26 respectively.
At three months of age, your child will love to study faces and try and grasp toys and moving objects of interest hanging over its head. He/she will also respond to voices and sounds and volume. By six months most babies will be able to stand and sit with some assistance. At nine months of age, your baby will be sitting alone and will also be able to pull herself/himself on furniture (provided their strength matches their weight). Their babble will now start taking a concrete shape and fingers will come handy in pointing and of course eating little pieces of food.
By the time your baby is 1 she will probably learn to walk on her own and also crawl up over more difficult terrain, like the stairs or over the crib or play pen. She will also show greater preference for one hand over the other, and will tend to do most of her movements with the preferred hand. They will also learn to recognize faces and thereby be afraid of strangers and will express love and affection.
Games to Play at a Baby Shower
Baby showers can be fun times. It may be one of the last times for the mother-to-be to enjoy a relaxing get together with family and friends. Once the baby arrives, things will be hectic. However, it may also be a somewhat awkward time if her family and friends do not know each other well. One of the best ways to break the ice between everyone is by playing a fun shower game! Baby shower games are generally inexpensive and just require a little planning. Here are a few examples of fun games you can play at the next baby shower you host.
Baby Photos
This is a simple game, but it can get everyone in the "baby" mood. Ask the baby shower attendees to bring a picture of themselves as a baby or toddler. Take each picture and post it on a large piece of poster board, assigning each photo a number. When all the guests have arrived, give each one a nametag so everyone knows everyone's name. Then give each guest a piece of paper and let everyone guess who is who in the baby photos. The person who is able to identify the most baby pictures wins!
Baby Songs
Divide the party into two groups. Assign someone in each group to be the recorder and have them think of as many songs with baby in the title. Set a time limit of 5 minutes. Whichever team is able to list the most songs wins. To add more fun, make the losing team sing a song chosen by the winning team from their list.
Bottle Suckers
Some baby showers have men and women both attend, and this game is great for those types of showers. Fill one 4-ounce baby bottle with juice for each attendee. Have them all drink at once, timing them to see who finishes the fastest. It is good fun to see grownups sucking from a baby bottle. You can even trick the father-to-be by giving him a nipple with a small hole, so it takes him longer to drink the bottle.
Pillow Talk
This one is a little risqué, so if there are older relatives or men in the room, you may want to avoid it. However, if it is just the girls, it is super fun. Do not tell the mother-to-be what is going on, just have someone write down what she says when she opens each gift. Once all the gifts are open, have someone read back what she said, explaining that her comments are "what she said on the night the baby was conceived." It makes for some hilarious innuendos!
Baby Food Tasters
This one gets everyone in the mood for the new little addition. Purchase ten jars of baby food - all different varieties. Print out a sheet that lists each flavour and post it somewhere in the room. Cover the bottom of the jars with foil and print a number on each one. All guests should have a plastic spoon, a paper plate, and a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Pass around each jar of baby food one at a time and have each guest place a small spoonful of the baby food on their plate. Have them taste it to try to guess what food it is. On their sheet of paper, have guests write down the number from the jar and what flavour that they think they are tasting. Sweet potatoes are usually hard to identify, so you might want to get a jar to try to fool everyone. Be sure to have your camera ready for the faces everyone will make when tasting the baby food.
Mum's Waistline
This one is fun if the mother-to-be is not too sensitive about the size of her ever-expanding waistline. Get a roll of ribbon and ask each guest to pull out as much ribbon as she thinks it will take to cover the mother-to-be's waistline. Cut off the ribbon and try it around the mom's waistline. The guess who comes closest to the actual waist circumference wins.
Test Drive
If it is a pretty day and you plan to have the baby shower outside, this is an entertaining game to play. Set up an obstacle course in the yard, put a doll in the stroller and have each guest run the obstacle course. Time each guest, giving them a 5-second penalty for collisions and a disqualification if the doll falls out of the stroller. Whoever completes the course in the fastest time wins.
Many entertaining games can be played at a baby shower. Just be sure to bring the camera to record all the fun for the mother-to-be to enjoy for years to come.
Baby Photos
This is a simple game, but it can get everyone in the "baby" mood. Ask the baby shower attendees to bring a picture of themselves as a baby or toddler. Take each picture and post it on a large piece of poster board, assigning each photo a number. When all the guests have arrived, give each one a nametag so everyone knows everyone's name. Then give each guest a piece of paper and let everyone guess who is who in the baby photos. The person who is able to identify the most baby pictures wins!
Baby Songs
Divide the party into two groups. Assign someone in each group to be the recorder and have them think of as many songs with baby in the title. Set a time limit of 5 minutes. Whichever team is able to list the most songs wins. To add more fun, make the losing team sing a song chosen by the winning team from their list.
Bottle Suckers
Some baby showers have men and women both attend, and this game is great for those types of showers. Fill one 4-ounce baby bottle with juice for each attendee. Have them all drink at once, timing them to see who finishes the fastest. It is good fun to see grownups sucking from a baby bottle. You can even trick the father-to-be by giving him a nipple with a small hole, so it takes him longer to drink the bottle.
Pillow Talk
This one is a little risqué, so if there are older relatives or men in the room, you may want to avoid it. However, if it is just the girls, it is super fun. Do not tell the mother-to-be what is going on, just have someone write down what she says when she opens each gift. Once all the gifts are open, have someone read back what she said, explaining that her comments are "what she said on the night the baby was conceived." It makes for some hilarious innuendos!
Baby Food Tasters
This one gets everyone in the mood for the new little addition. Purchase ten jars of baby food - all different varieties. Print out a sheet that lists each flavour and post it somewhere in the room. Cover the bottom of the jars with foil and print a number on each one. All guests should have a plastic spoon, a paper plate, and a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Pass around each jar of baby food one at a time and have each guest place a small spoonful of the baby food on their plate. Have them taste it to try to guess what food it is. On their sheet of paper, have guests write down the number from the jar and what flavour that they think they are tasting. Sweet potatoes are usually hard to identify, so you might want to get a jar to try to fool everyone. Be sure to have your camera ready for the faces everyone will make when tasting the baby food.
Mum's Waistline
This one is fun if the mother-to-be is not too sensitive about the size of her ever-expanding waistline. Get a roll of ribbon and ask each guest to pull out as much ribbon as she thinks it will take to cover the mother-to-be's waistline. Cut off the ribbon and try it around the mom's waistline. The guess who comes closest to the actual waist circumference wins.
Test Drive
If it is a pretty day and you plan to have the baby shower outside, this is an entertaining game to play. Set up an obstacle course in the yard, put a doll in the stroller and have each guest run the obstacle course. Time each guest, giving them a 5-second penalty for collisions and a disqualification if the doll falls out of the stroller. Whoever completes the course in the fastest time wins.
Many entertaining games can be played at a baby shower. Just be sure to bring the camera to record all the fun for the mother-to-be to enjoy for years to come.
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Free Baby Shower Games - Laughter is all that Matters
Daunting is not the word to use when organising baby shower games because it really can prove to be fun for all involved with the planning. But if not going according to plan then daunting it can be. Shower parties are no ordinary gatherings they are a celebration where more detail and preparation is needed for everything to run smooth.
The host of a baby shower plays a very important role when it comes to making decisions. So careful planning of all activities for on the day will definitely need a considerable amount of thought if perfection is to be achieved.
After planning the food menu/decorations and speeches it is time to think about what games to play. If this occasion is to be a happy joyous fun filled event with guaranteed laughter then a sure way of this happening is to choose the right baby shower party games.
Not all guests participate in the games but the biggest majority do. Activities as such are relevant in livening up the occasion.
Shower ideas for games can be found freely on the internet and the good news is most are free, so definitely worth considering if on a budget. I stress not all free baby shower games is every ones cup of tea.
The downside to free games are the print outs are not quite as eye catching as the games you would find on the shelves down at your local store. At the end of the day it is a game and it is free.
It would be worth talking to the mother-to-be to see if she has any objection to using free baby shower games.
Depending on your guests, unattractive print outs may not be an issue as long as the concept of the game produces fun and laughter. If impressing is first and foremost in your mind then stick with the professionally devised games because free baby shower games normally lack class materials. It is best you choose another option if you are out to impress.
What you have to remember is you only get what you pay for meaning, if you have found a shower game for free then do not be surprised if no artistic measures have been taken to make the presentation look good. If you decide that these type of games are not for your baby shower event then you will find a wide variety of good quality ones in the shops.
Baby shower games don’t have to look good to give of laughter to all those who participate as long as they disperse pleasure that is all that matters. Think back to your childhood days and the games you enjoyed playing that left you with memories of hilarious moments.
Bring back those moments and share them with your guests. Play the fool if need be. If it gets laughs then do it.
The host of a baby shower plays a very important role when it comes to making decisions. So careful planning of all activities for on the day will definitely need a considerable amount of thought if perfection is to be achieved.
After planning the food menu/decorations and speeches it is time to think about what games to play. If this occasion is to be a happy joyous fun filled event with guaranteed laughter then a sure way of this happening is to choose the right baby shower party games.
Not all guests participate in the games but the biggest majority do. Activities as such are relevant in livening up the occasion.
Shower ideas for games can be found freely on the internet and the good news is most are free, so definitely worth considering if on a budget. I stress not all free baby shower games is every ones cup of tea.
The downside to free games are the print outs are not quite as eye catching as the games you would find on the shelves down at your local store. At the end of the day it is a game and it is free.
It would be worth talking to the mother-to-be to see if she has any objection to using free baby shower games.
Depending on your guests, unattractive print outs may not be an issue as long as the concept of the game produces fun and laughter. If impressing is first and foremost in your mind then stick with the professionally devised games because free baby shower games normally lack class materials. It is best you choose another option if you are out to impress.
What you have to remember is you only get what you pay for meaning, if you have found a shower game for free then do not be surprised if no artistic measures have been taken to make the presentation look good. If you decide that these type of games are not for your baby shower event then you will find a wide variety of good quality ones in the shops.
Baby shower games don’t have to look good to give of laughter to all those who participate as long as they disperse pleasure that is all that matters. Think back to your childhood days and the games you enjoyed playing that left you with memories of hilarious moments.
Bring back those moments and share them with your guests. Play the fool if need be. If it gets laughs then do it.
Finding The Perfect Baby Gift
A new bundle of joy has just entered into your best friend’s world, and you want to find the perfect present for the perfect baby. If you walk into any department store you will be overwhelmed by all of the options, and may want to purchase the whole store. But take a step back and think what you would like if you just had your first baby.
Classic Gifts
Simple Presents are always the best. A memorable gift like a baby’s first china bowl and plate, there are many memorable designs such as Beatrix Potter, by Royal Dolton. This classic present never goes out of style, and is something everyone will cherish for a lifetime. In fact, many people pass these precious dishes down from family member to family member for generations to come. Engraved Gifts also make lovely Baby Keepsakes, such as Money Boxes, Personalised Albu,s and Photo Frames
A Basket Full of Practicality
A basket full of necessities for the baby will always come in handy for the new mum, from baby nappies to baby spoons and blankets. A simple basket of baby goods is a practical way to welcome a new born into this world, and will save mum a few trip’s to the supermarket.
Sleeper’s in Different Sizes
If mum needs one thing for her new baby its sleeper’s in various sizes. Baby’s grow quickly and do not remain in their infant size clothing for too long. They are always in need of new sleep suits. And if there is one thing babies like to do in their early beginnings it is to sleep. Sleepers are the perfect present for any mum who knows she will have a fast growing baby, and no time to sleep.
Gifts from the Warmth of Your Heart
A gift of homemade goodies is always a great baby gift for new mums. No mother wants to cook after they have just given birth and been released from the hospital. A homemade casserole is the perfect way to show you care, and is a fantastic present for the sleep deprived mum who no longer has time to comb her hair.
The Gift of Time
Another fantastic baby gift is the gift of time. Give the new mum a break - it is always appreciated and welcome. Mum and dad would both be elated to have a couple of hours of time to get away. Plus, you get to spend some alone time with a new bundle of joy, and bond with its delightful smile.
All that Matters is You Care
Baby gifts don’t need to be expensive or luxurious but they should show you care. And a little thought goes a long way in finding the perfect baby gift. New mums will appreciate the time you took in spending to find, or create the perfect gift for the new loved one in their life.
Finding the perfect gift is easy - all you need is little imagination, a little creativity, and a little use of your own time. To welcome the newest edition into your friends or families life, an original baby gift will show how much you truly care.
Classic Gifts
Simple Presents are always the best. A memorable gift like a baby’s first china bowl and plate, there are many memorable designs such as Beatrix Potter, by Royal Dolton. This classic present never goes out of style, and is something everyone will cherish for a lifetime. In fact, many people pass these precious dishes down from family member to family member for generations to come. Engraved Gifts also make lovely Baby Keepsakes, such as Money Boxes, Personalised Albu,s and Photo Frames
A Basket Full of Practicality
A basket full of necessities for the baby will always come in handy for the new mum, from baby nappies to baby spoons and blankets. A simple basket of baby goods is a practical way to welcome a new born into this world, and will save mum a few trip’s to the supermarket.
Sleeper’s in Different Sizes
If mum needs one thing for her new baby its sleeper’s in various sizes. Baby’s grow quickly and do not remain in their infant size clothing for too long. They are always in need of new sleep suits. And if there is one thing babies like to do in their early beginnings it is to sleep. Sleepers are the perfect present for any mum who knows she will have a fast growing baby, and no time to sleep.
Gifts from the Warmth of Your Heart
A gift of homemade goodies is always a great baby gift for new mums. No mother wants to cook after they have just given birth and been released from the hospital. A homemade casserole is the perfect way to show you care, and is a fantastic present for the sleep deprived mum who no longer has time to comb her hair.
The Gift of Time
Another fantastic baby gift is the gift of time. Give the new mum a break - it is always appreciated and welcome. Mum and dad would both be elated to have a couple of hours of time to get away. Plus, you get to spend some alone time with a new bundle of joy, and bond with its delightful smile.
All that Matters is You Care
Baby gifts don’t need to be expensive or luxurious but they should show you care. And a little thought goes a long way in finding the perfect baby gift. New mums will appreciate the time you took in spending to find, or create the perfect gift for the new loved one in their life.
Finding the perfect gift is easy - all you need is little imagination, a little creativity, and a little use of your own time. To welcome the newest edition into your friends or families life, an original baby gift will show how much you truly care.
Essential Supplies for your New Baby
As every parent has surely discovered, you are never quite prepared for the arrival of your new baby. No matter how much time and effort you might put into preparing yourselves and your home for your new arrival, there are always a few things that tend to get overlooked. This is not without good reason, mind you. It is such a wonderfully exciting time for expectant parents, so naturally you are going to be less focused on trivial day-to-day matters. For all of the expectant parents out there, this article is for you!
The nursery is the first place to start when you are preparing your home for your new baby. The crib is likely the first major piece of furniture you will purchase for your child. Be sure that the crib you purchase meets all of the mandatory and voluntary safety guidelines. You will also want to invest in a quality crib mattress, as your baby will be spending upwards of 70% of his or her first year on it. Bedding is another consideration, and very much a matter of personal preference. Just don't forget to pick up a mattress cover! A changing table is another option, but not entirely necessary. Alternately, a baby monitor is an absolute must-have for your child's nursery.
The next area to focus your attention on is that of baby supplies. While most people have a reasonable idea of what their children's needs are, it is a good idea to pause and reflect every so often. Baby supplies are very popular, and there are so many choices to make. Be sure you purchase mild baby soap and shampoo, as chemicals and fragrances can have a terrible impact on a baby's fresh skin. A high quality, all-natural, moisturizer should also be used. Some parents are keen on using baby powder to help keep their baby's bottom dry. Try to find a baby powder that does not have a talcum powder base. It can be terribly dangerous if inhaled, so be on the lookout for one with a cornstarch base.
After all of the necessary supplies and furniture have been secured, it is time to think about fun and entertainment for your baby. While the world itself will provide hours of fun and discovery for your child, certain toys and playthings can considerably enhance their experiences. A mobile is an excellent toy for new babies, as they spend a lot of time in their crib at that age. Some soft, fluffy toys are also nice, especially if they are designed to provide some sensory stimulation of some sort. Teething toys are an absolute necessity as your child grows older. There are some wonderful toys on the market for young children, just be sure to consult the consumer reports for information about recalls and other possible dangers associated with children's toys.
The nursery is the first place to start when you are preparing your home for your new baby. The crib is likely the first major piece of furniture you will purchase for your child. Be sure that the crib you purchase meets all of the mandatory and voluntary safety guidelines. You will also want to invest in a quality crib mattress, as your baby will be spending upwards of 70% of his or her first year on it. Bedding is another consideration, and very much a matter of personal preference. Just don't forget to pick up a mattress cover! A changing table is another option, but not entirely necessary. Alternately, a baby monitor is an absolute must-have for your child's nursery.
The next area to focus your attention on is that of baby supplies. While most people have a reasonable idea of what their children's needs are, it is a good idea to pause and reflect every so often. Baby supplies are very popular, and there are so many choices to make. Be sure you purchase mild baby soap and shampoo, as chemicals and fragrances can have a terrible impact on a baby's fresh skin. A high quality, all-natural, moisturizer should also be used. Some parents are keen on using baby powder to help keep their baby's bottom dry. Try to find a baby powder that does not have a talcum powder base. It can be terribly dangerous if inhaled, so be on the lookout for one with a cornstarch base.
After all of the necessary supplies and furniture have been secured, it is time to think about fun and entertainment for your baby. While the world itself will provide hours of fun and discovery for your child, certain toys and playthings can considerably enhance their experiences. A mobile is an excellent toy for new babies, as they spend a lot of time in their crib at that age. Some soft, fluffy toys are also nice, especially if they are designed to provide some sensory stimulation of some sort. Teething toys are an absolute necessity as your child grows older. There are some wonderful toys on the market for young children, just be sure to consult the consumer reports for information about recalls and other possible dangers associated with children's toys.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Coming Up With Unique Baby Shower Gift Ideas
Coming up with a great (and unique!) baby shower gift idea can seem like a difficult task. Any guest would like to give a gift that can be useful to the baby or the parents. Nobody would like to have his or her gift stashed in a closet or be given away to charity without being used first by the recipient.
Therefore, one has to make sure that he or she has chosen the baby shower gift properly so it will not be wasted. As much as possible, never select a baby shower gift that the parents may already have. Sometimes, the baby shower invitation says what the parents would like to receive.
If it is not on the invitation, you can also call the mum to ask what she would like to receive or what else she would need.
At times when the parents seem to have prepared well for the baby, you can select unique baby shower gifts that would serve as decorative items and remembrance.
Here are some unique baby shower gift suggestions.
* Birth Announcement Plates
These are decorative plates that come in pastel colours and different designs. These can also be personalised with the baby's name. Some companies also offer printing the baby's picture on the plates.
The plates may be used to contain food. However, many chooses to have these plates displayed somewhere in the house.
* Personalised Ornaments
These ornaments are made from ceramic tiles that can be displayed on cabinet or shelves. These can be personalized to contain the baby's name or picture. You may also give a poem to the engraving company so it will be included in the ornament.
* Personalised Baby Blankets
These blankets come in pastel colours with different designs. These can be personalized to include the baby's name. Before deciding to give one, make sure that the parents hadn't bought or will not be receiving several blankets during the baby shower party.
* Pillows
Pillows can also be personalized with the baby's name. These come in several colours and designs.
* Personalised Name Frame
If the baby's name was already chosen, you can choose a personalised name frame. This will contain the baby's name with its meaning, usually the biblical or historic association of the name. It may also have a poem dedicating the gift to the baby or wishing the baby and the parents well.
* Piggy Bank
The parents can start the baby's savings with a personalised piggy bank. The parents may drop coins each day after the baby is born. When the child is older, he or she can continue saving money with this decorative piggy bank.
* Baby Naming Book
If the parents have not decided what name to give to the baby, or if they are not yet sure of the baby's gender, the baby-naming book is a great gift for the baby shower. The book contains name selections from the bible and historical figures. The meanings of the names are also given as well as the variations and origins in different countries and cultures.
* Music CD
Music has been proven to enhance the creativity and eliminate stress. For babies, music can help them have quality sleep and boost their creativity and intelligence. This is a perfect gift for the baby and the parents.
Regardless of the gift that you have chosen, always include a card to express your thoughts and your joys in sharing the celebration with the baby' parents.
Therefore, one has to make sure that he or she has chosen the baby shower gift properly so it will not be wasted. As much as possible, never select a baby shower gift that the parents may already have. Sometimes, the baby shower invitation says what the parents would like to receive.
If it is not on the invitation, you can also call the mum to ask what she would like to receive or what else she would need.
At times when the parents seem to have prepared well for the baby, you can select unique baby shower gifts that would serve as decorative items and remembrance.
Here are some unique baby shower gift suggestions.
* Birth Announcement Plates
These are decorative plates that come in pastel colours and different designs. These can also be personalised with the baby's name. Some companies also offer printing the baby's picture on the plates.
The plates may be used to contain food. However, many chooses to have these plates displayed somewhere in the house.
* Personalised Ornaments
These ornaments are made from ceramic tiles that can be displayed on cabinet or shelves. These can be personalized to contain the baby's name or picture. You may also give a poem to the engraving company so it will be included in the ornament.
* Personalised Baby Blankets
These blankets come in pastel colours with different designs. These can be personalized to include the baby's name. Before deciding to give one, make sure that the parents hadn't bought or will not be receiving several blankets during the baby shower party.
* Pillows
Pillows can also be personalized with the baby's name. These come in several colours and designs.
* Personalised Name Frame
If the baby's name was already chosen, you can choose a personalised name frame. This will contain the baby's name with its meaning, usually the biblical or historic association of the name. It may also have a poem dedicating the gift to the baby or wishing the baby and the parents well.
* Piggy Bank
The parents can start the baby's savings with a personalised piggy bank. The parents may drop coins each day after the baby is born. When the child is older, he or she can continue saving money with this decorative piggy bank.
* Baby Naming Book
If the parents have not decided what name to give to the baby, or if they are not yet sure of the baby's gender, the baby-naming book is a great gift for the baby shower. The book contains name selections from the bible and historical figures. The meanings of the names are also given as well as the variations and origins in different countries and cultures.
* Music CD
Music has been proven to enhance the creativity and eliminate stress. For babies, music can help them have quality sleep and boost their creativity and intelligence. This is a perfect gift for the baby and the parents.
Regardless of the gift that you have chosen, always include a card to express your thoughts and your joys in sharing the celebration with the baby' parents.
Christenings – Gifts, Etiquette and History Explained
There are two types of ceremonies available; religious and non-religious. Irrespective of which type is chosen, the common theme throughout is love and surrounding the child with family and friends in order to celebrate the child’s birth and life ahead.
Religious Ceremonies:
A Christening is the child’s first initiation into the religious faith. At a Catholic Christening, the parents make their declarations, the baby is baptised with holy water, and a lit candle representing Jesus as the light of the world, is given to the parents and Godparents. The priest may ask the parents to attend preparation classes to fully understand the significance of a baptism. Catholic Christenings are often held as a separate service for one or more child, without hymns and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
In a Church of England Christening, the Christening takes place within the main Sunday church service and the baby is taken to the font, sprinkled with holy water, and the Godparents and parents promise God they will bring the child up in the Christian faith.
If you decide to go for a Christening, you need to speak to the vicar at your local church. They will explain the service, and may ask questions concerning your own faith, and that of the godparents. You will then be able to book a date.
Secular (Non-Religious) Ceremonies:
There are a range of non-religious celebrations to choose from including a Baby-Naming Ceremony, Welcoming or Thanksgiving. These options are free of any commitment to the Christian faith. A British Humanist Association ceremony can take place anywhere you like. A trained, licensed celebrant will help you to create a unique and personal occasion. They can provide templates for ceremonies that you can adapt for your own situation, and they can suggest readings, poetry or music. You can include contributions from family/friends, and finish it all off with a tea or buffet. These ceremonies last on average 20 minutes.
Christenings are generally held within the first year of a baby's life, although some parents wait until the child is a little older.
Generally, photography is welcome during all types of ceremonies but it may be worth checking with the person presiding first as the congregation or gathering is likely to be invited to photograph the child, family and Godparents at specific points during the ceremony. Of course there can also be photographs before and after.
The child will usually be dressed in a special Christening outfit/gown or family heirloom garment. Women would be expected to dress smartly - hats are not necessary, and for men, suits or smart shirt and trousers. Ties are often not a necessity, particularly for summer ceremonies though if you are the father or Godfather, you would be expected to dress in a suit.
Usually following the ceremony a buffet or tea is held at the parent’s house. The child will be shown off to all the family and friends, and Christening gifts are generally presented to the child. After the buffet, the official cake may be cut, and at this point, some people choose to plant a tree or dedicate a plant which will grow with the child.
Role of the Godparents:
There are usually three Godparents - two the same sex as the child. The role of the Godparent comes from the days when converts to the early Christian church were usually adults whose parents were not Christians. The Godparents role was to provide a Christian mentor to help them through life. People also link the role of the Godparent with that of becoming 'legal guardian' should the child ever be orphaned. However, this would need to be written into a will with the permission of the Godparents themselves.
Non-religious participants usually engage a 'mentor' who will watch over the child and steer them through life with help, care and advice. Generally Godparents are chosen for their own Christian beliefs but also because they are very close friends of the parents, or family members. Godparents or guardians should be people who are going to be around to offer support for the child if needed.
Christening Gifts:
Many people prefer a traditional gift idea for a Christening such as pewter, silver or china; these are great gifts for the child to treasure. Another nice idea is to provide a photo album or keepsake box to store precious memories of the child’s special day. For religious ceremonies it is common for a silver cross and chain or a bible to be presented to the child. Personalised gifts also make very nice ideas for this occasion, for example a framed name print, or a personalised Christening plate or mug, or perhaps an engraved tankard or cufflinks for a boy.
Religious Ceremonies:
A Christening is the child’s first initiation into the religious faith. At a Catholic Christening, the parents make their declarations, the baby is baptised with holy water, and a lit candle representing Jesus as the light of the world, is given to the parents and Godparents. The priest may ask the parents to attend preparation classes to fully understand the significance of a baptism. Catholic Christenings are often held as a separate service for one or more child, without hymns and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
In a Church of England Christening, the Christening takes place within the main Sunday church service and the baby is taken to the font, sprinkled with holy water, and the Godparents and parents promise God they will bring the child up in the Christian faith.
If you decide to go for a Christening, you need to speak to the vicar at your local church. They will explain the service, and may ask questions concerning your own faith, and that of the godparents. You will then be able to book a date.
Secular (Non-Religious) Ceremonies:
There are a range of non-religious celebrations to choose from including a Baby-Naming Ceremony, Welcoming or Thanksgiving. These options are free of any commitment to the Christian faith. A British Humanist Association ceremony can take place anywhere you like. A trained, licensed celebrant will help you to create a unique and personal occasion. They can provide templates for ceremonies that you can adapt for your own situation, and they can suggest readings, poetry or music. You can include contributions from family/friends, and finish it all off with a tea or buffet. These ceremonies last on average 20 minutes.
Christenings are generally held within the first year of a baby's life, although some parents wait until the child is a little older.
Generally, photography is welcome during all types of ceremonies but it may be worth checking with the person presiding first as the congregation or gathering is likely to be invited to photograph the child, family and Godparents at specific points during the ceremony. Of course there can also be photographs before and after.
The child will usually be dressed in a special Christening outfit/gown or family heirloom garment. Women would be expected to dress smartly - hats are not necessary, and for men, suits or smart shirt and trousers. Ties are often not a necessity, particularly for summer ceremonies though if you are the father or Godfather, you would be expected to dress in a suit.
Usually following the ceremony a buffet or tea is held at the parent’s house. The child will be shown off to all the family and friends, and Christening gifts are generally presented to the child. After the buffet, the official cake may be cut, and at this point, some people choose to plant a tree or dedicate a plant which will grow with the child.
Role of the Godparents:
There are usually three Godparents - two the same sex as the child. The role of the Godparent comes from the days when converts to the early Christian church were usually adults whose parents were not Christians. The Godparents role was to provide a Christian mentor to help them through life. People also link the role of the Godparent with that of becoming 'legal guardian' should the child ever be orphaned. However, this would need to be written into a will with the permission of the Godparents themselves.
Non-religious participants usually engage a 'mentor' who will watch over the child and steer them through life with help, care and advice. Generally Godparents are chosen for their own Christian beliefs but also because they are very close friends of the parents, or family members. Godparents or guardians should be people who are going to be around to offer support for the child if needed.
Christening Gifts:
Many people prefer a traditional gift idea for a Christening such as pewter, silver or china; these are great gifts for the child to treasure. Another nice idea is to provide a photo album or keepsake box to store precious memories of the child’s special day. For religious ceremonies it is common for a silver cross and chain or a bible to be presented to the child. Personalised gifts also make very nice ideas for this occasion, for example a framed name print, or a personalised Christening plate or mug, or perhaps an engraved tankard or cufflinks for a boy.
Christening Invitations for a Cherished Moment
For many families with a new baby, christenings are a very special event in the child’s life. Christenings are a deep and meaningful time for the family also, as the child enters the religious world of the family. Christenings are time when families choose to share the special event with their closest friends and family. The type of ceremony that occurs for a christening can vary from religion to religion, but the emotional bond created is felt the same for all.
Many parents will send christening invitations to friends and family for the event. There are a great variety of invitations available to mark the christening. Several factors to consider when ordering christening invitations include the theme or symbolic element that will be incorporated into the christening, as well as gender of the baby. There are many wonderful invitations for both boys and girls. Some ideas for themes are listed below.
There are a number of wonderful themes that can be incorporated into the christening. A cross is always an important element to mark the holiness of the event. Crosses symbolize the washing away of sins and profession of faith. Hearts are a wonderful theme to symbolize love. Baby feet are also a great element that can be incorporated into the theme. Flowers and floral designs are another great element, symbolizing new life.
Bright white is the traditional colour used for christening invitations. The baby is usually dressed in a bright white christening gown to symbolize purity. Incorporating white into the invitations and decorations of the christening is the perfect way to have a beautiful christening. Other things to consider for a christening are matching party accessories and favours such as napkins with baby’s name and date of christening.
Christenings are a special and memorable event for the family of the child. It is perceived as the time when the child truly becomes a party of the religious family. Mark the event with a beautiful celebration considering the themes and accessories mentioned in this article.
Many parents will send christening invitations to friends and family for the event. There are a great variety of invitations available to mark the christening. Several factors to consider when ordering christening invitations include the theme or symbolic element that will be incorporated into the christening, as well as gender of the baby. There are many wonderful invitations for both boys and girls. Some ideas for themes are listed below.
There are a number of wonderful themes that can be incorporated into the christening. A cross is always an important element to mark the holiness of the event. Crosses symbolize the washing away of sins and profession of faith. Hearts are a wonderful theme to symbolize love. Baby feet are also a great element that can be incorporated into the theme. Flowers and floral designs are another great element, symbolizing new life.
Bright white is the traditional colour used for christening invitations. The baby is usually dressed in a bright white christening gown to symbolize purity. Incorporating white into the invitations and decorations of the christening is the perfect way to have a beautiful christening. Other things to consider for a christening are matching party accessories and favours such as napkins with baby’s name and date of christening.
Christenings are a special and memorable event for the family of the child. It is perceived as the time when the child truly becomes a party of the religious family. Mark the event with a beautiful celebration considering the themes and accessories mentioned in this article.
Choosing Your Baby’s Bedding
You’re expecting a baby soon and have begun designing your baby’s nursery. You want everything to be perfect, but there are so many decisions to make. What type of theme are you trying to achieve? What colour scheme are you going to use? What Baby bedding design will you choose? While picking out your Baby Bedding there are some things that should be considered before making your purchase.
It is important to make sure that your baby bedding materials are flame resistant. It is also a good idea to find out what the thread count of your baby bedding is. The higher thread count in your baby bedding the higher the quality of the fabric and the softer it will feel to your baby. You would not want a scratchy fabric rubbing against your baby’s delicate skin. Your Crib Bedding should be as comfortable as it is interesting for your baby to look at. After all they will be spending quite a bit of time in their crib.
When you purchase your baby bedding you may notice it has a stiff feel to it. This is normal. Most Designer Baby Bedding manufacturers use products on the bedding to make it stays wrinkle-free and looking new. You may want to wash your new crib bedding set before using it for the first time. This will help soften it up and make your baby more comfortable.
Once you decide on your crib bedding design, you may want to shop around. Shopping around can save you a great deal of money, as many online retailers offer discounts and bonus items with your baby bedding purchase. Many also offer free shipping with your purchase. It is also important to find a retailer that carries coordinating accessories for your baby bedding. You may also want to ask if the retailer offers any discount on their accessories with a crib bedding purchase.
You may only use your Baby Bedding for what seems like a short period of time but it is a very special time for both you and your baby. Years from now when your kids are grown and you take it out of that old cedar chest you will say, this was their first baby blanket and those fond memories of watching your baby laying their content, just staring at their Crib Bedding patterns or their musical mobile will surely bring you joy and maybe a tear or two.
It is important to make sure that your baby bedding materials are flame resistant. It is also a good idea to find out what the thread count of your baby bedding is. The higher thread count in your baby bedding the higher the quality of the fabric and the softer it will feel to your baby. You would not want a scratchy fabric rubbing against your baby’s delicate skin. Your Crib Bedding should be as comfortable as it is interesting for your baby to look at. After all they will be spending quite a bit of time in their crib.
When you purchase your baby bedding you may notice it has a stiff feel to it. This is normal. Most Designer Baby Bedding manufacturers use products on the bedding to make it stays wrinkle-free and looking new. You may want to wash your new crib bedding set before using it for the first time. This will help soften it up and make your baby more comfortable.
Once you decide on your crib bedding design, you may want to shop around. Shopping around can save you a great deal of money, as many online retailers offer discounts and bonus items with your baby bedding purchase. Many also offer free shipping with your purchase. It is also important to find a retailer that carries coordinating accessories for your baby bedding. You may also want to ask if the retailer offers any discount on their accessories with a crib bedding purchase.
You may only use your Baby Bedding for what seems like a short period of time but it is a very special time for both you and your baby. Years from now when your kids are grown and you take it out of that old cedar chest you will say, this was their first baby blanket and those fond memories of watching your baby laying their content, just staring at their Crib Bedding patterns or their musical mobile will surely bring you joy and maybe a tear or two.
Choosing Your Baby Nursery Theme
Planning a baby nursery is a big task. There is furniture to choose, walls to paint, safety to take into consideration. Probably the most exciting part of planning your baby nursery though, will be choosing your nursery’s theme. The theme you decide on will set the tone for the whole room so it will certainly need to be one of the first decisions that you make when your start the planning process.
There is an almost endless supply of themes available for a baby’s room. You could choose to go with something gender specific, a girl themed room for a girl and a boy themed room for a boy, or you may want to consider choosing a gender neutral theme if you plan to have more children. This will save you the trouble of possibly having to remodel the nursery when the next baby comes along. A pink princess themed nursery won’t work so well if your next child is a boy. Likewise, a girl will seem out of place in a nursery decorated with cars.
If you want to plan a nursery that will stimulate your baby as they grow, consider bright primary colours and geometric shapes and patterns. Red, blue, and yellow have been found to be the colours that help stimulate young infants. Bedding and wall décor with geometric shapes and patterns will also do this especially if the shapes and patterns are large. This will make it easier for the baby to see since it takes many months for an infant’s vision to completely develop.
Whatever theme you decide on for your nursery, be prepared to live with it for a few years. Most babies are not ready for a toddler room until they are two to three years old. If you want to save money, choose a theme that will grow with them into their toddler room. Since toddler beds take the same size mattress and bedding as a crib, you could continue to use the theme and bedding you choose in a toddler room if you wanted to.
No matter what theme you decide on, remember to have fun while taking on the whole nursery planning process. This is a joyous time in your life that you will always be able to look back on fondly.
There is an almost endless supply of themes available for a baby’s room. You could choose to go with something gender specific, a girl themed room for a girl and a boy themed room for a boy, or you may want to consider choosing a gender neutral theme if you plan to have more children. This will save you the trouble of possibly having to remodel the nursery when the next baby comes along. A pink princess themed nursery won’t work so well if your next child is a boy. Likewise, a girl will seem out of place in a nursery decorated with cars.
If you want to plan a nursery that will stimulate your baby as they grow, consider bright primary colours and geometric shapes and patterns. Red, blue, and yellow have been found to be the colours that help stimulate young infants. Bedding and wall décor with geometric shapes and patterns will also do this especially if the shapes and patterns are large. This will make it easier for the baby to see since it takes many months for an infant’s vision to completely develop.
Whatever theme you decide on for your nursery, be prepared to live with it for a few years. Most babies are not ready for a toddler room until they are two to three years old. If you want to save money, choose a theme that will grow with them into their toddler room. Since toddler beds take the same size mattress and bedding as a crib, you could continue to use the theme and bedding you choose in a toddler room if you wanted to.
No matter what theme you decide on, remember to have fun while taking on the whole nursery planning process. This is a joyous time in your life that you will always be able to look back on fondly.
Simply Wooden Gifts For Children
There are many online stores for buying gifts and personalised gifts for children. But what makes Simply Wooden Gifts a great place to stop by is that every gift here includes the child’s name. I’m going to update this post shortly with some great information and deals at SWG.
Friday, 19 March 2010
Check It Out - Checklist for Baby Shower Supplies
How many times have we sat down after a shopping spree and forgotten what it was we went for in the first place. This is why a checklist is vital when planning your baby shower party. Celebrations like this need ample supplies of goodies in quantities depending on the size of your guest list.
Invitation cards are crucial elements and are one of the first items to be listed when piecing together a baby shower checklist. If you have a theme for the party then add this to the invitation this gives your guest a good idea on what the celebration is all about and will also help them with their gift picking. A month before the baby shower is a perfect time to send out the cards. RSVP all print outs. If cost is an issue then go online and select the invites from there.
Online shopping for invitations offer a great range so selecting the right one will not be a problem. Why not kill two birds with one stone and have your thank you cards printed out at the same time. Remember it is the card of thanks that brings the celebration of the baby shower to an end. You could even try making your own
Be sure to add to your checklist - games and activities. Fun and laughter for all who participate is how you want the atmosphere to be and why not, this is a happy and joyous event. Award the winners of each game with prizes.
Run through the list of items on your checklist to see if you have the party venue listed in your notes. Decorate the party place accordingly to the theme. If the baby shower is a layette bash then a clothes line draped with baby wear of coloured paper cut-outs and other bits and bobs make a great display. This is your baby shower so you get to decide on what to hang - just make sure it is not yourself.
Let us not forget the buffet bar serving food and drinks. If you can account for all the guests attending then this will give you insight on how much food and drink to order for the baby shower party. Always up on supplies - because you always have one guest whose eyes are bigger than their belly.
Jot down what edibles and drinks you intend to lay out on the feast table. Before going ahead and ordering your nibbles, think about the preparation behind any food dishes you have planned to serve, the reason is it may take up to much of your time to cook or even worse too much time cleaning up after.
A thank you token given to all guests who attended the baby shower is very traditional. Baby shower souvenirs need not be expensive, bulk buy to save money
Make the checklist one of the essential things you have to do before planning for the baby party; it makes sense to have all your ideas for your celebration drawn up on a list so that nothing is forgotten. Just remember not to forget the checklist of baby shower supplies when you go shopping
Always check the checklist to make sure you checked it!
Invitation cards are crucial elements and are one of the first items to be listed when piecing together a baby shower checklist. If you have a theme for the party then add this to the invitation this gives your guest a good idea on what the celebration is all about and will also help them with their gift picking. A month before the baby shower is a perfect time to send out the cards. RSVP all print outs. If cost is an issue then go online and select the invites from there.
Online shopping for invitations offer a great range so selecting the right one will not be a problem. Why not kill two birds with one stone and have your thank you cards printed out at the same time. Remember it is the card of thanks that brings the celebration of the baby shower to an end. You could even try making your own
Be sure to add to your checklist - games and activities. Fun and laughter for all who participate is how you want the atmosphere to be and why not, this is a happy and joyous event. Award the winners of each game with prizes.
Run through the list of items on your checklist to see if you have the party venue listed in your notes. Decorate the party place accordingly to the theme. If the baby shower is a layette bash then a clothes line draped with baby wear of coloured paper cut-outs and other bits and bobs make a great display. This is your baby shower so you get to decide on what to hang - just make sure it is not yourself.
Let us not forget the buffet bar serving food and drinks. If you can account for all the guests attending then this will give you insight on how much food and drink to order for the baby shower party. Always up on supplies - because you always have one guest whose eyes are bigger than their belly.
Jot down what edibles and drinks you intend to lay out on the feast table. Before going ahead and ordering your nibbles, think about the preparation behind any food dishes you have planned to serve, the reason is it may take up to much of your time to cook or even worse too much time cleaning up after.
A thank you token given to all guests who attended the baby shower is very traditional. Baby shower souvenirs need not be expensive, bulk buy to save money
Make the checklist one of the essential things you have to do before planning for the baby party; it makes sense to have all your ideas for your celebration drawn up on a list so that nothing is forgotten. Just remember not to forget the checklist of baby shower supplies when you go shopping
Always check the checklist to make sure you checked it!
Buy Baby Gift Items That Are Personalised
By the time you finish reading this, you will know how one can buy baby gift items that will stand out from all the others through personalisation. In the market today, one has a wide range of options to choose from. Unique baby gifts and baby gift baskets of the highest quality are available. One might want to buy baby shower gifts.
A range of unique and creative baby gifts and accessories await you if you are going shopping for your baby. Personalized keepsakes can last a lifetime and one would prefer a personalised baby gift rather than a simple one which has no personal touch. Buy baby gift items and personalise them to add value and uniqueness.
All About Personalised Gifts for Your Baby
An enormous list of options available for personalisation includes silver gift sets, silver photo frames, birth candles, bone china, pewter and glass products. You could personalise china plates in 22ct gold with the child's full name, place and date of birth. They make a very special newborn baby gift. When looking to buy baby gift items for personalisation, a gift with lasting appeal certainly adds value.
Another option is personalised children's music CDs. Kids enjoy singing along to songs and will certainly love hearing their own name sung in the lyrics of the songs. Along with their great entertainment value, these personalised CDs help to build self-esteem and develop self-confidence in the baby.
Baby gift baskets are another great option. They are filled with great things for both mum and baby. They are the perfect pick as baby shower gifts, newborn baby gifts, as a first and second birthday baby gift. Browse all baby gift baskets and see that the basket is not filled with useless and cheap trinkets. See to it that the baby gift baskets have practical, useful and fun stuff within them.
Other possible choices which help the little one feel comfortable in their first bedroom include artwork, hand painted furniture, bedding and cribs designed and personalised for the baby. Comfortable baby blankets and cosies can be found in this category as well.
Another choice is personalised books for children. For sale are deluxe framed names, in which the name of the child is written alongside beautifully illustrated pictures for each initial, and the origin and meaning of the name is explained.
Soft toys, which babies love to have, can be personalised as well. Included are a number of personalised teddy bears, with embroidered details. The best part is that a personalised bear can include any name or message up to 50 characters long, from a simple birthday greeting to complete name and birth details.
A mug can also be personalised with around 50 characters and kids love to have their early morning drink in them.
Baby clothes are an item that parents cannot get enough of. Of course, many different ways of personalising clothing exist, such as embroidery, hand-painting, and iron-on artwork.
Keep in mind the following while looking to buy baby gift items:
- The age of the baby while making the selection
- See that the quality of the selected gift is good.
- If the baby loves music, give him a personalized CD
- Buy clothing items a few sizes larger so the baby can grow into them if shopping for personalised t-shirts etc.
A range of unique and creative baby gifts and accessories await you if you are going shopping for your baby. Personalized keepsakes can last a lifetime and one would prefer a personalised baby gift rather than a simple one which has no personal touch. Buy baby gift items and personalise them to add value and uniqueness.
All About Personalised Gifts for Your Baby
An enormous list of options available for personalisation includes silver gift sets, silver photo frames, birth candles, bone china, pewter and glass products. You could personalise china plates in 22ct gold with the child's full name, place and date of birth. They make a very special newborn baby gift. When looking to buy baby gift items for personalisation, a gift with lasting appeal certainly adds value.
Another option is personalised children's music CDs. Kids enjoy singing along to songs and will certainly love hearing their own name sung in the lyrics of the songs. Along with their great entertainment value, these personalised CDs help to build self-esteem and develop self-confidence in the baby.
Baby gift baskets are another great option. They are filled with great things for both mum and baby. They are the perfect pick as baby shower gifts, newborn baby gifts, as a first and second birthday baby gift. Browse all baby gift baskets and see that the basket is not filled with useless and cheap trinkets. See to it that the baby gift baskets have practical, useful and fun stuff within them.
Other possible choices which help the little one feel comfortable in their first bedroom include artwork, hand painted furniture, bedding and cribs designed and personalised for the baby. Comfortable baby blankets and cosies can be found in this category as well.
Another choice is personalised books for children. For sale are deluxe framed names, in which the name of the child is written alongside beautifully illustrated pictures for each initial, and the origin and meaning of the name is explained.
Soft toys, which babies love to have, can be personalised as well. Included are a number of personalised teddy bears, with embroidered details. The best part is that a personalised bear can include any name or message up to 50 characters long, from a simple birthday greeting to complete name and birth details.
A mug can also be personalised with around 50 characters and kids love to have their early morning drink in them.
Baby clothes are an item that parents cannot get enough of. Of course, many different ways of personalising clothing exist, such as embroidery, hand-painting, and iron-on artwork.
Keep in mind the following while looking to buy baby gift items:
- The age of the baby while making the selection
- See that the quality of the selected gift is good.
- If the baby loves music, give him a personalized CD
- Buy clothing items a few sizes larger so the baby can grow into them if shopping for personalised t-shirts etc.
Baby Showers - Hats Off To This Fabulous Idea
Baby Showers - let us face it ladies raising a baby can be an uphill struggle keeping up with their demands like the feeding, burping and diaper changing followed by the demand for designer gear as the child grows older. Take action now with a celebration of a Baby Shower Party before all the joys of motherhood becomes reality.
Baby Showers are events held celebrating the news of a new baby, so it is a wise move to start organizing the occasion as soon as the word is out.
If you want the baby shower party to be a success on the day then all you have to do is greet all the guests with a smile along with a colourful decorated room.
Your choice of decor for your baby shower gathering may just involve an allotted space like the decorating of or around the banquet table. Tablecloths and napkins with cartoon characters or baby pictures emblazoned over them will brighten up that specific area - you can even place multi coloured figurines in and around the edibles.
If the gender of the baby is known at the time of the baby shower celebration then hang a pink or blue sheet behind the feast table and decorate accordingly with paper cut outs of toy boats or girlie dollies. By keeping to a particular area to decorate in the home or venue - you will have saved on time and space by not over cluttering. The space you saved will allow game activities to take place more comfortably than be confined to a certain spot.
Baby Showers need not be expensive - another penny saving idea and very cost effective one too - is to hand each guest a colourful paper hat on arrival. Personalise the headwear with a printed quote or saying, this will add a touch of uniqueness to your baby shower party. By doing this you are killing two birds with one stone, e.g. adding fun and colour to the occasion as well as it being your thank you gift donation. Novelties as such can be kept as keepsakes.
Remember the guests attending your baby shower party are not there to pass judgement on how you celebrate the good news of a baby on the way or on how you have decorated the room - this is about baby right so that is all that matters.
Cutting costs this way can give you enough savings to put by for the next edition to the family if there is to be one. Some women holding Baby Showers have no option but to cut corners with cost effective ideas to meet the needs of the child growing up. Babies are not babies for long.
Baby Showers need not cause the pocket sorrow. Plan carefully because babies of the future tend to grow up with friends - namely Tommy Hilfiger - Gucci and Reebok. That is why saving with cost cutting ideas in the early years may just help you to keep up with the child`s demands even though you may not be happy with their choice in friends.
Baby Showers are events held celebrating the news of a new baby, so it is a wise move to start organizing the occasion as soon as the word is out.
If you want the baby shower party to be a success on the day then all you have to do is greet all the guests with a smile along with a colourful decorated room.
Your choice of decor for your baby shower gathering may just involve an allotted space like the decorating of or around the banquet table. Tablecloths and napkins with cartoon characters or baby pictures emblazoned over them will brighten up that specific area - you can even place multi coloured figurines in and around the edibles.
If the gender of the baby is known at the time of the baby shower celebration then hang a pink or blue sheet behind the feast table and decorate accordingly with paper cut outs of toy boats or girlie dollies. By keeping to a particular area to decorate in the home or venue - you will have saved on time and space by not over cluttering. The space you saved will allow game activities to take place more comfortably than be confined to a certain spot.
Baby Showers need not be expensive - another penny saving idea and very cost effective one too - is to hand each guest a colourful paper hat on arrival. Personalise the headwear with a printed quote or saying, this will add a touch of uniqueness to your baby shower party. By doing this you are killing two birds with one stone, e.g. adding fun and colour to the occasion as well as it being your thank you gift donation. Novelties as such can be kept as keepsakes.
Remember the guests attending your baby shower party are not there to pass judgement on how you celebrate the good news of a baby on the way or on how you have decorated the room - this is about baby right so that is all that matters.
Cutting costs this way can give you enough savings to put by for the next edition to the family if there is to be one. Some women holding Baby Showers have no option but to cut corners with cost effective ideas to meet the needs of the child growing up. Babies are not babies for long.
Baby Showers need not cause the pocket sorrow. Plan carefully because babies of the future tend to grow up with friends - namely Tommy Hilfiger - Gucci and Reebok. That is why saving with cost cutting ideas in the early years may just help you to keep up with the child`s demands even though you may not be happy with their choice in friends.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Baby Showers - Your All In One Guide To A Perfect Shower
Planning a Baby Shower is not an easy task! Planning and organising a baby shower can be very complicated. In this article, I’ll try to help you break down the different elements of organising and planning baby showers.
When should I hold my baby shower?
A lot of parents these days are waiting until after the baby is born to hold a baby shower. It gives guests the advantage of knowing what type of clothing and gifts to buy for the baby. It gives the new mother a chance to show off the baby to a large number of people, reducing the steady stream of visitors to the house right after the baby is born.
If you don’t want to wait until after the baby is born, then generally a month or two before the mom's due date is a good time to have the party. You don't want to hold the shower too close to baby's due date in case he or she makes an early arrival!
Who should I invite to my baby shower?
Close friends and family members, the parent’s friends, co-workers, godparents, and others you feel the parents-to-be would enjoy having at the shower. Try to refrain from inviting people you have not had contact with in a long time simply for more presents though, it’s considered tacky. Invitations should be sent out 2-3 weeks before the shower. Give guests time to plan to be free that day and shop, but not so much time that they forget about the party.
Can I invite men to the baby shower?
Yes! Men are now allowed in the delivery room; why not let them in the baby shower as well?
What about a theme for my baby shower?
There are a lot of different ways to hold a baby shower. Let your imagination roam and choose something fun but not too strenuous for the mummy-to-be. Choose the kind of party you can do best. Accept your time, budget, and equipment limitations. Coordinate your invitations, decorations, party favours, and food. Create a mood! Create your mood through lighting, music, and decorations.
Will there be games at my baby shower?
Games at baby showers are optional, but always a fun addition and a good ingredient to a successful baby shower. You can find more information about baby shower games, take a look at the articles on the right.
Will there be food at the baby shower?
Avoid time consuming dinners. Choose a menu with which you are familiar. Serving a full meal is not required, but certainly snacks, hors d'oeuvres, cakes, and pies are a welcome addition. I’ve even seen where the guests each bring a dessert or snack plate. Check your supplies way ahead of time - linen, cutlery, tables, and dishes. Always overestimate the amount of food you will need. Make sure you have chafing dishes or hot plates. Clean and cook ahead of time. Do not wait until the last minute. Plan seating that will encourage lively conversation. When serving buffet style, be sure you have enough tables or lap trays.
What about party favours and decorations for my baby shower?
This is another area where there are so many options. A simple search on the web for baby shower favours and decorations will yield a ton of resources, but if you want to make it easier and don’t have time to sort through the entire net, search here for baby shower favors/favours.
Other Baby Shower Tips
Buy camera film. Have someone else at the party be in charge of taking pictures. Chances are, you will be busy. If you get a lot of great shots, you can make a memento album for the parents later.
Don't forget the guest bathroom. Add extra touches like scented soap and lotion. Keep tissue and feminine items in an obvious place.
Pay attention to your guests. Know when they are ready to move on to the next phase of the party.
It can be a little awkward at first. A few close friends arriving early can create an instant party buzz.
When should I hold my baby shower?
A lot of parents these days are waiting until after the baby is born to hold a baby shower. It gives guests the advantage of knowing what type of clothing and gifts to buy for the baby. It gives the new mother a chance to show off the baby to a large number of people, reducing the steady stream of visitors to the house right after the baby is born.
If you don’t want to wait until after the baby is born, then generally a month or two before the mom's due date is a good time to have the party. You don't want to hold the shower too close to baby's due date in case he or she makes an early arrival!
Who should I invite to my baby shower?
Close friends and family members, the parent’s friends, co-workers, godparents, and others you feel the parents-to-be would enjoy having at the shower. Try to refrain from inviting people you have not had contact with in a long time simply for more presents though, it’s considered tacky. Invitations should be sent out 2-3 weeks before the shower. Give guests time to plan to be free that day and shop, but not so much time that they forget about the party.
Can I invite men to the baby shower?
Yes! Men are now allowed in the delivery room; why not let them in the baby shower as well?
What about a theme for my baby shower?
There are a lot of different ways to hold a baby shower. Let your imagination roam and choose something fun but not too strenuous for the mummy-to-be. Choose the kind of party you can do best. Accept your time, budget, and equipment limitations. Coordinate your invitations, decorations, party favours, and food. Create a mood! Create your mood through lighting, music, and decorations.
Will there be games at my baby shower?
Games at baby showers are optional, but always a fun addition and a good ingredient to a successful baby shower. You can find more information about baby shower games, take a look at the articles on the right.
Will there be food at the baby shower?
Avoid time consuming dinners. Choose a menu with which you are familiar. Serving a full meal is not required, but certainly snacks, hors d'oeuvres, cakes, and pies are a welcome addition. I’ve even seen where the guests each bring a dessert or snack plate. Check your supplies way ahead of time - linen, cutlery, tables, and dishes. Always overestimate the amount of food you will need. Make sure you have chafing dishes or hot plates. Clean and cook ahead of time. Do not wait until the last minute. Plan seating that will encourage lively conversation. When serving buffet style, be sure you have enough tables or lap trays.
What about party favours and decorations for my baby shower?
This is another area where there are so many options. A simple search on the web for baby shower favours and decorations will yield a ton of resources, but if you want to make it easier and don’t have time to sort through the entire net, search here for baby shower favors/favours.
Other Baby Shower Tips
Buy camera film. Have someone else at the party be in charge of taking pictures. Chances are, you will be busy. If you get a lot of great shots, you can make a memento album for the parents later.
Don't forget the guest bathroom. Add extra touches like scented soap and lotion. Keep tissue and feminine items in an obvious place.
Pay attention to your guests. Know when they are ready to move on to the next phase of the party.
It can be a little awkward at first. A few close friends arriving early can create an instant party buzz.
Baby Shower Theme: Ideas For Choosing The Right Theme
Choosing a baby shower theme is an important part of the baby shower planning process. A theme will tie the entire shower together and make it more organised.
When you have chosen a theme, you can easily think about what decoration you are going to use for your desired theme. Without a theme, you are likely to pick several items that you feel will look good, combine these, and get an unorganized look.
Selecting and preparing a baby shower theme is not a difficult task. Here are some suggestions to give you an idea on how to create a theme for your baby shower.
Teddy Bears
Since the teddy bear is one of the first toys the child will own, it is nice to have a teddy bear theme. You can use medium-sized teddy bears to design the baby shower party area. It is not necessary to buy the teddy bears; you can borrow these from friends and family members. Also, you can purchase small teddy bears as party favors to give to your guests.
Stars
Stars symbolise dreams. "A star is born," they say. You can decorate the place with stars hanging from thin strings. You can also design the walls and the ceiling with stars and heavenly bodies. The program may also include wishes for the baby on how he or she will be a bright star.
Nappies
This is the basic need of the newborn baby. The baby shower organiser can decorate the area with nappies, especially those with cute colours and designs. You can even prepare a diaper cake by neatly stacking the diapers together.
The organiser can also ask the guests to bring nappies as gifts. A better idea would be to have a raffle for a special prize in which the raffle entry will be a nappy. This will help the guests since they wouldn't have to think on what gift to buy. It also helps the parents a lot, since they will have a supply of nappies for several months.
Books
Baby and kid books are good gifts for the baby. With a collection of baby books, the parents can have a small library for the baby.
The decorations can be anything related to books. You can place books on the table, or design the walls with books. You can even have a book-shaped cake and cookies.
Noah's Ark
This is a good idea if the parents are expecting twins. The guests will be requested to bring a pair of gifts for the babies. Pairs of stuffed animals may be used to decorate the place.
Prince/Princess
Everyone wants the new baby to feel like a prince or a princess. You can adorn the place with fairy tale concepts pertaining to royalty. You can create miniature towers and castles, a garden and shining stuff fit for a royalty.
Fairy
This is a good option if you will be having the baby shower in the garden. You can enhance the garden surroundings to make it look like the home of fairies. You can include vines, arches, bees and butterflies, as well as small fairy-like decorations to create a fairy garden.
Characters
You can choose a storybook or cartoon character as a theme. How about a superhero? There are lots of options, and once you have selected one, you can think about what items the character is associated with that you can use for the party.
With these simple ideas, you can conceptualize a special baby shower theme that will be remembered by the parents and the guests.
When you have chosen a theme, you can easily think about what decoration you are going to use for your desired theme. Without a theme, you are likely to pick several items that you feel will look good, combine these, and get an unorganized look.
Selecting and preparing a baby shower theme is not a difficult task. Here are some suggestions to give you an idea on how to create a theme for your baby shower.
Teddy Bears
Since the teddy bear is one of the first toys the child will own, it is nice to have a teddy bear theme. You can use medium-sized teddy bears to design the baby shower party area. It is not necessary to buy the teddy bears; you can borrow these from friends and family members. Also, you can purchase small teddy bears as party favors to give to your guests.
Stars
Stars symbolise dreams. "A star is born," they say. You can decorate the place with stars hanging from thin strings. You can also design the walls and the ceiling with stars and heavenly bodies. The program may also include wishes for the baby on how he or she will be a bright star.
Nappies
This is the basic need of the newborn baby. The baby shower organiser can decorate the area with nappies, especially those with cute colours and designs. You can even prepare a diaper cake by neatly stacking the diapers together.
The organiser can also ask the guests to bring nappies as gifts. A better idea would be to have a raffle for a special prize in which the raffle entry will be a nappy. This will help the guests since they wouldn't have to think on what gift to buy. It also helps the parents a lot, since they will have a supply of nappies for several months.
Books
Baby and kid books are good gifts for the baby. With a collection of baby books, the parents can have a small library for the baby.
The decorations can be anything related to books. You can place books on the table, or design the walls with books. You can even have a book-shaped cake and cookies.
Noah's Ark
This is a good idea if the parents are expecting twins. The guests will be requested to bring a pair of gifts for the babies. Pairs of stuffed animals may be used to decorate the place.
Prince/Princess
Everyone wants the new baby to feel like a prince or a princess. You can adorn the place with fairy tale concepts pertaining to royalty. You can create miniature towers and castles, a garden and shining stuff fit for a royalty.
Fairy
This is a good option if you will be having the baby shower in the garden. You can enhance the garden surroundings to make it look like the home of fairies. You can include vines, arches, bees and butterflies, as well as small fairy-like decorations to create a fairy garden.
Characters
You can choose a storybook or cartoon character as a theme. How about a superhero? There are lots of options, and once you have selected one, you can think about what items the character is associated with that you can use for the party.
With these simple ideas, you can conceptualize a special baby shower theme that will be remembered by the parents and the guests.
Baby Shower Secrets - Planning Ahead!
Now, anyone can throw the Baby Shower and it’s not just for the women! Men are attending showers, even having their own. It’s all about celebrating a new life, and welcoming a new baby to the world. And all babies, not just the couple’s first child, are a cause for celebration.
Traditionally, a close female friend throws the Baby Shower and invites all the women close to the mother-to-be, to shower her with gifts and well wishes for the coming baby. While this is still the idea, the etiquette has changed from generation to generation.
Proper etiquette is very specific about the Baby Shower - never should the mother-to-be’s family throw the shower, lest people think they were asking for gifts.
Skipping the surprise shower can really ease the planning of any Baby Shower. If it’s not a surprise, the parents-to-be can help out with the guest list and help you avoid scheduling conflicts.
Grandma and Grandpa may not be the guests of honour, but you don’t want to find out too late that the most important guests can’t attend. So check with the parents-to-be to make sure you haven't left out anyone who should be included, and let’s get this party started!
Once you have a general idea of the number of guests, you’ll want to start thinking about where to have the Baby Shower. You can host at your own home, reserve tables at your favourite restaurant, rent a reception hall, picnic at a park if you’ll be including children, or if this is a small group of female friends, why not make it a day at the spa with a catered lunch?
If you’re planning to rent or reserve space for the Shower, check on these details when looking around: how many guests will this location hold, is it available on your chosen date, can you decorate prior to the shower, what is the cost, what does it include, who is responsible for cleaning up.
It's always a good idea to schedule the Baby Shower about two to three months in advance of mum's due date. Unless, of course, you are having the shower after the baby is born.
"Hello World, Here I Am" Showers are a popular way to ensure everyone gets to see the new baby, and you'll want to wait at least a month after the baby is born for this one.
The time of day to host the shower is personal preference, and can be used to determine appropriate food and drink. If you just don’t know, ask the mother-to-be what part of the day she usually feels her best, and go from there.
Finger foods set around the room work great and encourage guests to mingle. If you don't want to prepare the food yourself, many bakers or grocers make deli trays of vegetables, fruit, or meats and cheeses.
They're arranged beautifully for any occasion and can be a life-saver, as well as a time-saver. When choosing drinks to serve, remember to include non-alcoholic and decaffeinated alternatives.
Coordinating is the easy part, but you probably don't want to do everything by yourself on the big day. Depending on the number of guests, it's easy to get overwhelmed and miss some of those small details that mean so much.
With all your planning, don’t forget a gift for the parents-to-be. Maybe your gift to the parents-to-be will be the Baby Shower itself, but if you're looking for great gift ideas, try a personalised baby basket, nappy cake or something just plain adorable from the baby gift store.
Don't lose sight of what this day is all about...a celebration! So remember to relax and have fun with your planning and hosting.
Traditionally, a close female friend throws the Baby Shower and invites all the women close to the mother-to-be, to shower her with gifts and well wishes for the coming baby. While this is still the idea, the etiquette has changed from generation to generation.
Proper etiquette is very specific about the Baby Shower - never should the mother-to-be’s family throw the shower, lest people think they were asking for gifts.
Skipping the surprise shower can really ease the planning of any Baby Shower. If it’s not a surprise, the parents-to-be can help out with the guest list and help you avoid scheduling conflicts.
Grandma and Grandpa may not be the guests of honour, but you don’t want to find out too late that the most important guests can’t attend. So check with the parents-to-be to make sure you haven't left out anyone who should be included, and let’s get this party started!
Once you have a general idea of the number of guests, you’ll want to start thinking about where to have the Baby Shower. You can host at your own home, reserve tables at your favourite restaurant, rent a reception hall, picnic at a park if you’ll be including children, or if this is a small group of female friends, why not make it a day at the spa with a catered lunch?
If you’re planning to rent or reserve space for the Shower, check on these details when looking around: how many guests will this location hold, is it available on your chosen date, can you decorate prior to the shower, what is the cost, what does it include, who is responsible for cleaning up.
It's always a good idea to schedule the Baby Shower about two to three months in advance of mum's due date. Unless, of course, you are having the shower after the baby is born.
"Hello World, Here I Am" Showers are a popular way to ensure everyone gets to see the new baby, and you'll want to wait at least a month after the baby is born for this one.
The time of day to host the shower is personal preference, and can be used to determine appropriate food and drink. If you just don’t know, ask the mother-to-be what part of the day she usually feels her best, and go from there.
Finger foods set around the room work great and encourage guests to mingle. If you don't want to prepare the food yourself, many bakers or grocers make deli trays of vegetables, fruit, or meats and cheeses.
They're arranged beautifully for any occasion and can be a life-saver, as well as a time-saver. When choosing drinks to serve, remember to include non-alcoholic and decaffeinated alternatives.
Coordinating is the easy part, but you probably don't want to do everything by yourself on the big day. Depending on the number of guests, it's easy to get overwhelmed and miss some of those small details that mean so much.
With all your planning, don’t forget a gift for the parents-to-be. Maybe your gift to the parents-to-be will be the Baby Shower itself, but if you're looking for great gift ideas, try a personalised baby basket, nappy cake or something just plain adorable from the baby gift store.
Don't lose sight of what this day is all about...a celebration! So remember to relax and have fun with your planning and hosting.
Baby Shower Recipes: Food Ideas For Your Shower
Baby showers are generally held in the later stages of pregnancy (in the last 2 months, for instance). There are, however, certain cultural beliefs that make people purposefully wait for the baby to arrive before having a baby shower. Adoptive parents, at times, wait until after the adoption is final and the baby has arrived in their home.
Baby showers are generally organised by close friends, relatives, or co-workers of the expectant parents (because baby showers focus on gift-giving, it is considered inappropriate for a family member to host such events).
In its early form, baby showers were held exclusively for mothers-to-be, and only women were invited to attend the party. In addition, baby showers were traditionally held only for the first child. Today, however, many people arrange baby showers for both parents, and they can now be also arranged for every succeeding child (even children who have been adopted).
Activities in a baby shower typically include games, special activities, presents, and, most especially, food.
Below are some of the most common baby shower recipes:
Pizza Sandwiches
Pizza sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)
Cottage cheese (low fat)
English muffins
Parmesan cheese
1. Mix 2-3 tbsp of pizza sauce with 2-3 tbsp of cottage cheese.
2. Spread the mixture onto one half of the English muffin.
3. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
4. Broil for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve.
Creamy Tomato Soup
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 can of tomato soup (condensed)
Milk
1 tbsp basil
Mozzarella or croutons (for toppings)
1. Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the tomato soup.
3. Add milk (approximately the same amount as that of the tomato soup).
4. Add basil and cook slowly on low heat (do not boil).
5. Top with a sprinkling of shredded mozzarella and croutons. Serve.
Cheese Balls
½ lb cheese (cheddar or grated)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 pack cream cheese
4 oz Tabasco sauce
2 tsp onion
Chopped nuts
2 tsp catsup or chilli sauce
1. Mix all ingredients together using a mixer or a food processor (the cheese should be at room temperature).
2. Empty mixed ingredients on small bowls lined with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. To serve, remove wrap and sprinkle with nuts. Serve with assorted crackers.
Chicken Puffs
4 tbsp butter
½ cup boiling water
½ cup flour
2 eggs
½ cup shredded cheese
2 cups cooked chicken
2 tbsp olives
2 tbsp wine
¼ cup mayonnaise
1. Melt butter in boiling water.
2. Add flour.
3. Stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball.
4. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
5. Add egg and beat briskly until smooth.
6. Stir in cheese.
7. Scoop 1 tsp dough into a greased baking sheet.
8. Preheat oven to 400°F.
9. Bake the puffs for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, cool, and split.
10. Combine the remaining ingredients with the finely chopped cooked chicken, pimiento, and olives.
11. Fill each puff with 2 tsp of the mixture. Serve.
There are just some of the baby shower recipes, there are numerous others to choose from - from sandwiches & finger foods, to snacks and dips and sweets - appetising, yet simple and very easy to prepare.
Baby showers are generally organised by close friends, relatives, or co-workers of the expectant parents (because baby showers focus on gift-giving, it is considered inappropriate for a family member to host such events).
In its early form, baby showers were held exclusively for mothers-to-be, and only women were invited to attend the party. In addition, baby showers were traditionally held only for the first child. Today, however, many people arrange baby showers for both parents, and they can now be also arranged for every succeeding child (even children who have been adopted).
Activities in a baby shower typically include games, special activities, presents, and, most especially, food.
Below are some of the most common baby shower recipes:
Pizza Sandwiches
Pizza sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)
Cottage cheese (low fat)
English muffins
Parmesan cheese
1. Mix 2-3 tbsp of pizza sauce with 2-3 tbsp of cottage cheese.
2. Spread the mixture onto one half of the English muffin.
3. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
4. Broil for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve.
Creamy Tomato Soup
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 can of tomato soup (condensed)
Milk
1 tbsp basil
Mozzarella or croutons (for toppings)
1. Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the tomato soup.
3. Add milk (approximately the same amount as that of the tomato soup).
4. Add basil and cook slowly on low heat (do not boil).
5. Top with a sprinkling of shredded mozzarella and croutons. Serve.
Cheese Balls
½ lb cheese (cheddar or grated)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 pack cream cheese
4 oz Tabasco sauce
2 tsp onion
Chopped nuts
2 tsp catsup or chilli sauce
1. Mix all ingredients together using a mixer or a food processor (the cheese should be at room temperature).
2. Empty mixed ingredients on small bowls lined with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. To serve, remove wrap and sprinkle with nuts. Serve with assorted crackers.
Chicken Puffs
4 tbsp butter
½ cup boiling water
½ cup flour
2 eggs
½ cup shredded cheese
2 cups cooked chicken
2 tbsp olives
2 tbsp wine
¼ cup mayonnaise
1. Melt butter in boiling water.
2. Add flour.
3. Stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball.
4. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
5. Add egg and beat briskly until smooth.
6. Stir in cheese.
7. Scoop 1 tsp dough into a greased baking sheet.
8. Preheat oven to 400°F.
9. Bake the puffs for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, cool, and split.
10. Combine the remaining ingredients with the finely chopped cooked chicken, pimiento, and olives.
11. Fill each puff with 2 tsp of the mixture. Serve.
There are just some of the baby shower recipes, there are numerous others to choose from - from sandwiches & finger foods, to snacks and dips and sweets - appetising, yet simple and very easy to prepare.
Baby Shower Poems - How to Write Baby Poems Like a Pro
Cute and sentimental baby shower poems are great addition to any baby shower.
You can type these baby poems in the Shower invitations and thank you cards in a variety of different styles, layouts, fonts and lengths. These poems are also unforgettable touch to write on the baby shower cakes, attach to party favours, or print off scrolls for the guests.
Where can you find some very special baby shower poems?
Internet is a good starting point. And you can always find many creative poem ideas from parenting books, magazines, and lyrics. But if you’re not running everything in hurry, then write a baby poem on your own.
You might have questions like this: “Do I need special techniques even a little talent to write great baby poems? Does it take weeks even months to learn the writing skills?”
Hey, I've never been and I'll never be a person who can write poetry like Shakespeare - same as most of you. But you're writing a poem for the baby, don't overcomplicate it!
Even baby poem is "an elevated composition in verse" (The Concise Oxford Dictionary), no worries - just write about what comes to your mind, and unleash your creativities to organize your thoughts and feelings about the arrival little one.
Don't try to be a poet and stay away with those fancy language and obscure words. Simply put any baby items and baby related topics together. Then use the words that can express your expectations and wishes for the little one and the parents-to-be.
Need a bit more tips? Ok, the answers to the questions below will become a wonderful baby shower poem by themselves.
* What is Mum's name?
* What is Dad's name?
* What does a baby like to eat or drink?
* What does a baby like to have for the new life?
* What do you hope the baby to learn from your life experiences?
* What's your baby shower theme?
* Any special gift is highly expected?
* It's a twin or triplet
* It's a boy or girl
List your answers on a paper and discover the things that affect you, use them to write short sentences with a sense of humour.
Another save-time idea is to learn good baby poems from online poem site and re-write them.
Once you find the baby poem that you like, re-write it, keeping the basic meaning of the words the same, but using your own voice. And replace some of its sentences by your own words (like a special wishing or a unique baby gift's name) if you want.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Once you've got a baby shower poem on paper, speak it aloud and find out the best rhyme you like.
Ask for suggestions from the couple's family member and the people who have had children. They can help you to find some great ideas to create a more family-like and baby-like mood in your baby shower poems.
You can type these baby poems in the Shower invitations and thank you cards in a variety of different styles, layouts, fonts and lengths. These poems are also unforgettable touch to write on the baby shower cakes, attach to party favours, or print off scrolls for the guests.
Where can you find some very special baby shower poems?
Internet is a good starting point. And you can always find many creative poem ideas from parenting books, magazines, and lyrics. But if you’re not running everything in hurry, then write a baby poem on your own.
You might have questions like this: “Do I need special techniques even a little talent to write great baby poems? Does it take weeks even months to learn the writing skills?”
Hey, I've never been and I'll never be a person who can write poetry like Shakespeare - same as most of you. But you're writing a poem for the baby, don't overcomplicate it!
Even baby poem is "an elevated composition in verse" (The Concise Oxford Dictionary), no worries - just write about what comes to your mind, and unleash your creativities to organize your thoughts and feelings about the arrival little one.
Don't try to be a poet and stay away with those fancy language and obscure words. Simply put any baby items and baby related topics together. Then use the words that can express your expectations and wishes for the little one and the parents-to-be.
Need a bit more tips? Ok, the answers to the questions below will become a wonderful baby shower poem by themselves.
* What is Mum's name?
* What is Dad's name?
* What does a baby like to eat or drink?
* What does a baby like to have for the new life?
* What do you hope the baby to learn from your life experiences?
* What's your baby shower theme?
* Any special gift is highly expected?
* It's a twin or triplet
* It's a boy or girl
List your answers on a paper and discover the things that affect you, use them to write short sentences with a sense of humour.
Another save-time idea is to learn good baby poems from online poem site and re-write them.
Once you find the baby poem that you like, re-write it, keeping the basic meaning of the words the same, but using your own voice. And replace some of its sentences by your own words (like a special wishing or a unique baby gift's name) if you want.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Once you've got a baby shower poem on paper, speak it aloud and find out the best rhyme you like.
Ask for suggestions from the couple's family member and the people who have had children. They can help you to find some great ideas to create a more family-like and baby-like mood in your baby shower poems.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Baby Shower Planning: Tips, Advice, And Ideas For A Successful Shower
Planning a baby shower is the perfect way of expressing “Congratulations,” or “We’re happy for you,” or “Best wishes” when a newborn has been added to the family.
Aimed at further boosting the future parents’ excitement for the forthcoming member of their family, the baby shower is usually hosted by a close friend or relative, at any time during the last months of the pregnancy.
Just like any other party, a baby shower requires careful planning to ensure that it will go as smoothly as possible, and be memorable for everyone. Although there are no rules cast in stone in preparing for a baby shower, there are some helpful tips to follow to help the host organise every aspect of the event.
1) Decide on the location.
Most baby showers are held at the soon to be parents house, since the expectant mother’s health needs to be considered. It is recommended for small, intimate parties, with only the closest friends and family members. Guests also tend to be more comfortable if the party’s setting is at home.
If the expectant parents love the outdoors, a barbecue party at their garden or a local park may also be an option. Naturally, the weather must be considered – baby shower does not literally mean soaking the guests in the rain.
For fewer complications, the host may reserve a secluded area in a restaurant or bar. It may be more costly, but at least the decoration, food and drinks, as well as the post-party cleanup will already be taken care of.
2) Choose the party’s theme.
For easier decoration ideas, a theme may be decided upon. Consider the expectant parents’ favourite movies or hangouts. Another option is to decorate the party site by re-creating the place where they had their honeymoon, such as a cruise ship, or Paris-inspired café.
Since the party will also be a celebration of the future baby, a childish atmosphere may also be considered. Choose cartoon characters, bright colours, and other designs depending on the baby’s gender.
3) Finalise the menu.
The party’s menu will depend upon the time of the event. In most baby showers, the host serves finger food, pastries and other baked goods for convenience. However, if the event will be held during lunch or dinner time, heavier meals will naturally be served. Alcoholic drinks may also be prepared, depending on the guests’ preference.
4) Design a fun program.
Contrary to what most people believe, a baby shower is not only limited to mingling around, gift giving, eating and drinking. Fun games may also be included, such as charades, or those which will bring back the guests’ childhood memories. Remember that the main point is to make sure everyone will have a good time, and various games will surely liven up the event.
5) Create the guest list and send out invitations.
Prepare a list of the expectant parents’ closest friends and family members. Make sure to seek their approval before sending out invitations, to avoid any embarrassing mistakes later. Bear in mind that it’s the parents’ event, and not the host’s, so their choice of people should matter the most.
Ready-made baby shower invitations are readily available in gift shops and craft stores. However, homemade invitations may also be used to provide the host’s personal touch.
Send out invitations out two to four weeks before the party to give time for the guests to fix their schedule. Baby shower invitations follow the same format as any other invitation — it indicates the date, time, place, attire preferred, gift registry, if any, the host’s contact numbers for RSVP. Just to be organised, prepare a final list of attendees a few days before the baby shower.
Aimed at further boosting the future parents’ excitement for the forthcoming member of their family, the baby shower is usually hosted by a close friend or relative, at any time during the last months of the pregnancy.
Just like any other party, a baby shower requires careful planning to ensure that it will go as smoothly as possible, and be memorable for everyone. Although there are no rules cast in stone in preparing for a baby shower, there are some helpful tips to follow to help the host organise every aspect of the event.
1) Decide on the location.
Most baby showers are held at the soon to be parents house, since the expectant mother’s health needs to be considered. It is recommended for small, intimate parties, with only the closest friends and family members. Guests also tend to be more comfortable if the party’s setting is at home.
If the expectant parents love the outdoors, a barbecue party at their garden or a local park may also be an option. Naturally, the weather must be considered – baby shower does not literally mean soaking the guests in the rain.
For fewer complications, the host may reserve a secluded area in a restaurant or bar. It may be more costly, but at least the decoration, food and drinks, as well as the post-party cleanup will already be taken care of.
2) Choose the party’s theme.
For easier decoration ideas, a theme may be decided upon. Consider the expectant parents’ favourite movies or hangouts. Another option is to decorate the party site by re-creating the place where they had their honeymoon, such as a cruise ship, or Paris-inspired café.
Since the party will also be a celebration of the future baby, a childish atmosphere may also be considered. Choose cartoon characters, bright colours, and other designs depending on the baby’s gender.
3) Finalise the menu.
The party’s menu will depend upon the time of the event. In most baby showers, the host serves finger food, pastries and other baked goods for convenience. However, if the event will be held during lunch or dinner time, heavier meals will naturally be served. Alcoholic drinks may also be prepared, depending on the guests’ preference.
4) Design a fun program.
Contrary to what most people believe, a baby shower is not only limited to mingling around, gift giving, eating and drinking. Fun games may also be included, such as charades, or those which will bring back the guests’ childhood memories. Remember that the main point is to make sure everyone will have a good time, and various games will surely liven up the event.
5) Create the guest list and send out invitations.
Prepare a list of the expectant parents’ closest friends and family members. Make sure to seek their approval before sending out invitations, to avoid any embarrassing mistakes later. Bear in mind that it’s the parents’ event, and not the host’s, so their choice of people should matter the most.
Ready-made baby shower invitations are readily available in gift shops and craft stores. However, homemade invitations may also be used to provide the host’s personal touch.
Send out invitations out two to four weeks before the party to give time for the guests to fix their schedule. Baby shower invitations follow the same format as any other invitation — it indicates the date, time, place, attire preferred, gift registry, if any, the host’s contact numbers for RSVP. Just to be organised, prepare a final list of attendees a few days before the baby shower.
Baby Shower Invitation Help: What To Write
Baby shower planning is a very big ordeal. You have all things prepared: food, fun, games, and the program. But wait, you forgot something critical. The party invitation! You basically forgot something really important when holding a party. What good is a party if there are no guests?
Creating party invitations may take some time if are choosy with words. Selecting the best wordings for the invitation is imperative as this sets the tone of the party. If the party’s theme is casual, you definitely can relay that in the invitation. Knowing which theme party you want can be used as guidelines in picking out the right words for your invitation. Fun themes like teddy bear and balloon party requires humorous and informal wordings.
You can make use of poems, famous quotes, or you can create your own too. There are several websites that offer sample wordings you can adapt for your invitation. Make a quick search and pick the catchiest wordings that you can emulate in your invitations. It can either be a general one or gender specific. Just be sure that you know ahead of time what gender the baby has.
Using baby rhymes would be a superb idea in your baby invitation. Placing the names of the expecting parents will give the invitation a personal touch. You can also put in song lyrics that are popular with kids and even nursery rhymes. Famous kiddie rhymes like Humpty Dumpty, Baa Baa Black sheep and Hickory, Dickory, Dock can add spice to your invitation too.
The main things that your baby shower invitation should include are the name of the guest of honour, the date, time, and where it will be held. If the venue for the party is quite unfamiliar to the guests, make a simple sketch to guide them to the right place. This key information is needed, and make sure that they are printed big and clear.
Don’t forget to place in the invitation whether the event will be a surprise or not. If the party is going to be a surprise, your guest should be informed to keep it secret. You would not want any guest sending in advanced gifts for the party and spoil the plan.
Another important thing to place on the invitation is the RSVP or Regrets only note. Don’t forget to place your phone number in there too of course, as guests likely will contact you their response as you requested them to.
You might want to add a registry list or the gifts you wanted your guests to bring. This is very practical if you don’t want to end up having three or four strollers which you may not use. Guests would love it if their gifts would be appreciated and would not end up just being set aside.
As important as the wordings, the presentation of the invitation speaks too. Follow the theme if you have one. If you select angels, place cute pictures of these on the invitation cover for the desired effect. If you don’t necessarily have a theme, then just select pictures that relates to a baby. Colours are important too. Use blue for boys and pink for girls. Invitations are there to create impression and entice your guests to come in this very special day. So unleash your creativity, get that pen and have fun writing.
Creating party invitations may take some time if are choosy with words. Selecting the best wordings for the invitation is imperative as this sets the tone of the party. If the party’s theme is casual, you definitely can relay that in the invitation. Knowing which theme party you want can be used as guidelines in picking out the right words for your invitation. Fun themes like teddy bear and balloon party requires humorous and informal wordings.
You can make use of poems, famous quotes, or you can create your own too. There are several websites that offer sample wordings you can adapt for your invitation. Make a quick search and pick the catchiest wordings that you can emulate in your invitations. It can either be a general one or gender specific. Just be sure that you know ahead of time what gender the baby has.
Using baby rhymes would be a superb idea in your baby invitation. Placing the names of the expecting parents will give the invitation a personal touch. You can also put in song lyrics that are popular with kids and even nursery rhymes. Famous kiddie rhymes like Humpty Dumpty, Baa Baa Black sheep and Hickory, Dickory, Dock can add spice to your invitation too.
The main things that your baby shower invitation should include are the name of the guest of honour, the date, time, and where it will be held. If the venue for the party is quite unfamiliar to the guests, make a simple sketch to guide them to the right place. This key information is needed, and make sure that they are printed big and clear.
Don’t forget to place in the invitation whether the event will be a surprise or not. If the party is going to be a surprise, your guest should be informed to keep it secret. You would not want any guest sending in advanced gifts for the party and spoil the plan.
Another important thing to place on the invitation is the RSVP or Regrets only note. Don’t forget to place your phone number in there too of course, as guests likely will contact you their response as you requested them to.
You might want to add a registry list or the gifts you wanted your guests to bring. This is very practical if you don’t want to end up having three or four strollers which you may not use. Guests would love it if their gifts would be appreciated and would not end up just being set aside.
As important as the wordings, the presentation of the invitation speaks too. Follow the theme if you have one. If you select angels, place cute pictures of these on the invitation cover for the desired effect. If you don’t necessarily have a theme, then just select pictures that relates to a baby. Colours are important too. Use blue for boys and pink for girls. Invitations are there to create impression and entice your guests to come in this very special day. So unleash your creativity, get that pen and have fun writing.
Baby Shower Ideas: Gifts To Consider Buying
The time of planning a baby shower is a special one. An expecting mum could be the happiest person in the world should she give birth to a little angel. And in anticipation of the new baby, baby showers are commonly held about three months before the baby is born. It is possible to hold it after the baby is born. It has advantages in doing that plus it would be little easier selecting gifts if it were held after. A higher percentage though holds it before the baby's birth.
Shopping for baby shower gifts and items could be very fun. You can give anything for the baby, from baby consumables to playthings. Choosing the best gift can be trick. To assists you in picking, you can check out these suggestions:
Buy something that the baby will use frequently. You can buy baby ointments, baby lotions, diapers, wipes, baby power, and other stuff, and place them all in a basket or any appropriate container. All babies use diapers, and no mum can live without it now a days. Most mums usually think this as a practical gift because if they get enough of it from guests, they need not purchase diapers for the baby until after a few months. That's big convenience and big savings for them. Running out of diapers during the night could be a nightmare. You can also add some medicines and vitamins for the baby. This could come in handy in times of need.
Buy something fun for the baby. You can buy toys. Good toys are those that move and produce sounds. Buy something that can be mounted on the crib. Suggestions can be baby tape player, vibrator seats, swings, bouncy seats, high chairs, or walkers. The list is endless. These toys also enhance a baby's mind development through colour, object, and sound recognition.
Buy some cute clothes. Although this could be risky since you don't know the gender the baby will be, or its weight upon birth. Try to buy rompers and shirts in medium sizes. This way you can be sure the baby can wear what you bought at least a few times. Don't buy clothes that need ironing because that's added task for mums and you wouldn't want that, of course.
Buy something useful for mummy. Gifts assisting mums caring for the baby is such a good idea. You can buy a baby carrier or slinger. It is very helpful for mums to get some cooking or cleaning done while carrying the baby. A helpful device you can buy is a diaper genie to help keep the smell down from used diapers.
Buy something for mums too. True, baby showers are for the babies. But mums, with all the excitement that they feel towards giving birth, can be apprehensive about the idea too. You can give gift certificates to moms from a shop or mall. You can give mums books or magazines about parenting. You can give them coupons or a professional house cleaner. You can prepare for them a dinner for one night and send it over. Or better yet, give delivery stubs from pizza parlours so in the event dinner can't be cooked, food can be driven over.
Baby showers are held to welcome the baby to the world. Sometimes, baby showers are held only for the first-born. It would be nice to have a shower for each of your new born child so that the baby would feel well received and wanted even from the mummy's womb. Babies are cute little blessings families are given with. Let's greet them even before they come out and join us!
Shopping for baby shower gifts and items could be very fun. You can give anything for the baby, from baby consumables to playthings. Choosing the best gift can be trick.
Shopping for baby shower gifts and items could be very fun. You can give anything for the baby, from baby consumables to playthings. Choosing the best gift can be trick. To assists you in picking, you can check out these suggestions:
Buy something that the baby will use frequently. You can buy baby ointments, baby lotions, diapers, wipes, baby power, and other stuff, and place them all in a basket or any appropriate container. All babies use diapers, and no mum can live without it now a days. Most mums usually think this as a practical gift because if they get enough of it from guests, they need not purchase diapers for the baby until after a few months. That's big convenience and big savings for them. Running out of diapers during the night could be a nightmare. You can also add some medicines and vitamins for the baby. This could come in handy in times of need.
Buy something fun for the baby. You can buy toys. Good toys are those that move and produce sounds. Buy something that can be mounted on the crib. Suggestions can be baby tape player, vibrator seats, swings, bouncy seats, high chairs, or walkers. The list is endless. These toys also enhance a baby's mind development through colour, object, and sound recognition.
Buy some cute clothes. Although this could be risky since you don't know the gender the baby will be, or its weight upon birth. Try to buy rompers and shirts in medium sizes. This way you can be sure the baby can wear what you bought at least a few times. Don't buy clothes that need ironing because that's added task for mums and you wouldn't want that, of course.
Buy something useful for mummy. Gifts assisting mums caring for the baby is such a good idea. You can buy a baby carrier or slinger. It is very helpful for mums to get some cooking or cleaning done while carrying the baby. A helpful device you can buy is a diaper genie to help keep the smell down from used diapers.
Buy something for mums too. True, baby showers are for the babies. But mums, with all the excitement that they feel towards giving birth, can be apprehensive about the idea too. You can give gift certificates to moms from a shop or mall. You can give mums books or magazines about parenting. You can give them coupons or a professional house cleaner. You can prepare for them a dinner for one night and send it over. Or better yet, give delivery stubs from pizza parlours so in the event dinner can't be cooked, food can be driven over.
Baby showers are held to welcome the baby to the world. Sometimes, baby showers are held only for the first-born. It would be nice to have a shower for each of your new born child so that the baby would feel well received and wanted even from the mummy's womb. Babies are cute little blessings families are given with. Let's greet them even before they come out and join us!
Shopping for baby shower gifts and items could be very fun. You can give anything for the baby, from baby consumables to playthings. Choosing the best gift can be trick.
Baby Shower Ideas: Choosing The Right Decorations
Choosing the right baby shower decorations are an important part of the shower planning process. Depending on the time and budget of the baby shower party, there are numerous ideas for baby shower decorations available. The host of the baby shower party can get dozens of ideas for baby shower decorations that will certainly liven up the gathering.
Baby shower decorations can be as simple or as elaborate as the host wishes. Baby shower decorations help make every baby shower party extra special for the mom-to-be. There are a number of ways to decorate a baby shower party. The possibilities for baby shower decorations are endless.
Setting up baby shower decorations
When setting up baby shower decorations, the first thing to consider is the theme of the baby shower party. The theme of the baby shower party will have a bearing on the type of baby shower decorations needed to liven up the party area. The baby shower party may have a traditional theme wherein baby shower decorations would include silver and china.
However more and more baby shower parties are adopting modern themes that make use of popular cartoon characters. The baby shower decorations for this type of baby shower party are centred on the specific character used as theme. Many stores that specialize in baby shower decorations have a wide assortment of designs for baby shower decorations.
Ideas for baby shower decorations
Baby shower decorations need not be big and expensive. Imagination and creativity play a big part in the selection and arrangement of baby shower decorations. With a little ingenuity, putting together a baby shower party need not break the bank.
When setting up the area of the baby shower party, it is often best to stick to simple baby shower decorations that will not make the place look too gaudy. Seasonal flowers and a number of party toys for baby shower decorations make for a simple yet cosy gathering for a baby shower party among family and friends.
For a more elaborate baby shower party, baby shower decorations will include a lot more than flowers and a few toys. But fortunately most of these items can be re-used for other occasions like a child's birthday party. Or the host may give the baby shower decorations to the couple after the party as souvenirs or toys for the new baby.
Inexpensive baby shower decorations
Balloons are a great way to perk up the scene of any party. Colourful balloons can be arranged together to create a focal point at the tables of the baby shower party. In addition, to prevent the balloons from flying off, small baby items like baby bottles or soft plush toys can be tied at the end of the string.
Everyday, ordinary baby items also make great baby shower decorations. A baby bath tub can be used as a punch bowl during the baby shower party. The tub may also be used as a receptacle to hold the different gifts given by guests for the mom-to-be. The tub may be decorated with ribbons and balloons to coincide with the theme of the party.
Umbrellas also make for interesting baby shower decorations. These may be hung upside down from the ceiling with colourful streamers tied to the ends of the umbrellas.
Baby shower decorations can be created from simple items. Resourcefulness is the key to creating wonderful baby shower decorations that don't cost much.
Baby shower decorations can be as simple or as elaborate as the host wishes. Baby shower decorations help make every baby shower party extra special for the mom-to-be. There are a number of ways to decorate a baby shower party. The possibilities for baby shower decorations are endless.
Setting up baby shower decorations
When setting up baby shower decorations, the first thing to consider is the theme of the baby shower party. The theme of the baby shower party will have a bearing on the type of baby shower decorations needed to liven up the party area. The baby shower party may have a traditional theme wherein baby shower decorations would include silver and china.
However more and more baby shower parties are adopting modern themes that make use of popular cartoon characters. The baby shower decorations for this type of baby shower party are centred on the specific character used as theme. Many stores that specialize in baby shower decorations have a wide assortment of designs for baby shower decorations.
Ideas for baby shower decorations
Baby shower decorations need not be big and expensive. Imagination and creativity play a big part in the selection and arrangement of baby shower decorations. With a little ingenuity, putting together a baby shower party need not break the bank.
When setting up the area of the baby shower party, it is often best to stick to simple baby shower decorations that will not make the place look too gaudy. Seasonal flowers and a number of party toys for baby shower decorations make for a simple yet cosy gathering for a baby shower party among family and friends.
For a more elaborate baby shower party, baby shower decorations will include a lot more than flowers and a few toys. But fortunately most of these items can be re-used for other occasions like a child's birthday party. Or the host may give the baby shower decorations to the couple after the party as souvenirs or toys for the new baby.
Inexpensive baby shower decorations
Balloons are a great way to perk up the scene of any party. Colourful balloons can be arranged together to create a focal point at the tables of the baby shower party. In addition, to prevent the balloons from flying off, small baby items like baby bottles or soft plush toys can be tied at the end of the string.
Everyday, ordinary baby items also make great baby shower decorations. A baby bath tub can be used as a punch bowl during the baby shower party. The tub may also be used as a receptacle to hold the different gifts given by guests for the mom-to-be. The tub may be decorated with ribbons and balloons to coincide with the theme of the party.
Umbrellas also make for interesting baby shower decorations. These may be hung upside down from the ceiling with colourful streamers tied to the ends of the umbrellas.
Baby shower decorations can be created from simple items. Resourcefulness is the key to creating wonderful baby shower decorations that don't cost much.
Baby Shower Graphics - Do You Want The Good Or Bad News First
The good news is we are having a baby and the bad news is all the expense that comes with the upkeep of raising the infant. The funny thing about it all is - how we have to start paying out before the baby is even on the scene. The first part where costs start to incur is with the holding of a baby shower party.
Baby Shower Graphics need not cause your pocket sorrow as these can be done by your own creative hand.
Once the host to the baby shower party has organised all other activities like the games and what food is to be eaten, they will take the next steps to securing a successful party by applying the Baby Shower Graphics. It is this part of the occasion that will surely attract the attention of those invited.
If the mother-to-be has decided on a theme for the baby shower get together then the graphics can be implemented right away. Picture graphics to match the décor of the room, on the invitations or engraved on the gift favours, will add to your venue. What every baby shower has or should have is a colourful atmosphere.
To save on the pennies you should consider printing out your very own personalised invitations. Pictures relating to your theme can be found on the internet, which you can use as your Baby Shower Graphics. Designing your own invitations will not only cut costs but give you a great feeling of self worth because of your achievement.
By adding Baby Shower Graphics to the invitation or thank you cards you will give the guest an insight to what the baby shower party is all about - also an added bonus is where you get to put your feelings into words on the invites.
If the gender of the new baby has been identified then use coloured card for invites that match the sex of baby- once again by doing this you have helped the guest by letting them know that the new baby is going to be a boy/girl. This will aid the guest in making the appropriate gift donation. In a nutshell - no returning of a blue pacifier should the baby be a girl.
Have your own Baby Shower Graphics movie show by having a projection of images displayed on the wall of your venue where the celebration is to take place. Animated movements and rotation goes down well at baby parties.
Scattered cushions around the room with embroidered pictures of different Disney characters will brighten up the whole occasion, making the whole scene stand out in saying this day is all about baby.
A good idea to make this baby shower a success is to have all the guests come dressed up in costume relating to the theme, and reward the winner with a prize for the best turned out. Warning - if there is a possibility of favouritism then have the guests wear masks and ask them not to utter a word so that there is no voice recognition till the judging is done. Do the judging right away, as soon as everyone has arrived.
Guests can personalise their gifts with Baby Shower Graphics also. If the chosen topic is known in advance then blend it into your baby gift. Items like baby mugs, engraved pictures or a baby gift basket filled with goodies will be a nice a gesture.
Baby Shower Graphics need not cause your pocket sorrow as these can be done by your own creative hand.
Once the host to the baby shower party has organised all other activities like the games and what food is to be eaten, they will take the next steps to securing a successful party by applying the Baby Shower Graphics. It is this part of the occasion that will surely attract the attention of those invited.
If the mother-to-be has decided on a theme for the baby shower get together then the graphics can be implemented right away. Picture graphics to match the décor of the room, on the invitations or engraved on the gift favours, will add to your venue. What every baby shower has or should have is a colourful atmosphere.
To save on the pennies you should consider printing out your very own personalised invitations. Pictures relating to your theme can be found on the internet, which you can use as your Baby Shower Graphics. Designing your own invitations will not only cut costs but give you a great feeling of self worth because of your achievement.
By adding Baby Shower Graphics to the invitation or thank you cards you will give the guest an insight to what the baby shower party is all about - also an added bonus is where you get to put your feelings into words on the invites.
If the gender of the new baby has been identified then use coloured card for invites that match the sex of baby- once again by doing this you have helped the guest by letting them know that the new baby is going to be a boy/girl. This will aid the guest in making the appropriate gift donation. In a nutshell - no returning of a blue pacifier should the baby be a girl.
Have your own Baby Shower Graphics movie show by having a projection of images displayed on the wall of your venue where the celebration is to take place. Animated movements and rotation goes down well at baby parties.
Scattered cushions around the room with embroidered pictures of different Disney characters will brighten up the whole occasion, making the whole scene stand out in saying this day is all about baby.
A good idea to make this baby shower a success is to have all the guests come dressed up in costume relating to the theme, and reward the winner with a prize for the best turned out. Warning - if there is a possibility of favouritism then have the guests wear masks and ask them not to utter a word so that there is no voice recognition till the judging is done. Do the judging right away, as soon as everyone has arrived.
Guests can personalise their gifts with Baby Shower Graphics also. If the chosen topic is known in advance then blend it into your baby gift. Items like baby mugs, engraved pictures or a baby gift basket filled with goodies will be a nice a gesture.
Baby Shower Gifts - Perfect Gift For A Mummy And Daddy
There are many different ways of celebrating a new baby on the way. The options are endless. It is the holding of a baby shower party which is the most popular where guests bring along baby shower gifts for the mother-to-be. All presents are normally items that mother and baby need, thus helping the new parent in raising the baby.
Looking for ideas on what to give will not be a problem but what you have to remember when buying baby shower gifts is, it is not about you and your likes and dislikes. The new mum-to-be may not have the same opinion on what you see as pretty or not. Stick with the essentials and you cannot go far wrong. By doing this you know that your baby shower gift will be truly appreciated especially if it helps towards reducing the new parents cost allowance in raising the baby.
If you are not sure of what the essentials are then the list below may help you decide on what to bring as your gift to the party.
1. Nappies may not be the most fanciful of gifts to bestow but certainly the most practical. We all know that you can never have too many nappies of which mummy will find out a little later when baby is here. Nappies can be very costly so I am sure that this baby shower gift will not be snubbed. You have two types of nappy - the disposable or cloth. A tip for the parent, if you receive cloth and don’t intend to use them then why not cut into neat square strips and use for baby flannels - you will need them come bath time.
2. Bottles and Pacifiers are fabulous gift items but need to be chosen with care e.g. colours, pacifiers in blue don’t suit little girls or vice or versa. This sort of gift picking can be a nightmare because baby can be picky on what they are comfortable and content with.
3. If you choose to buy baby clothes as your baby shower gift always go for a size bigger or bigger again as babies are not babies for long. Selecting what clothes to buy will be a lot simpler if the sex of the baby is known or the month baby is due. By having this information under your hat your choice regarding colours and which outfit for the season will make your task easier.
4. Toys make ideal presents but once again the sex of the baby is definitely a plus to know. You can help boost baby’s mind with self educational stuff, things like classic story baby books, video and music CDs even cuddly bears which often becomes baby’s companion at bedtime.
5. Bath time and babies, they either love or hate the water. For babies that love to splash then perfect gifts are baby shower bath toys. For infants who are dubious in taking the plunge you have to make this experience as enjoyable as you can by giving little excites like cute rubber ducks bright and colourful. Scented bath rubs like lavender cologne or even bubble bath may help baby relax more. Towels/flannels are among other gifts warmly welcomed for help to easing bath time pressure, mopping up splashed water. This is a time for wetsuits believe me.
If all fails at bath time in keeping the agitated baby content and the baby shower gifts are not helping to overcome the fear then you have no option but to play clown for a while. The more action around baby at this time e.g. a mad mummy and daddy dunking their head under water may just help baby to forget why he/she made all the fuss in the first place.
Looking for ideas on what to give will not be a problem but what you have to remember when buying baby shower gifts is, it is not about you and your likes and dislikes. The new mum-to-be may not have the same opinion on what you see as pretty or not. Stick with the essentials and you cannot go far wrong. By doing this you know that your baby shower gift will be truly appreciated especially if it helps towards reducing the new parents cost allowance in raising the baby.
If you are not sure of what the essentials are then the list below may help you decide on what to bring as your gift to the party.
1. Nappies may not be the most fanciful of gifts to bestow but certainly the most practical. We all know that you can never have too many nappies of which mummy will find out a little later when baby is here. Nappies can be very costly so I am sure that this baby shower gift will not be snubbed. You have two types of nappy - the disposable or cloth. A tip for the parent, if you receive cloth and don’t intend to use them then why not cut into neat square strips and use for baby flannels - you will need them come bath time.
2. Bottles and Pacifiers are fabulous gift items but need to be chosen with care e.g. colours, pacifiers in blue don’t suit little girls or vice or versa. This sort of gift picking can be a nightmare because baby can be picky on what they are comfortable and content with.
3. If you choose to buy baby clothes as your baby shower gift always go for a size bigger or bigger again as babies are not babies for long. Selecting what clothes to buy will be a lot simpler if the sex of the baby is known or the month baby is due. By having this information under your hat your choice regarding colours and which outfit for the season will make your task easier.
4. Toys make ideal presents but once again the sex of the baby is definitely a plus to know. You can help boost baby’s mind with self educational stuff, things like classic story baby books, video and music CDs even cuddly bears which often becomes baby’s companion at bedtime.
5. Bath time and babies, they either love or hate the water. For babies that love to splash then perfect gifts are baby shower bath toys. For infants who are dubious in taking the plunge you have to make this experience as enjoyable as you can by giving little excites like cute rubber ducks bright and colourful. Scented bath rubs like lavender cologne or even bubble bath may help baby relax more. Towels/flannels are among other gifts warmly welcomed for help to easing bath time pressure, mopping up splashed water. This is a time for wetsuits believe me.
If all fails at bath time in keeping the agitated baby content and the baby shower gifts are not helping to overcome the fear then you have no option but to play clown for a while. The more action around baby at this time e.g. a mad mummy and daddy dunking their head under water may just help baby to forget why he/she made all the fuss in the first place.
Baby Shower Gift Idea Brainstorming
Choosing the right baby shower gift is very important and you should give it some serious thought. Baby showers are one of the best occasions for gift giving. But if you're one of those people who are completely clueless when it comes to babies, then this could be a difficult situation for you.
Here are some suggestions and tips on how to find a gift for those cute babies:
1. Just go to any mall and browse through the toy department section. You should be able to choose something that a baby will love. Remember that little babies are delicate creatures, so stay away from toys that might potentially harm them. Soft toys, baby books, baby apparels are some of the more ideal presents that are suitable for babies. If you find that you are still having trouble deciding on a purchase, ask a friendly salesperson to assist you.
2. Most pregnant women have a registry account that specifies the items that they need for their babies. This makes the process of gift giving so much easier for friends and family. This also takes out the guess work out of the equation. So if you're not one of those people that are not crazy about surprises, you can always just check the expectant mother’s list to find out exactly what type of gift she wants.
3. Ask your friends who are parents to assist you in your time of need. Ask them to impart their wisdom onto you, and discuss the things that a baby might need.
4. Do an inventory with your other friends whom you know would also be giving baby gifts for this occasion. This way, you don't end up buying the same things.
5. If you feel that your inadequacy when it comes to selecting a baby shower gift is insurmountable , you can always just beg one of your friends who are more baby friendly to tag along with you. This way, you are saved the embarrassment of your severe indecision when it comes time to select the perfect giant rubber ducky.
6. You can just always buy baby clothes! If you consider yourself posh, and live for fashion, then this is your chance to shine! Who knows your style might even influence the future generation to come to carry on your fashion forward sensibilities!
7. Baby jewellery looks cute on babies! Baby bracelets, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks and tie bars for boys, are just dandy! Babies can't have enough cute things in their armoury, so do your share and contribute to the storage!
8. Invest on their minds and buy tons of baby books. Who knows, you just might be the honorary aunt or uncle of a future Einstein! You can't go wrong with books. Education is truly a gift!
9. If you want to be loved, bestow the gift of a baby saving's bond. This helps ensure a kid's future. This way when the baby grows up, you will always be remembered as the generous person that you are.
10. Baby shower gift baskets are reliable and practical gifts. They contain everything that a baby will need. Baby shower gift baskets have themes. Bath time baby baskets usually contain baby items like a set of comb and brushes, towels, grooming kits and the likes, and of course, the ever reliable rubber ducky.
It's not really that hard to come up with a baby shower gift idea. For those who are not enthusiastic about babies, and consider them little brats, well shame on you! Good thing this is your lucky day, so you can just pick a baby shower gift idea from one of the suggestions written above.
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