Baby Shower Themes

Why it really is OK to let the Father Help with Planning the Baby Shower

admin

There are a lot of guides out there that are focused on helping female friends of the mother-to-be plan a baby shower. A baby shower at its core should be a celebration of the coming of the newborn child, not just the presents that come with the event. If you’re trying to include everyone you can, why not start with the father of the child? Indeed, not too many guides touch on having the father help with the baby shower, simply assuming that men just aren’t interested. However, that’s not the case at all. Most men are absolutely ecstatic about the coming of the new child, especially if it’s their first child. It’s very bad to assume that all men react the same way to the idea of parenthood, and that means you should ask the father of the new child to participate in the baby shower instead of just assuming he’s uninterested in doing so.

Another benefit of asking the father to help with the baby shower is that he may have other ideas for the theme of the baby shower, as well as the baby shower favors and even the baby shower games. It’s something that you will definitely need to think about as you plan. Indeed, putting together an event like a baby shower is definitely stressful, but having the father help you will lower your stress is definitely a good thing.

Due to the stigma surrounding fathers helping with the baby shower, you might want that the father is a bit shy or reluctant to actually help with the baby shower planning. If you work at getting them to calm down and really think about the benefits of contributing to the baby shower, you should have no problem convincing them. It’s truly a natural reaction to be a little hesitant to help with something that has long been seen as the domain of women. A new father-to-be might be feeling just as anxious as the mother-to-be, but if you don’t reach out to him he’ll have no outlet for all that worry and hesitation to go to.

Overall, if you’ve decided to move forward with getting the father to be to actually join in with the baby shower preparation, you’ve definitely made the right decision. If you really take the time to make the father to feel included in the baby shower, you’ll have no problem pulling off a truly successful baby shower in virtually no time at all!

Making Sure Your Surprise Baby Shower Stays a Surprise

admin

Surprising the mother-to-be with a great baby shower is something that can be quite a challenge these days. Indeed, in the era of email, social networking, and cell phones, it’s pretty hard to keep a secret. We live in a culture that encourages sharing as much information as possible, which means that surprises — even good ones! — just aren’t as easy to keep a secret as they used to be. Despite the shift towards sharing as much information as possible around the clock, it still is quite easy to make sure that the surprise baby shower you planned for a close friend stays a surprise. The surprise effect will make your friend feel cared for and appreciated as you and the rest of her friends get together to celebrate the coming of a newborn child as well as giving gifts to help the new mother get started raising her child.

First, you want to make sure that only a certain number of the mother’s friends know about the baby shower. The fewer people that know about something, the less risk there is of the surprise baby shower being ruined. If you have to end up not saying too much to anyone while you work through all of the planning details, then you may want to take that option. On the other hand, if you know up front that you will need help planning the event, and then you will definitely want to make sure that you get a close friend that can keep a secret. Point out to your “assistant” that you want to make the mother-to-be feel good, which means keeping the baby shower a surprise until it’s time for the event itself.

Another way to make sure that the baby shower stays a surprise is to avoid updating any sort of social networking portal. If you know that people that would easily spill the beans on the secret, the last thing you want to do is announce it to the world. The mother-to-be could end up reading it, which would definitely ruin the surprise completely!

Do you have to make a baby shower a surprise? Definitely not. However, a surprise baby shower is an exciting event that is exciting in part because it comes from nowhere. When you know that the mother-to-be is going through a lot of stress and anxiety about the upcoming child, a surprise baby shower can definitely be just what’s needed to brighten the lady’s day!

Gift Registration – Taking the Guesswork out of Buying Baby Shower Favors

admin

Baby shower favors have been a long part of the tradition of baby showers, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always easy to pick them out. When you’re planning a baby shower, picking the right theme is pretty important. A great theme invites guests to get really into the event, which will go a long way in making the mother-to-be feel welcome and cared for.

Baby shower favors don’t have to be fancy favors at all. In fact, the more homemade things look, the more it can invite people to really get into the process of celebrating the birth of a new child.

Of course, if you find that the people that will be attending the baby shower just aren’t very crafty, you can always turn to looking at previous gift registrations to get ideas for baby shower favors. Small items, such as lotions that can be placed into purses, are very popular. There is definitely a reason for that — the smaller something is, the more portable it is, and we are definitely a society on the move — even while pregnant!

If you’re going to follow the baby shower gift registration method, the last thing you want to do is get items that are too big, or even too expensive. The key here is to pick small items that are ready-made and that will be fairly functional. If you can combine a cute design with functionality, that’s even better. However, if that’s not possible then it’s better to stick to items that are at least functionality. When you get a great piece that every guest can use, they’ll be able to look back fondly on the baby shower event. These memories can encourage the guests of the baby shower party to go back and help the new mother after the baby is born, and it goes without saying that every new mother definitely needs all the help that they can get!

Going online to pick up baby shower favors is also a great idea, since you will have the ability to get plenty of different baby shower favors to choose from. Instead of having to just settle for one theme, you can really have your pick of a massive selection of favors. For party planners that have a larger budget than others, you might want to think about getting a custom set of baby shower favors to really mark the event. These become great souvenirs and can definitely mark the occasion in style.

Overall, the tips here should give you a pretty good idea of where to get great baby shower favors — get started today to really give your baby shower guests something to remember the event by!

Baby Shower Games that are Actually Fun

admin

One of the biggest criticisms of the classic baby shower is that the baby shower games played there just aren’t that entertaining. In fact, some people have opted not to throw a baby shower because they don’t want to sit through hours of game that just aren’t fun at all. This is a short-sighted measure that only seems to make it difficult for the mother-to-be to actually get the supplies she needs to raise a healthy baby. If you find yourself in the position of deciding whether or not to plan a baby shower, you should definitely move forward with it — the mother-to-be will happily thank you!

If you want to attract people that will attend the baby shower and give the mother functional gifts they need for the newborn child, you must look into planning baby shower games.

There are a few different types of baby shower games that you can play. The most common baby shower games that are played revolve around trying to guess baby names, or trying to pin a button on a picture of a diaper.

You can always make up your own games. For example, if you know the mother-to-be always liked to play scrabble, you could have an informal Scrabble tournament where only baby-related words are allowed. This is something that can be entertaining and fun, as long as everyone really puts their hearts into the game.

On the other hand, you may want to do something that’s more active, like playing darts, or indoor bowling, or something that gets everyone moving. Naturally, you will need to be careful if you choose a physical activity, since it can cause unnecessary stress to the mother.

For mothers that need to sit still and not move around too much, you can always play a variation of bingo. Bingo might sound rather tame for baby shower games, but it’s actually something that’s more entertaining than it sounds. If you put on fun music and make a show of assigning the numbers to various baby-related meanings, you could have a lot of fun.

If you’re still stuck for ideas, you could always bring in the ideas from friends, family, and other associates that know the mother-to-be well. Unless you’re doing a surprise baby shower, there’s no reason not to include the mother-to-be in the planning — baby shower games are always more fun when the mother knows about them, after all!

If you’re ready to plan a baby shower, baby shower games are definitely the way to go — get started today!

A Few Tips for Planning a Baby Shower on a Budget

admin

A baby shower is a great time to sit back and celebrate the coming of a new child, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money just to accomplish such a goal. Indeed, a baby shower is a celebration, which means that you need to focus on items that can really enhance a baby shower of any budget, not just the ones that are going to attract the most attention.

In the past, most people held very small baby shower events for their friends. However, television shows depicting wealthy people have become popular, and friends of mothers-to-be feel that they have to throw a very lavish affair. Thankfully, there are a few tips for planning a baby shower on a budget that you can put into practice right away. These tips are also helpful for the busy baby shower planner that needs to throw an event on very quickly.

First, you want to make sure that you have the guest list in advance. The last thing that you want to go through is having last minute guests that you haven’t planned proper resources for. The better approach is to make sure that you have a fair idea of how many people are going to come to the baby shower, and then plan for a certain percentage that will come up at the last time. The reason why you want to have a full guest list is that it will help you budget how much to have on hand as far as food and drinks go. Having a large party is always great if you can afford it, but if you’re really trying to save money you might find that a more intimate setting is the better way to go. It’s something that you will need to think about as you plan out the shower event.

Counting the number of guests will also play a role in how the events of the baby shower will take place. If you can make sure that you have an accurate count, it will be easier to plan baby shower games, since you can make sure that no one feels left out in any way.

These are not the only ways you can save money when planning a baby shower, but they are the first places to start. Don’t forget to simply stop and ask the other friends that will be coming to the event if there’s any party supplies that they can donate. Every little bit truly does help, and the less money that you have to spend on party supplies and other items, the more money you will be able to actually put towards the birth of the new child. Taking the stress off of the new mother-to-be is the true goal of any good baby shower, and this means that it’s more important to come together as a group for the mother’s sake than to worry about how much is being spent on the baby shower itself.

Overall, if you really put these tips into practice, you will have no problem planning a baby shower on a budget — get started today!

Put a Theme to Your Baby Shower with Baby Shower Decorations

admin

The overdone balloons and streamers in pink and blue of yesteryear have finally been replaced with unique and imaginative decorations. There is no limit one what can be done for a baby shower. Even showers with themes such as couples, environmentally friendly, holidays, and children’s stories are all acceptable themes to choose for a baby shower no matter if the budget is small or extravagant.

Couples

A couples theme baby shower can be centered around a backyard barbeque, at a beach destination, or even during a televised sports game. By purchasing invitations and decorative novelties that tie into the couples theme you have chosen, moms as well as dads will feel comfortable joining in the festivities. One great party idea is to hold a gender neutral game like sports and pop culture trivia.

Holidays

If Christmas will be the holiday theme you chose for your baby shower, a Christmas tree decorated with baby booties, pacifiers, teething rings, and other useful objects for infants is a fantastic idea. The tree can be completed with a baby blanket acting as a tree skirt.

Easter is another popular holiday choice. Put the final touches on this baby shower theme with centerpieces created from Easter baskets and fill them with essential baby items for the expectant mother to take home with her.

Environmentally Friendly

Environmentally friendly showers are all the rage right now. With this kind of shower, the event usually takes place in the park, at the beach, or in the hostess’ back yard. Packets of vegetable, flower, and plant seed can be utilized for thank you notes, invitations, and table placements. Plants and flowers can be wonderful decorative ideas. Guests can take turns naming celebrities who have contributed to eco-friendly causes for party game fun.

Children’s Stories

The classic children’s books theme is another unique baby shower idea that can be infused into the shower in a variety of ways. Stuffed animals and poster cut-outs of characters are the ideal decorations. The hostess can provide a cake with a popular story character theme and attendees could give the expectant mother story books to begin the baby’s book collection.

For Those on a Budget

Not everybody has a large budget to work with in regards to baby showers; here are a few creative, inexpensive ways to punch up any baby shower. Centerpieces can be created with a bowl of water, rocks for the bottom, and rubber ducks floating on top. Or guests may circulate a blank book or a diary in order to write down helpful hints, words of wisdom, humorous anecdotes, and comforting advice to present to the mother at the end of the shower for her to refer to during times when she needs extra encouragement and support.

From Colors to Decor–Choosing Your Baby Shower Theme

admin

If you have taken it upon yourself to plan a baby shower for a relative, coworker, or close friend, the first task you must complete is choosing the theme for the baby shower. The options are endless so there will be no limit to the level of creativity you can apply. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

The Occupation Theme

One option to consider is basing the baby shower on what the expectant mother or father does for a living. This is a unique idea that if executed correctly, is sure to be a surprisingly big hit. Some examples of occupation theme baby showers are military themed, firefighter inspired decor, or farm animals galore.

Of course, this might not the best idea if the expectant parents are accountants or salespeople; however, novelty stores carry quite a few interesting items that can help you incorporate a less exciting theme into the shower.

The Baby Nursery Theme

Another fantastic idea is a theme based on the overall look of the baby’s nursery. A lot of parents, especially first-time parents, have a theme idea in mind for their baby-to-be’s nursery. The more popular themes today’s parents are choosing include cute characters, gender-based decor, or prints and patterns. If mom and dad have already chosen a theme for the nursery, matching the theme of the party to that of the nursery will be a breeze.

In association with the baby nursery shower idea, you could use items for the nursery as decor objects for the party. For example, crib sheets can double for table cloths and baby bottles can be utilized as centerpiece flower holders. This will give the party a personalized touch.

The Color Theme

The color theme may be a classic, commonly used one, but it is a tasteful, appropriate theme. If the parents already know the gender of the child, it will make your job a lot easier. Of course, if that knowledge is not available to you, there are plenty of lovely, gender-neutral colors such as yellow, cream, green, and peach. Although prints and patterns are cutesy and fun, if the expectant mother prefers a more sophisticated and stylish approach, a monochromatic scheme will fit the bill beautifully.

More Sources of Inspiration

Most importantly, whenever you have been chosen to throw a baby shower, never be afraid to incorporate unique choices. The internet is a great resource. You can jump on forums geared to arts and crafts, party planning, and expectant mothers to glean some ideas from other members.

There is also the option of visiting one of the many websites that sell baby shower supplies such as party favors, invitations, and shower games. As long as you feel the theme falls in line with the parents’ tastes, there is no limit to your choices.

Baby Shower Themes That Will Punch Up Any Party

admin

Before any invitations can be mailed, a baby shower hostess must first decide on a theme for the party. Usually, one central theme is chosen and included into almost every aspect of the baby shower–invitations, decorations, party favors, games, and thank you notes.

Popular and Adorable

Popular choices for themed baby showers abound. A few examples include bumble bees, Noah’s ark, cutesy bugs, frogs, bunny rabbits, teddy bears, nursery rhymes, fire trucks, and princess symbols. For today’s baby showers, almost any theme goes.

Besides the theme, a color or color combination should be chosen. Many times a hostess will go with the expectant mother’s favorite color in order to give the party a personalized touch and infuse that color into not only invitations and decor, but also food and party favors. And the selection of invitations on the market can fit almost any theme imaginable.

Sophisticated or Down to Earth

Surprisingly, many party planners are deciding to shift the shower’s focus from the baby, instead projecting it towards the expectant mother. This type of shower usually provides nice ways to shower the mother with gifts of spa treatments, expensive chocolates, and luxurious bath sets. Even the invitations for these modern baby showers showcase the event’s sophistication.

On the other hand, there are eco-friendly baby showers for moms with environmental concerns. This kind of baby shower requires all invitations, decorations, and favors to be Mother Nature friendly. Invitations and other items made out of 100% recycled materials are perfect to use. The hostess for an eco-friendly baby shower should include information on the invitations that informs guests of the mother’s desire for environmentally friendly gifts such as organic clothing and toys made from wood instead of plastic.

Traditional and Cultural

For those who prefer their baby shower be on the traditional side, themes based on animals and nursery rhymes are ideal. Garden and tea parties complete with invitations of a floral theme are also two other fantastically traditional ideas. These parties are perfect to host at an outdoor location such as the hostess’ backyard garden or a botanical garden. Doing this allows for minimal decorating since the flowers take care of that issue. It is important to mark the invitation with a “semi-formal attire” request.

One final baby shower theme to keep in mind is the cultural one. This theme takes into consideration the culture and heritage of the expectant parents. The invitations will of course be centered on their culture and the hostess as well as guests may provide traditional dishes and gifts. Decoration ideas include hanging the national flags of the parent’s native countries. Although the dizzying array of baby shower theme options can be overwhelming, you will recognize the right one when you find it.

Baby Shower Themes and Planning for Modern Parents

admin

Although making plans for a baby shower may be fun, it can be overwhelming at times too. There are many details that can not be overlooked, like the latest in baby shower trends and themes, proper etiquette, and the various factors that are necessary for planning a baby shower. There is also the subject of purchasing decorations and other supplies. If your budget is tight, fashioning the shower decorations yourself is a creative, cost-cutting option.

Trends and Themes

The theme of the baby shower is without a doubt the most important decision to make as it will influence every other choice you select for the upcoming party. The goal is to select a theme that will add an extra special element to the festivities, one that reflects the style of the expectant mother. Thankfully, almost any theme is acceptable for modern baby showers; however, every theme suggestion should get the mother’s stamp of approval before the shower planning goes any further.

Proper Etiquette

The rules of traditional etiquette state that relatives should refrain from hosting the event to avoid making it appear as the mother’s family is requesting presents. But these are modern times in which we live and as you may well know, many people are choosing to take some of these etiquette rules and toss them out the window. So if your favorite aunt wants to host your baby shower, feel free to let her do so.

Various Necessary Factors

When choosing what foods you will serve, your budget, the scheduled time, and the level of the baby shower’s formality will all play a part in your decisions. Just as with baby shower decorations, food can be matched to the theme–sit-down dinners for a formal event, a buffet spread for a semi-formal shower, or chips and sandwiches for a casual get together.

There are also baby shower games to consider. Some of the well-received and popular shower games include bingo, diaper games, word puzzles, and baby name activities. Any of these games will make the shower more fun and memorable. You also have the choice of giving away party favors as game prices, towards the end of the shower, or at both times.

Baby Shower Planning Tips

After you have chosen the date for the baby shower, discuss the tentative date with the mom-to-be in order to make sure she does not have any prior commitments scheduled for that day. Any key guests, such as the expectant mom’s grandmother, who are coming out of town should be consulted as well. While it is impossible to accommodate everyone, try your best to ensure that the people most important to the mother will be in attendance.

Recent Posts