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.
Showing posts with label baby shower. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby shower. Show all posts
Thursday, 18 March 2010
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.
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: 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.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Baby Shower Games - Less Bills More Thrills
Game festivities are guaranteed to liven up and thrill the guests invited along to your baby shower party. Baby’s day should be fun filled action packed and full of laughter and a sure way for this to happen is when Baby Shower Games are in play.
You don't have to be at a loose end when it comes to providing entertainment for the guest invites attending the baby shower party. One of the best options for additional fun is to play games.
Have your friends and family join in The Name Game
The start of this game is where you ask the players to write down two names for the baby, and then ask them to find as many words as they can from their chosen names. The winner will be the player with the most names. Be sure to mention before play that words with less than three letters are not valid.
To make the name game even more exciting ask the guests to keep the names they chose a secret from the other entrants. The reason for this is because they will be given the opportunity to guess from the words made up what names were chosen at the beginning of the name game.
Feeding Time is another particular favourite; this is game where cotton balls are placed into a basin with another empty basin at the side. Blind fold the players for this game who will then be prompted to transfer the cotton balls from one basin to the other with the aid of a spoon. Put a time limit on this game because this game is not as easy as it looks. The winner is the one with the most cotton balls moved.
Another unusual named game is the Rice Bowl but very popular at baby shower occasions. Take a bowl and fill it half-way with plain uncooked rice. Into the rice throw in safety pins (be careful with safety pins). Blind folded once again the guests task is to take turns in retrieving the pins.
Guess the Guest is a real fun game where guests are asked to bring a picture along of when they were a baby, On entrance to the baby shower celebration these photos will be handed to whoever is in charge of the entertainment scene. Participants in this game join in the fun by identifying the picture and putting the right face to the right person.
Baby Shower Games highlight the whole of the occasion adding fun and laughter. Most games entail being blind folded. A word of warning - too many of these baby shower games then you don't get to see as much of the baby shower as you would like!
You don't have to be at a loose end when it comes to providing entertainment for the guest invites attending the baby shower party. One of the best options for additional fun is to play games.
Have your friends and family join in The Name Game
The start of this game is where you ask the players to write down two names for the baby, and then ask them to find as many words as they can from their chosen names. The winner will be the player with the most names. Be sure to mention before play that words with less than three letters are not valid.
To make the name game even more exciting ask the guests to keep the names they chose a secret from the other entrants. The reason for this is because they will be given the opportunity to guess from the words made up what names were chosen at the beginning of the name game.
Feeding Time is another particular favourite; this is game where cotton balls are placed into a basin with another empty basin at the side. Blind fold the players for this game who will then be prompted to transfer the cotton balls from one basin to the other with the aid of a spoon. Put a time limit on this game because this game is not as easy as it looks. The winner is the one with the most cotton balls moved.
Another unusual named game is the Rice Bowl but very popular at baby shower occasions. Take a bowl and fill it half-way with plain uncooked rice. Into the rice throw in safety pins (be careful with safety pins). Blind folded once again the guests task is to take turns in retrieving the pins.
Guess the Guest is a real fun game where guests are asked to bring a picture along of when they were a baby, On entrance to the baby shower celebration these photos will be handed to whoever is in charge of the entertainment scene. Participants in this game join in the fun by identifying the picture and putting the right face to the right person.
Baby Shower Games highlight the whole of the occasion adding fun and laughter. Most games entail being blind folded. A word of warning - too many of these baby shower games then you don't get to see as much of the baby shower as you would like!
Baby Shower And Motherhood Celebration
A baby shower is a good way to welcome an expecting woman to motherhood. It doesn’t even matter whether the baby shower that is being celebrated is the mother’s first or not. Baby showers are fun events especially for women, and women no matter the age love girl parties.
Baby shower events are not as stiff today as tradition dictated. Anyone can participate in a baby shower unlike before when only non-relatives can. What is important is someone cared enough to initiate the shower except of course the mother.
A baby shower is a celebration of motherhood as well as celebrating birth and fertility. And so a baby shower should pose no restrictions. Anyone can initiate it. Close friends, a sister or even a group of people so long as they want to share the fun and responsibilities in hosting the event.
The best people to be invited to baby shower parties are those that are in the expectant mothers list. The best way to kick the invitations off is through the good old-fashioned hand written messages. E-mails and other electronic devices can be used invite guests but handwritten messages are the best medium to set the tone of the party. If the celebration were not for a first born, it would be safer to invite only the soon-to-be-mothers and those that haven’t attended a baby shower yet.
Traditionally, males are not invited to baby shower parties but in today’s more open interaction, there could be males who would genuinely want to experience what baby showers are. If so, have them in but prepare food for them other than the traditional artsy cutesy food. There are just tastes that males would always prefer. The games also have to be designed so that the male guests do not remain spectators and observers during the entire celebration.
The ideal date to hold a baby shower is about one to two months before the baby arrives. This is also a good lead-time for the expecting mother to shop around for items for the infant that has been missed in the gift giving. Baby showers are best held in the mothers’ house or backyard but it can also be just as fine in any function hall and the church’s fellowship area.
One of the most lively and exciting parts in the baby shower party is during gift giving. This can be made more exciting if each guest has a theme for her present. Gift baskets are popular and can easily be themed. Bathtubs, linen, infant accessory baskets, toy bins, hampers, name it, theming can easily be done and in a more creative way. While baby showers are dedicated to motherhood, it would also be a good idea to give gifts to the baby that fathers would appreciate like bibs and linen with an “I love my dad” on it.
It will be presumed that second time mothers would require less baby gear. If that is so, gifts for the mother will also be appropriate like gift checks, and nursing accessories.
Baby showers are great ways to express affinity and friendship. Everyone appreciates kind and well-intentioned thoughts. Parents all over the world are flattered when their children are appreciated. Baby showers are one of the events that anyone can use to rekindle bonds and relationships.
Baby shower events are not as stiff today as tradition dictated. Anyone can participate in a baby shower unlike before when only non-relatives can. What is important is someone cared enough to initiate the shower except of course the mother.
A baby shower is a celebration of motherhood as well as celebrating birth and fertility. And so a baby shower should pose no restrictions. Anyone can initiate it. Close friends, a sister or even a group of people so long as they want to share the fun and responsibilities in hosting the event.
The best people to be invited to baby shower parties are those that are in the expectant mothers list. The best way to kick the invitations off is through the good old-fashioned hand written messages. E-mails and other electronic devices can be used invite guests but handwritten messages are the best medium to set the tone of the party. If the celebration were not for a first born, it would be safer to invite only the soon-to-be-mothers and those that haven’t attended a baby shower yet.
Traditionally, males are not invited to baby shower parties but in today’s more open interaction, there could be males who would genuinely want to experience what baby showers are. If so, have them in but prepare food for them other than the traditional artsy cutesy food. There are just tastes that males would always prefer. The games also have to be designed so that the male guests do not remain spectators and observers during the entire celebration.
The ideal date to hold a baby shower is about one to two months before the baby arrives. This is also a good lead-time for the expecting mother to shop around for items for the infant that has been missed in the gift giving. Baby showers are best held in the mothers’ house or backyard but it can also be just as fine in any function hall and the church’s fellowship area.
One of the most lively and exciting parts in the baby shower party is during gift giving. This can be made more exciting if each guest has a theme for her present. Gift baskets are popular and can easily be themed. Bathtubs, linen, infant accessory baskets, toy bins, hampers, name it, theming can easily be done and in a more creative way. While baby showers are dedicated to motherhood, it would also be a good idea to give gifts to the baby that fathers would appreciate like bibs and linen with an “I love my dad” on it.
It will be presumed that second time mothers would require less baby gear. If that is so, gifts for the mother will also be appropriate like gift checks, and nursing accessories.
Baby showers are great ways to express affinity and friendship. Everyone appreciates kind and well-intentioned thoughts. Parents all over the world are flattered when their children are appreciated. Baby showers are one of the events that anyone can use to rekindle bonds and relationships.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
What do you buy a new born baby?
So your friends have had a baby, and you’re wondering what to get them for a gift. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking - you might not like all of them, but hopefully there will be something here that appeals to you.
The first, and most obvious, candidate for a baby gift has to be clothes. Many people are reluctant to buy clothes in advance of the birth because they’re not sure what gender the baby is going to be, but don’t let that put you off – white clothes are nice-looking and gender-neutral. It will depend on where you live, but the best baby clothes tend to be soft, fluffy things that can keep the baby cosy and warm. Do realise, however, that clothes aren’t exactly an original gift, and the couple might already be snowed under with them.
Toys are another favourite, although it can be difficult to know what to get. Things like mobiles and other brightly coloured things that the baby can swipe at tend to be a good choice, as are rattles and soft toys that make noises. You will probably win more points with the parents by getting more educational baby toys, such as those with shapes or animal noises, instead of ones that just seem cool.
If you want to think more unconventionally, though, there are plenty of things to consider. Why not buy (or contribute towards) a cot, or a pushchair? Why not start a savings fund for the baby, with a decent chunk of money to get it started? Or you could buy nappies, or bath stuff, or whatever – take a look at the baby section in any shop to get plenty of ideas.
One last idea: with all this focus on things for the baby, maybe the parents are feeling a little left out, with no presents for them and no money or time left to treat themselves for a good long while. A nice thing to do is to get a present for the parents, as it will probably be the only thing they get for themselves, and they’ll be pleased that someone thought of them.
Your Guide To Baby Shower Planning
With baby showers, as with all important events, often the details can get in the way of the hosts enjoyment of the party! Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time and enjoy yourself. A baby is on the way and the baby shower is your welcome home gift. Answer these questions before you begin and your baby shower is sure to be a success.
Who Does What?
Assign tasks. Delegating duties will let you direct and handle mishaps rather than handle everything as well as mishaps. Of course, enlisting friends and family requires their agreement so ask them well in advance of the baby shower.
How Much Will You Spend?
Set aside a certain amount of money for each part of the baby shower and stick to it. Make sure your list is thorough and that your expected expenditures are realistic. Don’t forget the paper plates and cups and napkins! Assigning others to bring things you need will help you cut down on baby shower expenses.
Who’s Coming?
Ask the new parents who they want at their baby shower and get the addresses at least a month in advance. You will need addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Get the invitations out no less than 3 weeks before the day of the baby shower.
What’s Your Theme?
1930s Flapper baby shower? Maybe a picnic in the park? Whatever you choose, make sure that your guests know what to expect. If your budget allows, have the baby shower invitations made up in the theme of the expected party. Personalised invitations are cheaper than you might think, and they help generate a feeling of excitement amongst the invited guests and friends.
What Food Will You Serve?
The food for your baby shower should reflect the theme, but make sure you choose something that the Mum to be likes. Pregnant women have aversions and cravings and catering to these is an essential aspect of the baby shower. Don’t get too hung up here – a finger buffet is always best. This is way less formal than a set menu and dining time, and less expensive also.
Where Should You Hold the Baby Shower?
Wherever you choose, it should be easy to find, comfortable for the number of guests you’ve invited and inexpensive to you.
When Should You Hold the Baby Shower?
It’s the new mu’s choice! She may want to hold it in the middle of her pregnancy or wait until after the baby is born. When you pick a date and time, stick with it!
What Games Will You Play?
What prizes will you give away? What will you need so that all of your guests can play the games? Make sure you choose plenty of back up baby shower games in case things go a little too slow and need some livening up!
Who Does What?
Assign tasks. Delegating duties will let you direct and handle mishaps rather than handle everything as well as mishaps. Of course, enlisting friends and family requires their agreement so ask them well in advance of the baby shower.
How Much Will You Spend?
Set aside a certain amount of money for each part of the baby shower and stick to it. Make sure your list is thorough and that your expected expenditures are realistic. Don’t forget the paper plates and cups and napkins! Assigning others to bring things you need will help you cut down on baby shower expenses.
Who’s Coming?
Ask the new parents who they want at their baby shower and get the addresses at least a month in advance. You will need addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Get the invitations out no less than 3 weeks before the day of the baby shower.
What’s Your Theme?
1930s Flapper baby shower? Maybe a picnic in the park? Whatever you choose, make sure that your guests know what to expect. If your budget allows, have the baby shower invitations made up in the theme of the expected party. Personalised invitations are cheaper than you might think, and they help generate a feeling of excitement amongst the invited guests and friends.
What Food Will You Serve?
The food for your baby shower should reflect the theme, but make sure you choose something that the Mum to be likes. Pregnant women have aversions and cravings and catering to these is an essential aspect of the baby shower. Don’t get too hung up here – a finger buffet is always best. This is way less formal than a set menu and dining time, and less expensive also.
Where Should You Hold the Baby Shower?
Wherever you choose, it should be easy to find, comfortable for the number of guests you’ve invited and inexpensive to you.
When Should You Hold the Baby Shower?
It’s the new mu’s choice! She may want to hold it in the middle of her pregnancy or wait until after the baby is born. When you pick a date and time, stick with it!
What Games Will You Play?
What prizes will you give away? What will you need so that all of your guests can play the games? Make sure you choose plenty of back up baby shower games in case things go a little too slow and need some livening up!
Tips For Planning Great Baby Showers
Baby showers are parties thrown for friends that are pregnant. This practice has significantly changed over the course of the years and has gradually become more and more elaborate and planned.
Baby showers can make an expectant mother feel more secure in the fact that her friends are all pulling for her and giving moral and financial support. Usually the baby shower is organized by non-relatives. But today, there is isn’t abnormal to find family members, support group members, church friends and pretty much anyone except the expecting mother.
Inviting the Guests
Who should you invite? Usually, the guest list will only include those nearest and dearest to the expectant mother. It wouldn’t hurt if she gets a first look at the guest list so that she can suggest who should be invited. If you are planning a surprise baby shower, you will have to do a little research on who should be attending instead of running the list through the expectant mother.
If the child is not a firstborn, you may opt to keep the number of guests down to the closest to the mother. Firstborn baby showers tend to have a larger guest list since it is, after all, the mother’s first time.
The thing to remember is that the nature of baby showers is intimacy. So, for any baby shower party, try making the gathering one of intimate friends.
You could use informal ways to invite these guests: email, phone and others. Invitation cards and other letters are the best way, however, as they provide a tangible, traceable evidence of invitation. Plus, it is the most sure and formal way to invite a person – and in many cultures – the only way.
What About the Guys
The nature of the party is probably going to tend towards the feminine side; if the organizers of the party have a provision for this, then inviting men would be fine. It also depends on the men, since the party may dwell on topics such as pregnancy, children, and other motherly topics, they might not be that excited to join. All in all, it depends on the preference of the organizers.
Venue
Anywhere! As long as it can keep with the placid and fun nature of the occasion, any place would be fine. The more usual places on baby shower lists are backyards, formal halls, restaurants, and basically any room that has the amenities to make a baby shower successful. Just make sure the venue is not crowded and stressful to the mother-to-be. It also pays to make sure the venue is set long before the actual baby shower happens.
When to Throw a Baby Shower
Usually this is one or two months before her due. The baby shower is the perfect time to get your friend baby needs and stuff she may not have had time to purchase yet. It has to be well-timed though – not too close to the due date, and not to far as to whittle down the excitement.
Baby showers are a pleasant surprise to expecting mothers. It takes a lot of the stress of expecting a child off of their minds and provides a means for friends to show support and concern (and of course, baby gifts) to expecting friends.
A properly coordinated baby shower will be greatly appreciated and forever remembered by mothers long after they have delivered their children.
Baby showers can make an expectant mother feel more secure in the fact that her friends are all pulling for her and giving moral and financial support. Usually the baby shower is organized by non-relatives. But today, there is isn’t abnormal to find family members, support group members, church friends and pretty much anyone except the expecting mother.
Inviting the Guests
Who should you invite? Usually, the guest list will only include those nearest and dearest to the expectant mother. It wouldn’t hurt if she gets a first look at the guest list so that she can suggest who should be invited. If you are planning a surprise baby shower, you will have to do a little research on who should be attending instead of running the list through the expectant mother.
If the child is not a firstborn, you may opt to keep the number of guests down to the closest to the mother. Firstborn baby showers tend to have a larger guest list since it is, after all, the mother’s first time.
The thing to remember is that the nature of baby showers is intimacy. So, for any baby shower party, try making the gathering one of intimate friends.
You could use informal ways to invite these guests: email, phone and others. Invitation cards and other letters are the best way, however, as they provide a tangible, traceable evidence of invitation. Plus, it is the most sure and formal way to invite a person – and in many cultures – the only way.
What About the Guys
The nature of the party is probably going to tend towards the feminine side; if the organizers of the party have a provision for this, then inviting men would be fine. It also depends on the men, since the party may dwell on topics such as pregnancy, children, and other motherly topics, they might not be that excited to join. All in all, it depends on the preference of the organizers.
Venue
Anywhere! As long as it can keep with the placid and fun nature of the occasion, any place would be fine. The more usual places on baby shower lists are backyards, formal halls, restaurants, and basically any room that has the amenities to make a baby shower successful. Just make sure the venue is not crowded and stressful to the mother-to-be. It also pays to make sure the venue is set long before the actual baby shower happens.
When to Throw a Baby Shower
Usually this is one or two months before her due. The baby shower is the perfect time to get your friend baby needs and stuff she may not have had time to purchase yet. It has to be well-timed though – not too close to the due date, and not to far as to whittle down the excitement.
Baby showers are a pleasant surprise to expecting mothers. It takes a lot of the stress of expecting a child off of their minds and provides a means for friends to show support and concern (and of course, baby gifts) to expecting friends.
A properly coordinated baby shower will be greatly appreciated and forever remembered by mothers long after they have delivered their children.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
A Baby Shower Really Is A Time for Celebration For Everyone
Celebrating the upcoming arrival of a new baby is exciting but at the same time, it's often a situation in which both parents can feel much anxiety. These feelings of anxiety are especially strong for first-time parents. There is so much to know and so many different items are needed to provide proper infant care.
The idea of the baby shower came about as both a special time for family and friends to be together before the baby's arrival and also to help relieve the financial burden on parents-to-be by supplying them with many of the new gadgets, furnishings and accessories they'll need once their baby arrives.
And even though today most people prefer to break out of the 'traditional' mould, when it comes to a baby shower, these events for the most part still adhere to traditional guidelines. Probably one of the biggest changes to the baby shower format is that they're no longer exclusively for women. Plenty of men make it onto today's baby shower guest list and those who are invited don't come grudgingly. While they might not play in all the baby shower games, men do enjoy the opportunity to give their regards to the expectant mother- and father-to-be.
In some cultures however, a baby shower is considered a sign of bad luck. If there's a chance the expectant mother might feel this way, be sure to check with her before proceeding with the baby shower.
In some parts of the world the baby shower is actually held after the baby is born. This makes sense since a baby shower is a celebration of the baby and guests enjoy actually seeing the one who is being celebrated. It's also easier to select gender-appropriate colours and gifts and should the gift need engraving, guests have all the delivery details they need.
Having the baby shower after the baby's birth does make sense, but it's a very busy time for new parents. Plus, many of the baby items the expectant parent(s) need are needed as soon as the baby arrives home. That's why scheduling the baby shower before the baby's birth is the more common option.
The baby shower itself is traditional and for the most part, every shower involves the same activities. Guest lists and invitations need to be created and mailed. The shower location needs to be decorated. Guests expect to be entertained so food, drink and games need to be coordinated. And because it's a special occasion, there might even be a photographer and/or videographer, musician and other special talent participating in the festivities.
A baby shower can be a big to-do with lots of little details to coordinate and every detail is going to cost money. That's why it's highly advisable for whoever is hosting the shower to put together (and stick to) a workable budget.
Pulling off a successful special event like a baby shower doesn't take special talent, it takes a well-thought out plan that includes a timeline and a budget.
The idea of the baby shower came about as both a special time for family and friends to be together before the baby's arrival and also to help relieve the financial burden on parents-to-be by supplying them with many of the new gadgets, furnishings and accessories they'll need once their baby arrives.
And even though today most people prefer to break out of the 'traditional' mould, when it comes to a baby shower, these events for the most part still adhere to traditional guidelines. Probably one of the biggest changes to the baby shower format is that they're no longer exclusively for women. Plenty of men make it onto today's baby shower guest list and those who are invited don't come grudgingly. While they might not play in all the baby shower games, men do enjoy the opportunity to give their regards to the expectant mother- and father-to-be.
In some cultures however, a baby shower is considered a sign of bad luck. If there's a chance the expectant mother might feel this way, be sure to check with her before proceeding with the baby shower.
In some parts of the world the baby shower is actually held after the baby is born. This makes sense since a baby shower is a celebration of the baby and guests enjoy actually seeing the one who is being celebrated. It's also easier to select gender-appropriate colours and gifts and should the gift need engraving, guests have all the delivery details they need.
Having the baby shower after the baby's birth does make sense, but it's a very busy time for new parents. Plus, many of the baby items the expectant parent(s) need are needed as soon as the baby arrives home. That's why scheduling the baby shower before the baby's birth is the more common option.
The baby shower itself is traditional and for the most part, every shower involves the same activities. Guest lists and invitations need to be created and mailed. The shower location needs to be decorated. Guests expect to be entertained so food, drink and games need to be coordinated. And because it's a special occasion, there might even be a photographer and/or videographer, musician and other special talent participating in the festivities.
A baby shower can be a big to-do with lots of little details to coordinate and every detail is going to cost money. That's why it's highly advisable for whoever is hosting the shower to put together (and stick to) a workable budget.
Pulling off a successful special event like a baby shower doesn't take special talent, it takes a well-thought out plan that includes a timeline and a budget.
A Baby Footprint Makes A Great Baby Shower Invitation
If you are like many people you can easily get stuck when it comes to the baby shower invitation. Finding the location, creating the guest lists and buying a cake can seem easy compared to picking the right invitation. The baby shower invitation will be the first impression that the guests will have of the event. It is therefore important to convey a message through the baby shower invitation. One really fun and very popular way to do this is use a baby footprint in the invitation. It is hard to resist the charm of a tiny little baby footprint. Baby shower invitations with a footprint are so irresistible be will just have to come to the shower.
So here are some creative ideas that you can use in creating your own baby shower footprint invitation.
1. Printed - A simple printed baby footprint can be a ton of fun. You can use a silhouette of a baby footprint to make the design. This will show the heel, toes and side of the foot. It will look as if a baby stepped in ink and then stamped the card with their feet. You can find clip art online by searching, use a stamp, use a real baby or even just freehand draw your own.
To put a little action into the baby shower footprint invitation you can make a series of footprints and make them decrease in size from large to smaller. This will give the illusion that the person leaving the prints is walking into the card. This is a great way to draw the attention of the viewer into the card and then place your important text information right above this.
2. Stamps - Stamping has become a very popular craft and is use widely among printers and crafters in the business of making invitations. You can easily purchase baby footprint stamps of varying sizes from your local craft store or on the Internet. These can make a fun and fancy decoration to the invitation. There are so many things you can do by varying the colours, size of the stamp and the paper the possibilities are really endless.
For example pick a cute pink (for girls) or a blue (for boys) ink pad and stamp a tiny border made up of footprints all around the invitation. Don’t worry too much about making them all straight or in line just have fun and stamp at random. This will give the invitation a light fun feeling.
As an alternative you can purchase a large stamp and simply stamp a big filled in silhouetted image smack dab in the middle of the invitation. Then you can creatively with fun coloured pens write all around the footprint following the outline of it. This makes another fun creative and even whimsical invitation.
3. Embossing - This is where the baby footprint is raised from the page. There are two types of embossing. The first is by using a professional printer and paying to have the cards done. A printer can actually emboss the paper and have a raised footprint right in the paper. A baby footprint embossed onto a beautifully textured pure white piece of paper can look very elegant!
If you are the do it yourself type it is very easy to purchase an embossing powder in stamping or craft store. These come in all kinds of fun colours but often gold or silver embossing powder can look very elegant! With embossing powder you will need a stamp and some ink. You start by stamping the invitation with the baby footprint stamp first. Then before the ink dries you pour some of the embossing powder on the stamped area. The embossing powder will stick to the wet ink. You can then hold the piece of paper over a light bulb or use an embossing gun to heat the powder. Once it gets hot it will melt and adhere to the paper. This makes a fun and easy way to have a very elegant gold embossed baby footprint shower invitation.
4. Cut Out - With this technique you will want to find some stiff paper. Then you will pencil in an outline of a baby footprint and cut it out. You can also make a simple stencil suing a file folder and then quickly trace around the stencil and cut out to speed up the process and make the results more uniform. Then on the baby of the cut out footprint you can write all of your important baby shower details. Where it will take place, RSVP information and so forth.
Either way that you choose the important thing to remember is to have fun in creating the baby shower invitation footprint. Get some friends to help you if you plan on making your own invitations as this will speed up the entire process. It can also be more fun with a group of girlfriends around a table talking and having a good time then cutting 25 baby shower footprint invitations all by yourself.
As an addition to the fun, baby shower footprint invitation, it can be lots of fun to continue with the footprint theme in decorating for the part. You can use the same stamps and decorations that you used on the invitation in other places to decorate for the shower.
So here are some creative ideas that you can use in creating your own baby shower footprint invitation.
1. Printed - A simple printed baby footprint can be a ton of fun. You can use a silhouette of a baby footprint to make the design. This will show the heel, toes and side of the foot. It will look as if a baby stepped in ink and then stamped the card with their feet. You can find clip art online by searching, use a stamp, use a real baby or even just freehand draw your own.
To put a little action into the baby shower footprint invitation you can make a series of footprints and make them decrease in size from large to smaller. This will give the illusion that the person leaving the prints is walking into the card. This is a great way to draw the attention of the viewer into the card and then place your important text information right above this.
2. Stamps - Stamping has become a very popular craft and is use widely among printers and crafters in the business of making invitations. You can easily purchase baby footprint stamps of varying sizes from your local craft store or on the Internet. These can make a fun and fancy decoration to the invitation. There are so many things you can do by varying the colours, size of the stamp and the paper the possibilities are really endless.
For example pick a cute pink (for girls) or a blue (for boys) ink pad and stamp a tiny border made up of footprints all around the invitation. Don’t worry too much about making them all straight or in line just have fun and stamp at random. This will give the invitation a light fun feeling.
As an alternative you can purchase a large stamp and simply stamp a big filled in silhouetted image smack dab in the middle of the invitation. Then you can creatively with fun coloured pens write all around the footprint following the outline of it. This makes another fun creative and even whimsical invitation.
3. Embossing - This is where the baby footprint is raised from the page. There are two types of embossing. The first is by using a professional printer and paying to have the cards done. A printer can actually emboss the paper and have a raised footprint right in the paper. A baby footprint embossed onto a beautifully textured pure white piece of paper can look very elegant!
If you are the do it yourself type it is very easy to purchase an embossing powder in stamping or craft store. These come in all kinds of fun colours but often gold or silver embossing powder can look very elegant! With embossing powder you will need a stamp and some ink. You start by stamping the invitation with the baby footprint stamp first. Then before the ink dries you pour some of the embossing powder on the stamped area. The embossing powder will stick to the wet ink. You can then hold the piece of paper over a light bulb or use an embossing gun to heat the powder. Once it gets hot it will melt and adhere to the paper. This makes a fun and easy way to have a very elegant gold embossed baby footprint shower invitation.
4. Cut Out - With this technique you will want to find some stiff paper. Then you will pencil in an outline of a baby footprint and cut it out. You can also make a simple stencil suing a file folder and then quickly trace around the stencil and cut out to speed up the process and make the results more uniform. Then on the baby of the cut out footprint you can write all of your important baby shower details. Where it will take place, RSVP information and so forth.
Either way that you choose the important thing to remember is to have fun in creating the baby shower invitation footprint. Get some friends to help you if you plan on making your own invitations as this will speed up the entire process. It can also be more fun with a group of girlfriends around a table talking and having a good time then cutting 25 baby shower footprint invitations all by yourself.
As an addition to the fun, baby shower footprint invitation, it can be lots of fun to continue with the footprint theme in decorating for the part. You can use the same stamps and decorations that you used on the invitation in other places to decorate for the shower.
7 things to consider when planning a baby shower
Baby showers have their origin in ancient time. Like other things, the way and manner in which they are planned and celebrated have changed over time. Here are some things that you should bear in mind when planning a baby shower today.
1. Know the culture of the would be parents.
Because baby showers are steeped in tradition and customs, it is important to have a good idea of what is culturally acceptable by the would be parents and what is not. People do not necessarily throw away their culture because they live in modern times. Knowing the cultural limitations makes the celebration more memorable and worthwhile.
2. Know the needs of the parents to be
It is pointless giving gifts that recipients cannot use. Would be parents need things for the new baby and are probably stretched to their limits. It would be only worth their while if the gifts they get help to alleviate this burden. Where the gender of the baby is known in advance, give gifts that are gender appropriate.
3. Know the best time to schedule your shower
As the hostess, it behoves you to know when to schedule the baby shower for maximum benefit and impact. Do not schedule your shower too early or too late. Expecting couples need all the financial help they can get. Scheduling a shower too late may mean that the couple had already bought all the things they need for the baby.
4. Know the physical needs of the expecting mother
Pregnancy puts enormous physical challenges and demand on the expecting mother, especially if it is their first pregnancy. It is a good idea to locate the shower closer to home to avoid putting additional strain on an already over challenged mother to be.
5. Know who is on your guest list
The success and failure of a baby shower to a certain extent depends on the attendance. How responsive is your list. Did you consult the couple when compiling your guest list? Remember this is their baby shower not yours. You are only a vessel in the actualization of this event.
6. Know your refreshment plan
Preparing for and feeding even the smallest group of people can quickly turn into a nightmare if no adequate plans are made for that. Set up a plan about what to serve and how to serve it and work your plan. Make room for emergencies that may arise.
7. Know your plan for entertainment
What is your plan for entertainment? Do you have games that your guests can play? Board games and puzzles make for easy and entertaining games that your guests can play. You might want to organize some kind of poetry reading, depending on the mix of your guests. You can have guests come with their own poems written for the occasion to share with others.
1. Know the culture of the would be parents.
Because baby showers are steeped in tradition and customs, it is important to have a good idea of what is culturally acceptable by the would be parents and what is not. People do not necessarily throw away their culture because they live in modern times. Knowing the cultural limitations makes the celebration more memorable and worthwhile.
2. Know the needs of the parents to be
It is pointless giving gifts that recipients cannot use. Would be parents need things for the new baby and are probably stretched to their limits. It would be only worth their while if the gifts they get help to alleviate this burden. Where the gender of the baby is known in advance, give gifts that are gender appropriate.
3. Know the best time to schedule your shower
As the hostess, it behoves you to know when to schedule the baby shower for maximum benefit and impact. Do not schedule your shower too early or too late. Expecting couples need all the financial help they can get. Scheduling a shower too late may mean that the couple had already bought all the things they need for the baby.
4. Know the physical needs of the expecting mother
Pregnancy puts enormous physical challenges and demand on the expecting mother, especially if it is their first pregnancy. It is a good idea to locate the shower closer to home to avoid putting additional strain on an already over challenged mother to be.
5. Know who is on your guest list
The success and failure of a baby shower to a certain extent depends on the attendance. How responsive is your list. Did you consult the couple when compiling your guest list? Remember this is their baby shower not yours. You are only a vessel in the actualization of this event.
6. Know your refreshment plan
Preparing for and feeding even the smallest group of people can quickly turn into a nightmare if no adequate plans are made for that. Set up a plan about what to serve and how to serve it and work your plan. Make room for emergencies that may arise.
7. Know your plan for entertainment
What is your plan for entertainment? Do you have games that your guests can play? Board games and puzzles make for easy and entertaining games that your guests can play. You might want to organize some kind of poetry reading, depending on the mix of your guests. You can have guests come with their own poems written for the occasion to share with others.
7 Themes for holding a Baby Shower
It is always an immense joy to have someone added to your family, especially if it is a cute little baby. And how else would you celebrate the joy of having one? Plan the most fun and unique baby shower you’ll ever have. Preparing for a baby shower should be fun and exciting. You can be as creative as you want. Go simple or go real extravagant. As long as you will make your party special and unforgettable, you can go ahead and experiment on the different themes you can have.
You can go traditional or get a little creative and make your baby shower a lot more unique. You can spice up the party with different themes that can either be serious, adorable or humorous.
Below are some popular themes ideas that would definitely be a hit in any baby showers.
Fairytale Themes
There are thousands of fairytale characters that have been a tradition throughout baby shower parties. Cinderella and Snow White are the most common ones for girl. Peter Pan is the most suitable character for boys. This kind of theme can be made interesting with colourful decorations and creates a fantasy- like atmosphere.
Baby bottles theme
You can have a baby bottle as your centrepiece in this particular theme. Use them as cute containers for game prizes. You can make fun of them too by using baby bottles as cups or mugs.
Teddy bear theme
Everyone loves these cuddly teddies. They are perfect for decorations. You don’t have to buy teddy bears though to fill up the room. Old but presentable ones will do. It would be memorable to have the guest of honour’s favourite teddy as a centrepiece.
Nappy theme
Begin with sending cute nappy cut- out invitation. Guests should bring their own nappy gifts with a particular size. This way, you can save on nappies even up to three months!
Nursery rhyme theme
It’s a good idea to make nursery rhymes as theme for your party. You can make use of famous character like Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep, or the famous Mother Goose. Pictures could be nice as decorations but it would really look nice if you have some kind of a replica. You can also add on some of the line to your invitations.
Themes for twins
Remember the famous Noah’s ark story? All animals are paired in two’s when lodging the ark. It’s the perfect theme for expectant mothers of twins. Don’t forget to note in your invitation that you will be having twins, this way; guests will have to bring two gifts of either the same kind or two different ones.
Colour themes
The usual colour themes for girls are pink and blue for the boys. These are simple themes that can be just as fun as other themes. Decorate your venue with your chosen colour theme. In putting up collared ribbons, intertwine them with a white ribbon too. This would give the room an elegant look. If you are unsure whether your baby would be a boy or a girl, settle for neutral colours like green or yellow.
Having a theme in your baby shower can add a little more coordination in the things you need to prepare. A theme would dictate which kind of food you need to prepare, the look of the invitations and how you would decorate your chosen venue. With a theme, you would have to be groping in the dark on how you would create that wonderful baby shower.
You can go traditional or get a little creative and make your baby shower a lot more unique. You can spice up the party with different themes that can either be serious, adorable or humorous.
Below are some popular themes ideas that would definitely be a hit in any baby showers.
Fairytale Themes
There are thousands of fairytale characters that have been a tradition throughout baby shower parties. Cinderella and Snow White are the most common ones for girl. Peter Pan is the most suitable character for boys. This kind of theme can be made interesting with colourful decorations and creates a fantasy- like atmosphere.
Baby bottles theme
You can have a baby bottle as your centrepiece in this particular theme. Use them as cute containers for game prizes. You can make fun of them too by using baby bottles as cups or mugs.
Teddy bear theme
Everyone loves these cuddly teddies. They are perfect for decorations. You don’t have to buy teddy bears though to fill up the room. Old but presentable ones will do. It would be memorable to have the guest of honour’s favourite teddy as a centrepiece.
Nappy theme
Begin with sending cute nappy cut- out invitation. Guests should bring their own nappy gifts with a particular size. This way, you can save on nappies even up to three months!
Nursery rhyme theme
It’s a good idea to make nursery rhymes as theme for your party. You can make use of famous character like Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep, or the famous Mother Goose. Pictures could be nice as decorations but it would really look nice if you have some kind of a replica. You can also add on some of the line to your invitations.
Themes for twins
Remember the famous Noah’s ark story? All animals are paired in two’s when lodging the ark. It’s the perfect theme for expectant mothers of twins. Don’t forget to note in your invitation that you will be having twins, this way; guests will have to bring two gifts of either the same kind or two different ones.
Colour themes
The usual colour themes for girls are pink and blue for the boys. These are simple themes that can be just as fun as other themes. Decorate your venue with your chosen colour theme. In putting up collared ribbons, intertwine them with a white ribbon too. This would give the room an elegant look. If you are unsure whether your baby would be a boy or a girl, settle for neutral colours like green or yellow.
Having a theme in your baby shower can add a little more coordination in the things you need to prepare. A theme would dictate which kind of food you need to prepare, the look of the invitations and how you would decorate your chosen venue. With a theme, you would have to be groping in the dark on how you would create that wonderful baby shower.
5 Simple & Inexpensive Baby Shower Gift Ideas.
With the pregnancy bug in the water system, you are bound to know someone who is having a baby, if you aren’t having one yourself. Pregnant women equal shopping time. Here are 5 gifts that any mother will most certainly be appreciative of. The baby shower gift ideas are great for those who are shopping or for Mum’s to put on their gift registry.
A baby shower is an exciting event for a new mom where she and the new baby is the centre of attention. Even if you are not attending the baby shower (for example if you are a male family member or friend) it is still a good idea to pick up at least a small gift for the baby.
The new mum may have made a list of some general things that the baby will need, and if she has a list like this, you can check it out. However, frequently you will have to pick a gift without a list. So here are some pretty 'safe bets' as far as baby shower gifts go. I got a few of these gift ideas when I was in a Target store looking for a gift. I asked several parents who had babies with them in their shopping cart what sort of gifts would be good for a new baby and here are some of the answers that I got.
These baby gift ideas are very easy to find and very reasonable at a store like Target. For £30 you can get a whole assortment of goodies.
1. Clothing: All babies need clothing, and they grow very fast! If you have ever shopped for baby clothes you may be amazed to see that there are several different sizes of clothes needed for the baby just during the first year!
There is 0-1 month, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months and on and on! Therefore, there are plenty of types of clothing that will be needed in plenty of different sizes. Just remember to keep in mind how old the baby currently is, because baby clothing sizes change rapidly, and you would not want to buy a gift that is already too small by the time you present it to the parents!
2. Teething toys: All babies 'teeth' and will need little chew toys of sorts. These may become dirty quickly and it is probably smart to replace them often, so a number of these teething toys may be useful. You might find ones with rattles or bells. Just make sure it is not big enough for a baby to swallow.
3. Stuffed animals: A cute stuffed animal may make a nice gift. The softest kind available may be liked the most for snugly comfort. Additionally, some of these stuffed animals may have sounds built in. You may want one that makes sounds, or you may want an old fashioned one without noise. A good example is Winnie-The-Pooh or Eyeore.
4. Nappies: Parents always need nappies and they are a very practical and useful gift. Just remember to look at the sizes correctly, considering how many months old the baby is. You also might find out what type of nappies the parent prefers to use.
5. Baby books: It is great to read to young children and really helps there little minds grow. While a very young baby won't be able to understand stories yet, parents are always looking to build a nice little library of quality books to read to their children.
There you have 5 simple baby shower gift ideas! Hopefully you will be able to find a nice gift or even a shopping bag full of little gifts to bring the baby and the parents’ enjoyment.
A baby shower is an exciting event for a new mom where she and the new baby is the centre of attention. Even if you are not attending the baby shower (for example if you are a male family member or friend) it is still a good idea to pick up at least a small gift for the baby.
The new mum may have made a list of some general things that the baby will need, and if she has a list like this, you can check it out. However, frequently you will have to pick a gift without a list. So here are some pretty 'safe bets' as far as baby shower gifts go. I got a few of these gift ideas when I was in a Target store looking for a gift. I asked several parents who had babies with them in their shopping cart what sort of gifts would be good for a new baby and here are some of the answers that I got.
These baby gift ideas are very easy to find and very reasonable at a store like Target. For £30 you can get a whole assortment of goodies.
1. Clothing: All babies need clothing, and they grow very fast! If you have ever shopped for baby clothes you may be amazed to see that there are several different sizes of clothes needed for the baby just during the first year!
There is 0-1 month, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months and on and on! Therefore, there are plenty of types of clothing that will be needed in plenty of different sizes. Just remember to keep in mind how old the baby currently is, because baby clothing sizes change rapidly, and you would not want to buy a gift that is already too small by the time you present it to the parents!
2. Teething toys: All babies 'teeth' and will need little chew toys of sorts. These may become dirty quickly and it is probably smart to replace them often, so a number of these teething toys may be useful. You might find ones with rattles or bells. Just make sure it is not big enough for a baby to swallow.
3. Stuffed animals: A cute stuffed animal may make a nice gift. The softest kind available may be liked the most for snugly comfort. Additionally, some of these stuffed animals may have sounds built in. You may want one that makes sounds, or you may want an old fashioned one without noise. A good example is Winnie-The-Pooh or Eyeore.
4. Nappies: Parents always need nappies and they are a very practical and useful gift. Just remember to look at the sizes correctly, considering how many months old the baby is. You also might find out what type of nappies the parent prefers to use.
5. Baby books: It is great to read to young children and really helps there little minds grow. While a very young baby won't be able to understand stories yet, parents are always looking to build a nice little library of quality books to read to their children.
There you have 5 simple baby shower gift ideas! Hopefully you will be able to find a nice gift or even a shopping bag full of little gifts to bring the baby and the parents’ enjoyment.
5 Baby Shower Gifts That Mum Will Love
1. Nappies, nappies and more nappies. That is quite a bland gift but a very much needed gift. I don’t any Mum who will complain about having too many nappies with a newborn at home. To make nappies snazzy you have to dress it up a bit. You can find diaper cakes in lots of gift sites. Some come with as many as 150 nappies, plus booties, bibs and tons of other essentials for baby, but all in the shape of an all so cute cake.
2. Layettes, blankets, socks and burp cloths. Chances are they are going to get tons of these. However, these gifts tend to come in newborn or 3 months sizes which after a few weeks probably won’t serve its purpose anymore. Making this a great gift is if you buy them in larger sizes. After a few months, Mum still has brand new gifts for the baby to enjoy.
3. Pamper products for Mum. The last few weeks of pregnancy are very uncomfortable and can be hard on Mum. Let Mum have the star treatment as well. Once the baby is born, Mum’s 15 minutes of fame are over.
4. Savings Bonds. A savings bond is a great way to help invest in the child’s future. While everyone is thinking of now you are thinking ahead. It may also help jumpstart parents to jumpstart on baby’s future if they haven’t already.
5. Gift Certificates. You can never go wrong with a gift certificate. Mum and Dad get to choose what they want and you gave them that satisfaction. The obvious choice for a gift certificate would where the registry is set up. If they do not have a registry set up, good choices could include their favourite supermarket (formula, nappies) or baby store. Another gift certificate idea could be a check card gift certificate. It works like a credit card and can be used anywhere.
Tip: I don’t suggest buying clothing unless the parents-to-be suggested so. Chances are they have already gone shopping and couldn’t resist those tiny adorable outfits.
2. Layettes, blankets, socks and burp cloths. Chances are they are going to get tons of these. However, these gifts tend to come in newborn or 3 months sizes which after a few weeks probably won’t serve its purpose anymore. Making this a great gift is if you buy them in larger sizes. After a few months, Mum still has brand new gifts for the baby to enjoy.
3. Pamper products for Mum. The last few weeks of pregnancy are very uncomfortable and can be hard on Mum. Let Mum have the star treatment as well. Once the baby is born, Mum’s 15 minutes of fame are over.
4. Savings Bonds. A savings bond is a great way to help invest in the child’s future. While everyone is thinking of now you are thinking ahead. It may also help jumpstart parents to jumpstart on baby’s future if they haven’t already.
5. Gift Certificates. You can never go wrong with a gift certificate. Mum and Dad get to choose what they want and you gave them that satisfaction. The obvious choice for a gift certificate would where the registry is set up. If they do not have a registry set up, good choices could include their favourite supermarket (formula, nappies) or baby store. Another gift certificate idea could be a check card gift certificate. It works like a credit card and can be used anywhere.
Tip: I don’t suggest buying clothing unless the parents-to-be suggested so. Chances are they have already gone shopping and couldn’t resist those tiny adorable outfits.
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