Planning a Baby Shower

This article has information for the novice as well as the more experienced. Information is provided pertaining to when to plan the shower, who should give the shower and how to go about planning a baby shower. Also included is some historical background of baby showers for you entertainment.

Baby Showers have been a tradition around the world for many years. It is a cheerful celebration for the mom-to-be and the baby shower guests alike. Just like everything around us, even baby showers have changed with the passage of time. Earlier baby showers were more traditional. Present day celebrations include almost anything and everything to suit the baby shower hostess and the guests.

In the present time baby showers can take any shape, type or baby shower theme. Baby showers vary from the strictly traditional baby shower, to simply wild and cool baby showers. Gone are the days when baby showers were boring and dry. Now you can celebrate the occasion any way you wish. The main thing is that it entertains everyone included in the baby shower party.

A couple of things about baby showers is how to go about planning the shower, and who should throw the baby shower for the mom-to-be.

There are hundreds of ways to celebrate the baby shower. As for who can give the baby shower, anyone except the expectant couple.

Remember, the baby shower is given to celebrate the expected arrival of the newborn child. So, it is proper for anyone to take the initiative. A relative, close friend, or even a close co-worker should feel perfectly okay about giving a baby shower for the parents-to-be.

Also, the shower doesn't neccessarily have to be planned and given by only one person. After all, a baby shower can be a huge undertaking, and having several people participate will help divide up all the work involved. A group of friends or relatives could get together and plan the event. This would be a wonderful display of showing your happiness for the new arrival for the parents-to-be.

However, traditional baby shower ethics were somewhat stricter than today. That only non-relatives are to host a baby shower—friends, co-workers, church groups, and even neighbors etc. But times have changed, and it has become more common and acceptable for relatives to host baby showers too. And why not? Everyone has a right to celebrate the occasion. When it comes to close relatives they are supposed to support the couple.

Not only this, but a baby shower is also an opportunity to pamper the guest of honor. Once the new baby joins the family, it may take the new parents a considerable amount of time, money and effort to indulge in greeting and partying with the baby shower guests. So, instead of burdening them further with more responsibilities. Why not treat them to something special?

Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has dozens more baby shower related articles such as Baby Shower Games and Baby Diaper Cakes.

The Gift of a Baby Shower

Baby Showers are certainly events which foster the warm feelings of love and happiness. They are a celebration of new life and new beginnings, not only for the child, but for the parents and their friends and family.

Having a baby turns a couple into a family, and is a very special event indeed. However, baby showers provide more than just a reason to drink punch eat cake and play the silly little games that make the hosted event so much fun.

Baby Showers are a way of letting the expectant couple knows that their friends and family love them, and joyfully accept the blessed new arrival into their lives. It's also the time to give the more likely than not nervous couple the reassurance that everything will be just fine, and that they will make a nice home for their new bundle of joy.

There is also the practical side; a baby shower can be the prime source to outfit the first time parents with some of the new baby essentials. If it's the second (or more) child for the couple, then it's a great time to replenish the supplies that may no longer be on hand from the first birth.

Makes no difference whether it's the first birth or the tenth birth, (yikes!) the expenses of preparing for a baby can put a strain on the budget of the expectant parents. Hosting a baby shower offers a great opportunity for friends and family to relieve some of the financial concerns for the expectant parents by providing some of the things needed for the care of their newborn.

When giving a baby shower, the event can be as simple or elaborate as your imagination can deliver. With this idea in mind, you should not hesitate to explore all the options that are open to you. By doing your research, you're sure to find many ideas which will inspire you, or at least make it easier to give the expectant family a baby shower in the manner to which they deserve.

Planning, organizing and giving a baby shower should be a non stressful and indeed a joyous occasion for all involved.

Susan Anderson enjoys writing articles for families and consumers which are informative and adds value to their lives. With a simple and down to earth writing style, these articles are suited for all audiences.

http://www.BabyShowerFreebies.com

The Gift Idea Of Bling

Jewelry is a favorite gift idea to give or receive. Whether the jewelry is costume or the finest gold and diamonds, everyone loves a little bling-bling. This is a gift that almost any woman and many, many men can enjoy.

Gifts of jewelry can range in price from a few dollars into the hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to purchase anything they desire can spend millions of dollars on jewelry. For most people, however, a gift budget constrains exactly what jewelry can be given.

The exact jewelry selected depends largely on the recipient and their relationship to the giver. The jewelry a man gives to his wife is much different than the jewelry a teen age girl gives to another young lady who is also in high school. Not only will the prices probably differ drastically, but how personal a gift is appropriate will also differ.

A man should have no problem coming up with a gift idea of jewelry for his wife. Most women love anything with diamonds. Whether the diamonds are large or small, many or few, the very idea of receiving "a girl's best friend" is thrilling. Of course, the larger the better but most husbands must stay within a gift budget. Frequently, a husband will chose a ring, earrings or a necklace for his beloved wife. A tennis bracelet is another jewelry gift that can be quite affordable since the stone

A teen may give a girl with whom she is friends costume jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, anklets, a necklace or even a small ring. Scatter pins and brooches for dressing up outfits are also a nice gift idea.

A wonderful gift for a mother is a mother's ring. This ring contains a birthstone from each of the mother's children, creating a unique ring all her own. Another popular mother's gift is a mother's necklace which has a birthstone embellished charm in the shape of a girl or boy for each child. Mothers also love necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pins and broaches. In fact, mothers love almost anything one of her children gives her in the line of jewelry!

Fathers, husbands and boyfriends can enjoy nice gifts of jewelry as well. Some men simply do not like and refuse to wear jewelry, but other men really love the shine and sparkle of a little bling. Bracelets and neck chains are the most frequently given men's jewelry gifts. Watches are considered to fall into this area as well.

You can find a jewelry gift for just about anyone you might need to purchase a gift for. Even babies can receive the gift of jewelry. Little girl babies are often given a bracelet or necklace by a family member. Baby rings are another great gift idea for the littlest ones on your list.

Baby Shower Planning and Hosting

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby shower. Below are some important topics to consider when planning:

1) Who will host the shower?

The person that plans and hosts the shower can be anyone, but is usually someone who is close to the new or expecting mother. Normally, a close friend or family member will do all the preparations, but sometimes the new mother will help as well, particularly with the guest list. Sometimes a small group of friends can plan the event together.

In the event of a surprise baby shower, planning must occur more carefully and invitations should be sent out in secret. In this circumstance, people who are not as close to the new mother will be involved in acquiring supplies and getting the word out.

2) Who should be invited?

Be sure to invite all the mother's friends and family to the event. If planning a surprise party, make sure that everyone you tell helps spread the word. A close friend or family member may know most of the mother's friends, but it can also be helpful to ask co-workers and other friends to make sure that no one is left out.

Also, men are increasingly being included in these parties. An all women's shower can be different than a shower with both men and women, so the planner should consider these things as well.

If other young children will be in attendance, then make sure to plan events for them too. Not planning for children is a common oversight that adults make when planning parties of this nature. Baby shower games are a fun way for both children and adults to celebrate.

3) Where and when should the shower occur?

The party should be held at a location that is comfortable to the new mother. Oftentimes, the most common place to host a party is at a friend's or family member's home. In this case, the mother will not have to worry about cleaning up afterwards.

Sometimes, the party is hosted at the mother's place. This can be convenient as well because the mother doesn't have to go anywhere. Friends of the mother can help with the clean up afterwards.

For larger baby showers, banquet halls or other locations can be rented. Other places include parks, restaurants, catered dining rooms, or anywhere else that might be appropriate. It is okay to plan things differently as long as the mother and everyone else has a good time.

Most baby showers occur several weeks before the baby is due. Sometimes showers occur after the baby is born, which allows the guest to see the new baby. When to have the baby shower is entirely based on the preferences of the host and the mother.

Most showers occur on the weekends. Saturday is a popular day for these parties. They can occur in the afternoon or evening, depending on various factors, like people's schedules and how much you want to spend. Generally, dinner parties are more expensive than hosting lunch.

4) What activites should be planned?

There are many games and activities that can be planned in advance to make a baby shower memorable. Baby themed games are a fun way for everyone to celebrate a new baby. Do a search for "baby shower games" on the internet and you will find many games, some of which you can purchase and some that are free.

A short speech of congratulations is also a nice surprise for the new mother. If such a speech occurs, it is usually from a close friend or family member. A good time for congratulations is before eating lunch or dinner.

Finally, make some time before, between, and after events for everyone to mingle with the new or expecting mom.

5) What kind of food is appropriate?

The food at the party does not necessarily have to be baby-themed, although that can be a nice touch. The most common baby-themed food is baby shower diaper cake. Your local bakery can also make other items like cookies and pastries in the shape of baby blocks, pacifiers, rubber ducks, and other baby items. Or you can make them yourself. Most importantly, make sure to pick food that everyone will enjoy.

If you are hiring a caterer, then be sure to ask them about their ideas and experiences with baby showers. They may have some creative ideas that you may not have thought about.

6) Decorations and party favors.

Your local party supply store will probably have plenty of decorations for your baby shower. Specifically themed decorations can also be purchased online.

Buying party favors for your guests is always a nice way to say thank you for coming. These gifts for your guests can range from themed candies to more expensive keepsakes, including personalized items. Special prizes can also be given out for game winners or other people who have been important in the mother's life and during the pregnancy.

7) During the party.

Greet the guests when they arrive and have others help out if necessary to make sure everything runs smoothly. And finally, don't forget to have fun after all the planning and preparation.

Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more articles on baby showers, check out our Baby
Shower Ideas (http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/articles) and more baby articles
at Baby Lullaby.

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits and resource box remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

Baby Shower Invitation Wording

Your baby shower invitation wording can be either generic or specific. If you know the gender of the baby, then you should try to create gender specific wording for the baby shower invitation. There are wonderful little sayings for baby boys, as well as wonderful sayings for baby girls. But if the gender’s not yet known, don’t worry. There are many standard wording options as well.

You will find ideas online for twins, triplets, and even adoption baby shower invitation wording. You can search for ideas in many places, but the best place to look for anything in our world today is the Internet. Many invitation websites have what’s called ‘Wording Libraries’ where they offer hundreds of wording options for you. Your baby shower invitation wording could be in the form of a quote or baby poem. Wording for invitations can be casual or formal depending on the overall style and theme of the event. Just be sure to be consistent. People will assume that casual wording means it’s going to be a casual event!

Your baby shower invitation wording needs to contain some important information, like the time, date, location, and the names of the guests of honor! Don’t forget to include where the mother or mother to be is registered for gifts. And perhaps you’re throwing a surprise baby shower – what fun! Just be sure to tell your guests to keep it quiet in the baby shower invitation wording. Here is a sample wording for baby shower invitations when you want to keep the big event a surprise:

Shhh! It’s a Secret!

A Surprise Baby Shower for

Anne Marie Glenn

and newborn Joe Steven

Date:

Time:

Place:

RSVP:

Registered at:

Here is a sample wording when the invitation is for an adopted baby:

Let’s rejoice with the Thompsons

as they welcome

Lily May

to their family.

Date:

Time:

Place:

RSVP:

Registered at:

Whatever you decide to say on your baby shower invitation, be sure to proofread your baby shower invitation wording and spelling to make sure that all of the information is correct. It would be a shame to order and pay for so many baby shower invitations, only to find printing mistakes and have the shipping delayed because of waiting for reprints. Taking time to proofread in advance is always a wise idea.

And if you’re not sure what to say, or if you’re not sure if the information is clear or if you wonder if it sounds all right, then don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Family and friends can help you, and many vendors will have customer service representatives standing by ready to assist with wording for invitations.

While you’re ordering or creating the wording for your baby invitation, don’t forget to consider the wording of your thank you notes! Often these are ordered at the same time and made to match the invitations. Again, your wording can include poems quotes, etc. and you will want to keep the same style, color, or theme. Hopefully, you know the mother well enough to know what her preferences are.

And if you’re not trying to keep the baby shower event a surprise, then go ahead and ask her or her close family members about her opinions about the baby shower invitation wording. She may appreciate being a part of the decision making process, or she may be just as happy to have someone else make some decisions for her, so her mind can be on other important things, like preparing for the new baby’s arrival!

Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has dozens more baby shower related articles such as Baby Shower Centerpieces, Free Baby Shower Games and Baby Clipart.

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Everyone who has ever attended a baby shower knows that there are truly some essentials that every new mother should have. Diapers and booties for the baby, cream and lotion for changing diapers, and footie pajamas galore are always welcomed items. However, bringing a truly creative baby shower gift into the mix is a great way to show the new mother that her days of fun aren't necessarily over; they're just taking on a totally different outlook.

Baby Cakes

One creative baby shower gift that is quickly taking the west coast by storm is the "baby cake" or "diaper cake". Don't be fooled, these may look like a sweet confection, but the inside of the layers aren't filled with yellow or chocolate cake. No, the inside of these bundles are filled with diapers, lotions, powders, and even cans of formulas for when breast milk isn't quite practical. The look is fun and festive, and usually they can be personalized with either the baby's name or that of the parents. Ranging in price between $30 and $70, they can be a great way to get the new mother ready to go, for at least the first week or two!

A Tool Belt For Daddy

In today's world, the guests of the baby shower shouldn't assume that the father will not be up during the wee hours of the morning, changing diapers, or attempting to feed their pride and joy a meal or two along the way. The new daddy is an integral part of their baby's life. To help them navigate the pitfalls and sleepless nights that await them, a tool belt filled with the baby essentials is a great way for the dad to feel both needed and manly at the same time.

A Dozen "Eggs"

As any parent will tell you, the one piece of clothing that is continuously being misplaced or lost when it comes to kids are the little socks or booties that are so popular. With each grab of the foot, and a simple throw, a sock can be lost for months at a time. So having a good supply of these little pieces of cotton with treads is a great idea. A great way to help out is to give the new parents an egg carton or two with these little socks bundled up in each little egg cup. In addition to providing them with something they will need, the egg carton will be a cute reminder of the creative baby shower that you helped to give them.

Stephanie Smith is a freelance author with experience in baby shower favors. Visit us today to learn more. http://www.babyshowerhq.com

Baby Shower for Second Baby

Having a shower for second baby used to be considered greedy and unacceptable. But now it is not only acceptable, but it is actually necessary for some families to have a baby shower for second baby. Though mom-to-be may already have a lot of the major items from her first baby. Crib, stroller, high chair - she will need many other items.

Moms-to-be always need things like diapers and wipes, undershirts, bath accessories, and feeding supplies. Second baby showers could actually be a “sprinkle” shower. A "sprinkle" shower is where guests buy only the necessities rather than having a full-blown shower.

You could also consider finding out from mom-to-be what she wished she had but didn’t get the first time around. Then add those items to the suggested gifts. It could also be a “Bear Necessities” theme decorated with all sorts of bears for the shower for second baby.

You could have baby showers for second baby for a caboose baby, or a baby born much later than other babies. Might be very similar to a first time baby shower. Most likely, if there are many years between babies, these parents no longer have any baby items and will be in need of all types of gifts for the second baby showers.

For moms-to-be who already have enough for the baby, you might consider having a “mom” baby shower where everyone brings a baby shower gift for mom-to-be instead of for the baby. These can be items with which she can pamper herself, or items that she may need while she is in labor.

Sometimes the mom-to-be doesn’t need anything for the baby or for herself, but she wants to have a get together with friends. For this type of party, you may want to ask guests to bring unwrapped baby gifts. You can all wrap these gifts at the party, label them, and then donate them to a charity in mom-to-be’s (or baby’s) name.

Baby showers for second babies can be directed towards helping out a new mom after the baby is born. If you hold the shower close enough to the baby’s birth you can have a “Freezer Party.” This is where baby shower guests bring assorted dishes that can be frozen and heated up so mom-to-be doesn’t have to worry about cooking. At least for the first week or so that she is home from the hospital.

“Helping Hands” are great for baby showers for second child. Ask guests not to buy gifts, coming instead with a homemade coupon redeemable for their services. These services can include babysitting an older child making dinner, or cleaning the house while mom and baby are still in the hospital.

You may even want to throw a baby shower to remind the mom-to-be that she won’t always be pregnant. Suggest buying gifts like sexy lingerie, sinful chocolates, and exotic beverages. All those things she has to keep away from while pregnant. Keep in mind that if you give alcoholic beverages to a nursing mother make sure she also has a breast pump and knows how to use it!

A gift certificate for a massage, dinner, or even a pre-natal class is a great idea as well. And don’t forget that mom-to-be will probably need nursing bras plus post-natal support garments as well (these might be fun as gag gifts).

Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has dozens more baby shower related articles such as Baby Shower Invitations and Baby Shower Games. Also has a blog: Baby Shower Planning.