Baby Shower
A party for the newborn!
Few things are looked forward to with such anticipation as the birth of a new baby. What a great time for friends and family to celebrate the mom-to-be and the arrival of a new little being!
When you’re planning a baby shower, traditional activities can be fun, but don’t feel you’re tied to them. Be creative with your baby shower themes, and come up with a memorable baby shower idea to “shower” your friend or family member with good wishes and fun.
Baby Shower Themes
The best baby shower themes will relate to the mom-to-be in some way, or the coming baby. If you know the gender of the impending arrival, a great traditional theme is to play on the “Pretty in Pink,” “Tickled Pink” or the “True Blue” themes. Encourage guests to wear the designated color, wrap their baby shower gifts in the color and serve food and drink in the color, such as pink lemonade or berry blue Kool-Aid.
If many of the people you’d like to invite live out of town, plan to use a Long Distance baby shower theme! Have the desired guests make a short video or take photos and write a letter to be shared at the party. Ask for the things you’d like them to share, such as stories about the mom-to-be or advice for a new mom. Then make a video of the party to share with them!
Of course, there are favorite classic baby shower ideas. You can ask if the nursery has a certain theme, like Noah’s Ark or Nursery Rhymes. Other classic themes for a baby shower are Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Winnie the Pooh and a practical favorite, Diapers and Essentials.
Regardless of the theme you choose, set the tone ahead of time with appropriate baby shower invitations. These can be purchased in a set along with matching baby shower decorations, for a truly coordinated shower, or you might consider making your own for a personal touch.
Planning a Baby Shower
Whatever theme you choose, the important steps come next when you begin planning a baby shower. When planning a baby shower, pick a date about four to six weeks before the baby is to be born. That leaves plenty of time for any unexpected issues. Then, think about the following:
- Who will host the party?
- Is this the only baby shower this mom-to-be will have? Or is this shower for friends and a family member will host another?
- Who is included on the guest list? Is this a couples party or women only? Are children welcome? What about teens?
- What time of day will you host the party? This will determine your food and activities.
- Where will the baby shower be held? At a home? Community room or dining hall? Restaurant?
- What baby shower games will you play?
- Will you have any baby shower favors?
- What party food will you serve?
Planning in advance can make a baby shower into one of the first milestones a mother will treasure for her child. Just remember to keep it simple and keep all the attention on the mom-to-be, so she knows just how happy you are to share in her joy!
