This is a collaborative post: Have you found yourself stuck when planning a baby shower? You are not alone! Most people run into the problem of trying to put together a unique event because it always seems like it’s all been done before. You might also struggle with choosing the right theme, figuring out what activities and games are suitable for such an event, and selecting the best venue for the function.
Planning the gift-giving ceremony doesn’t have to get overwhelming if you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Simplicity always works like a charm, but you still want to infuse some fun into the process to make it a memorable event for the expectant mother and guests.
Before getting into it, have a look through baby shower venues that promise to deliver a worthwhile experience.
It’s rooted in history
Victorian-era women had tea parties after the arrival of the baby. Umbrellas peaked in popularity at the time, and they were part of the pomp as well as parasols that the new mom carried for the occasion. Historians don’t have concrete proof, but it’s believed that guests presented handmade gifts to the baby’s parents.
After World War II, pregnancy symbolized a celebration of life. Folks started hosting the gift-giving ceremony before a child’s birth. The event maintained the earlier tradition of presenting an expectant mother with useful items for her home. Family and friends would also only gather to celebrate a couple’s first child.
The spirit of the gathering still stands, and today, it’s still an occasion meant to honor the mother-to-be with gifts as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.
Who should plan the baby shower
The expectant woman’s closest friend typically does the honours of being the baby shower planner and hosting the gift-giving ceremony. Things have changed, and the mom-to-be can even decide to throw herself one of these shindigs.
Groups of people involved in the expectant mother’s life might decide to hold separate events. For instance, co-workers can host a small gathering at the office, while long-time friends and family could gather for a bigger event.
Baby showers have a reputation for being gatherings solely attended by women, but the rules have changed. More folks have warmed up to the idea of hosting co-ed showers where everyone is welcome.
The consensus is that it takes a team. The pregnant woman’s best friend can get the ball rolling but ask for help from family members and other friends to plan the event.
When is the best time to have a baby shower?
Babies need a lot of things right from the start, and it can be both mentally and financially straining for new parents. That’s why offering the couple a helping hand goes a long way in relieving the anxiety that comes with welcoming a newborn.
There’s no right or wrong time to host one of these events, as long as it’s the best time for the mother-to-be.
A majority of folks still prefer to host the event before the baby’s arrival. When the event happens early enough, say a few months before the birth, it also gives the new parents a perspective about the items they still need to buy.
Creative ways to spruce up a baby shower
The great thing about baby shower venues is that there are endless options. It just comes down to settling for the right one.
Given the current state of the world, it doesn’t hurt to host a virtual event. You can gather with family and a few friends at your chosen venue and invite everyone else to join in through a live stream.
Either way, here are a few tips to help you plan the best baby shower yet.
Choose a theme
Go against the norm and make the shower an extravaganza. Perhaps borrow inspiration from the couple’s favorite movie or hobbies for the theme. It doesn’t have to be the usual gender-centric themes.
For second or third tots, you can decide to exclusively shower the mom-to-be with gifts that are all about her. Women who embark on the journey a second or third time may already have all the baby items they need. Some TLC and pampering go a long way.
Address the issue about gifts in the invitations
In line with setting up a baby shower gift registry, you want to alert guests early enough that there’s one in place. This takes the guesswork out of things, and you’ll definitely need to work with the mom-to-be on the registry.
Go to the great outdoors
If the weather is right, take things outside. It creates more room to include more fun games like a water-balloon toss or miniature golf.
Take it back to the good old days and host a high-tea garden party. Bring out the pretty teapots and teacups for the occasion. Serve sandwiches and other delectable tea party treats to boot.
Have a catered buffet
A buffet offers selection, and using your chosen venue’s catering services leaves you with nothing much to do except for enjoying the occasion.
Go for a brunch which usually comes off as a more relaxed event, if that’s the atmosphere you want.
Fun games and activities
A baby shower isn’t complete without enjoying some baby-themed games and activities.
- Provide guests with plain white onesies and some fabric-friendly paint. Allow them to let their imaginations run wild to create unique clothing gifts for the new tot. It doesn’t hurt to make it competitive and award the guest who comes up with the best design.
- Instead of the usual guess-the-belly measurement game, have guests bring their own baby photos. The host can lead the game by asking others to guess who’s who.
- Each guest can also present what they’ve gotten the mom-to-be in a creative way. It’s a great option for virtual events. Guests can then mail their gifts to the couple after the fact.
- Have guests give books instead of cards. Baby-centric reading materials help a great deal compared to greeting cards that don’t really have much use after the function.
Plan a unique baby shower: closing remarks
When you think outside the box, start planning early, and get some help with the process, you are bound to come up with a creatively unique baby shower. Pregnancy is a celebration of life, and there’s no better way of honoring parents-to-be by throwing them the best gift-giving ceremony yet. Use this guide and toss in some of your own ideas to get started.
when I planned my baby shower years ago I came across this article and I read it throughout. It helped me plan my baby shower and gave me unique ideas.