Oct
27
A baby shower is a beautiful display of love and caring in the form of a party to welcome a new life into the world.
Traditionally, a baby shower is thrown by a non-relative, usually a friend, colleague from work, symbolic aunt etc. However, today, even close friends, family members and relatives take an active role in organizing the baby shower. It is not uncommon for more than one person to host a baby shower as it may prove to be economical with all of them sharing costs. Moreover, several people chipping in their ideas, themes and responsibilities can be quite enjoyable and exciting.
Typically, a baby shower is thrown one or two months before the baby is born; never later than that, as it may coincide with an early delivery. It is helpful to have it far away so that the parents-to-be can return duplicate presents received during the shower, exchange the ones they do not want and build the ones that need assembly. It will also give them a fair idea of what they need to buy before their tot arrives.
The guest list consists of close friends and relatives of the mother-to-be and usually includes only women. It is better to run the list off the mother-to-be to ensure that no one is left out. The invitations can be sent by e-mail, phone calls or pre-printed cards.
The location of the shower will of course depend on what kind of atmosphere you are looking for as well as your budget. You could have it in your home or backyard if the weather is nice, a restaurant, church fellowship area or even a banquet hall.
Once you have the baby shower date fixed and guests list ready, it is essential to select a theme for the baby shower. It will set the rhythm of the party and may influence the venue, decorations, menu as well as the invitations for the shower.
Sometimes, the hostess can play the spontaneity card and throw a surprise party for the mother-to-be. In such a case, ensure that she enjoys and is appreciative of this kind of stuff. Also, plan the guest list carefully by taking a close relative’s help. Obviously a non-surprise baby shower is always less stressful and a lot safer. It allows you the time to plan and organize, review the guest list and enlist the help of the guest of honour so as not to make any blunders.
The most important elements of a baby shower are friendship, love and excitement of a new born joining the community of friends and relatives. There are several fun themes, games and ideas that one can have and play during the baby shower. All you need is to ensure that everybody is having a good time and the event remains memorable. It is vital to remember that all the planning is for the mom and thus she should be absolutely comfortable. It’s her special day and the hostess must accommodate her to the fullest.
By: William Brister About the Author:
Loan Consolidation
Oct
2
There is no way to determine exactly where or when the “baby shower” originated. There are several theories on baby shower history, but none can be proven. No matter where and when baby showers were first introduced, today they are a very special event celebrating a new life.
Some historians have found evidence of baby showers, or something similar, quite some time ago. These discoveries lead experts to believe that celebrating birth started in ancient cultures, like those in the Egyptian and Roman times. No definitive proof is available, but historians have deciphered data which could mean baby showers took place.
When you look at baby showers from long ago, you see that most of the gifts given to the family were handmade. Articles of clothing, blankets, and even food items were provided as gifts for the new family. Showers in the past occurred after the birth of the child, so many times part of the “baby shower” was the viewing of the new child.
The “baby shower” as we celebrate it today began after World War II. Family and friends gather together, in a party atmosphere, to celebrate the birth of a new baby. At the start, only woman were invited to attend such a gathering, but today these celebrations can include the father, grandfathers, and any male family members.
In recent years, the baby shower has started to occur before the actual birth of the child. With the new technology that is available to expectant parents, the gender of the child is not so much a mystery. Therefore, a baby shower can be thrown early in preparation for the baby’s arrival without the worry of buying the wrong thing.
No matter what the baby shower history is, the baby shower of today is a supportive and generous event toward new or expectant parents. With all the current trends toward “unisex” items, it is hard to buy the wrong thing!
By: Gail Leino About the Author:
Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible
party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts.
Free Baby Shower Games, printable activities, party planning tips, menus, recipes, and party supplies to help complete your event.
Sep
11
The best baby games for baby showers to entertain all of your guests and let the mother-to-be benefit from the experience of others. Your shower then will become more than a party. It’s an entertaining learning experience.
One of the most educational baby games for baby showers for new moms is also often the most fun. It’s called Distraction. This is for two or three players at one time. The supplies you need will be two to three dolls.
Because showers are usually held in the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy. It’s probably more relaxing and fun for the mommy-to-be to only watch. This is because this is one of the more active baby games for baby showers.
Two or three volunteers (perhaps one or two people who don’t yet have children?) are the actors. They begin simply by holding the dolls. The hostess tells them their babies are crying. They each try to console the baby.
This is where the distractions begin. Members of the “audience” (your other baby shower guests, including the guest of honor) begin yelling out distractions one at a time. All of the acting mothers have to deal with each distraction, while still comforting their crying baby.
As baby games for baby showers are for the entertainment of the baby shower guests, let them get as creative as possible. Potential distractions can include the dog needing to go outside. Then maybe they waited too long to let the dog out and have to clean up a doggie accident while not dropping the crying baby.
Meanwhile, the UPS man comes to the door needing the mommies to sign for a package. The phone might also be ringing while something is burning on the stove. Get the picture?
It’s hilarious to watch the ways the mommy actors deal with all of the distractions. These types of baby games for baby showers are also good for the real mommy-to-be to pick up some words of advice from veteran mothers.
She might get a few ideas while enjoying a good laugh. Maybe when the time comes for her to actually deal with similar distractions. She will think back to the baby games for baby showers at her party and be able to smile.
Other great baby games with an educational twist - both for the mommy-to-be and the baby-to-be - include birthday card or videotape advice activities. With the birthday cards, each guest gets an age.It’s a good idea to start with age 10 or so. The guests then write a special message to the baby. They write this message on a card that will be opened once the child reaches the age specified. Each guest should read her card aloud before sealing the envelope.
Videotape advice requires a camcorder or digital video camera. However, if those are not available, it can also be done with a tape recorder. But that isn’t quite as nice. The guests simply each give words of advice to the new mom. The hostess can guide the guests as far as advice.
Possible ideas for your baby shower games are “When you’re feeling stressed, you should…..” or describing what to expect with different ages. Not only are these activities fun baby games for your baby shower guests, they will be cherished keepsakes for Mom to enjoy over the years.
Instead of just rehashing the same old baby games, try to bring in some creativity to provide more entertainment to your baby shower guests. And always think of why you’re all there - to celebrate the birth of a child and help prepare a new mother.
By: Randy Wilson About the Author:
Probate Lawyer
Aug
24
Sit back and relax while reading this article about planning a baby shower and having it done the most organized way possible.
Traditionally, to arrange baby shower programs have been given by anybody close to the mom-to-be, like Grandmothers-to-be, cousins, friends, co-workers or any other next of kin to mom. Sometimes more than one host will give the shower to defray costs and responsibilities.
- Who should be invited to the shower
The mother-to-be should be the one to choose the guest list as it is her day. If the shower is to surprise her , a close relative or friend should help plan the list. Actually anyone who is close to the mom-to-be, cousins, friends, Grandmothers-to-be and other relatives are invited to help celebrate the new arrival. (Friends of dad usually do’t attend the party it depends on the father-to-be if he prefers.)
- When should the shower be held?
Traditionally baby showers are held in the last trimester in the mother-to-’s pregnancy stage, 6-8 weeks before the due date. Showers may also be held after the baby is born. Some people prefer rather to have a post partum baby shower so they can get personalized baby gifts and given and the correct size and color. Another reason is because everybody can meet the newborn, who is actually part of the party.
- Invitations
A written invitation is the best way to inform people about the shower. It contains all the specifics they need to know to plan and to fit it into their schedule.
Include:
- who the baby shower program is being given for,
- location
- address
- time
- host/hosts name
- a deadline for RSVP and where to mail it to
- girl or boy, only if mom-to-be wishes the information
shared and gift registry information,
- Direction to the baby shower
- Food Served at the Baby Shower
Finger food is usually served
punch and sodas are most common drinks at the party
As a respect for the mom-to-be alcohol is not served
Thank You Note Drawing
As guests arrive to the baby shower, they fill out envelopes with their name and addresses and place them in a basket. Later the mom-to-be draws out an envelope for the winner of the door prize. The mom-to-be then can use the envelopes when mailing out her thank you notes later. We hope you will enjoy all this information. Now you can gear up and start planning on your next baby shower, congratulations!
By: Yittel Margaretten About the Author:
Children’s Behavior
Aug
23
Free invitations are the best! Everyone knows that the best things in life are free. The best invitations are also free! There are many places that you can go on the Internet to find free invitations for your baby shower. Why pay for something that you can get for free?
Invitations let everyone know the time and place of the celebration of the newborn or soon to be born arrival. Free invitations are an option that you should definitely consider. There are some great Internet sites that offer all kinds of free invitations.
Don’t forget to send out the invitations early enough to let everyone know to plan ahead and save the date for the special event, typically four to six weeks in advance. Some family members may be traveling long distances so this allows them enough time to make necessary travel plans.
You can include all the same information on free invitations as you would on more expensive invitations. Save your money for the fun stuff!
Here are some examples of what your free invitations should say:
Invitation #1
Let’s have some fun
Welcoming the little one!
Melissa Ann Peters
Date:
Time:
Place:
Location:
RSVP:
Registered at:
Invitation #2:
You’re invited to a special place
To meet the newborn face to face
Judith Margaret Fleming
Date:
Time:
Location:
RSVP:
Registered at:
While you’re searching for the perfect free invitations for your celebration, you may want to consider creating matching birth announcements, thank you notes, and personalized stationery as well. These are optional, not required, but it may be worth looking into while you’re in a planning and creating mode.
The quality of the free invitations you send is up to you. You can control the quality of paper you use to print the invitations, and you can control the quantity as well. Since these invitations are often created right from your own computer, you can print off extra copies as needed without having to pay extra costs in reordering fees from a professional printing service.
If you need to send out a quick free invitation at the last minute, then you can handle that need right on the spot. Free baby shower invitations are wonderful options to share your baby shower plans with all your friends. Be sure to include the important details of the event like the date, time, location, RSVP info. Where the mother to be is registered for baby gifts, and the baby’s name if it’s known.
Don’t be too wordy or clutter the invitations with too many designs. Be sure to look at some professional designs to get some great ideas for your own free baby shower invitations. Also, be sure to proofread your free invitations for errors in the time or location information before you print them off. Though the shower invitation may be free, the computer paper and ink are not! And neither is postage if you were to have to mail out a second batch with corrections.
Perhaps most importantly, don’t misspell the baby’s name! Baby names today can have some unusual and uncommon spellings. If the baby’s name is to be included on the baby shower invitations, then check, check, check, and double check the spelling of the name before you make your final prints. Remember, baby shower invitations are often kept as precious keepsakes, and you would hate to be remembered as the friend who got the name wrong.
Have fun creating the best free baby shower invitations in town. Who knows? Maybe you will have your friends turning to YOU to plan their next big social event!
By: Randy Wilson About the Author:
Potty Training
Aug
20
The first baby showers were women-only events. They were basically a way to give new moms some entertainment while they were in seclusion with their child in the first few months after delivery. Thankfully, that’s no longer how our culture does things. Now couple baby shower have become more common. However, when you start blending the genders on your guest list that means you may need to make some party changes starting with your baby shower invitations.
The Guest List for the Baby Couples Shower
Obviously, one of the main changes when you decide on a co-ed shower is who is going to receive the baby shower invitation to the couple baby shower. When it was mainly an event for moms, the guest list consisted primarily of female family members and friends of the mom-to-be. Now the guest list can be broadened to include friends and family of both sexes. Be aware that the change might result in a bigger shower than you might have been prepared to manage. On the bright side, the couple will probably score a lot more great gifts.
Baby Couples Shower Activities
With such a diverse array of people coming to the babyshower party, one might wonder what other changes should made. For starters, the entire event can now be planned by either a female or a male friend or relative. Although you may not find many guys who are willing to tackle the task of sending out couples shower invitations, it’s now a possibility. That’s nice for couples who have more men than women as friends and family members.
Even more important than who might get to be the lucky host of the event is what types of activities to choose that will appeal to the varied guests at a baby showers couples party. You don’t want to make the men feel as if they are just along for the ride but you also don’t want to totally dilute the entire idea of the shower. For starters, you may want to have a man and a woman work on planning some couples baby shower games together. That way you’ll have input from both sexes and that should generate some activities that make everyone happy. Trivia contests about the couples are a great choice. You could also break the group into male and female pairs for activities, such as diapering contests or baby food tasting events.
If you’re looking for couple baby shower plans, just remember you don’t want to divide the genders. When you are hosting couples baby showers, you want both sexes to participate together. That doesn’t mean having a television playing ESPN in one room while all of the women exchange child birth horror stories in the other part of the house. Remember those couple baby shower invitations are going to both genders so plan accordingly.
Of course, if you’re having trouble planning your couple baby shower go to the expecting parents for advice. Not only do they know their friends and family members better than anyone else but it’s there party for better or for worse.
By: Sarah Porter About the Author:
About the Authors: Sarah Porter and Patti Paz have written several articles about Personalized
Baby Shower Invitations, About
Couples Baby Showers, Fun Baby
Shower Party, Creative Baby
Shower Games, Diaper Cakes for Baby
Showers, Types of Baby
Shower Invitations, All About Hosting Baby
Shower, Hosting Surprise Baby
Shower, Free
Shower Invitations, Baby Invitations for Baby
Shower and many more for CardsShoppe and Express-Invitations.
Scar Removal
Aug
7
Choosing themes is the first step in planning a baby shower. Or, you may choose not to have a theme at all. However, having a theme for your shower should make the party entertaining, fun, and a memorable experience.
Before picking one, decide on what your guests would find enjoyable. Put yourself in their shoes and think about what you would want to do if you were the guests. Themes for your shower are time savers by providing a focus on the party.
The theme you decide on will determine everything else about the baby shower. The location, whom to invite, what kind of decorations, games, food and beverages.
You also need to determine if the shower will be before the baby arrives or after.
One of the themes that the Ladies would like would be a tea party. There are tea gift baskets that would work well with a tea party. Not only can Gift Baskets provide the theme for the shower, they can double as a centerpiece for your table decorations. With so many gift baskets available, you will be able to use a gift basket for almost any theme.
More Examples of Themes:
Baby Diaper Cake Teddy Bear Gift Basket Stork Harvest Moon Nursery Rhyme Baby invitation Baby safari Winnie the pooh Christmas Baby Shower cake Baby girl baby duck Baby boy Baby game Baby buttery Noah’s ark Decoration Frog shower Book shower Rubber ducky Sports Care bear Ducky Teddy bear Snoopy Tigger Jungle Princess Angel Cowboy Precious moments Sports Jungle
By: Randy Wilson About the Author:
DUI
Aug
4
While a baby shower is typically celebrated to honor the expectant mom, a baby arrival shower is a celebration after the baby was born. There are several reasons why many people opt to celebrate an arrival shower and not a baby shower, one of which is out of town guests may find it difficult to attend a baby shower, and may want to save their travel expenses when the baby arrives instead. Also, it is common for the relatives to help the new parents with household chores during the first few weeks of the baby, so it would be more practical if the party will be celebrated when they arrived and that there’s no other trip they have to spend for.
When planning an arrival shower, one should not get worried for it is a simple party to plan. While it is fun to include games and prizes at the party, but bare in mind that it is more of an opportunity to meet the newborn child. Unlike the energy level of most baby showers, an arrival shower is usually a calm since partying too much isn’t necessary for exhausted parents. Remember, new parents have a lot of things to do now that they have a baby to take care of, and they might haven’t got enough rest after they released from the hospital.
The arrival party will also need some important supplies just like baby showers, such as foods,invitations, decorations, entertainment, favors, and gifts. And speaking of gifts, guests are expected to bring shower gifts for the baby. Among the popular shower gifts during baby showers are newborn clothes, baby blankets, booties, socks, hats, bibs, burp cloths, diapers, nursery furniture, baby bottles, formula, and etc. These are the most basic baby items that any parent will need while raising a newborn.
When planning an arrival shower, try to browse the Internet and search for tips and ideas on how to plan a baby arrival shower. There are thousands of websites that can help and guide you on your plan. Also, you can see a lot of online stores that offer so a wide variety of shower supplies you will need on the party. So, if you opt to plan an enjoyable and memorable arrival shower, make sure to plan in advance and make the Internet as your source of ideas.
Arrival shower gifts can be anything from baby layettes to memorable keepsakes. Also, gift for the new parents are highly appreciated, since parents need some comfort as well. Spa gifts, gourmet goodies and inspirational books are great gift suggestions for them.
Presenting personalized gifts is a great idea that any guest could do to show love and care for the new happy family. Personalized baby items such as embroidered baby diaper bags are a few that you may consider to give as your shower gift. Personalized baby gifts are widely available online and often at reasonable prices, perfect for any type of budget you have in your pocket. Lastly, aside from personalized shower gifts, personalized baby shower supplies are also available online.
By: Janet Verra About the Author:
Jnet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics including weddings. If you’re looking for
personalized baby blankets, visit the website Prettybabygifts.com and browse their extensive collection. Find
baby shower ideas more online!
Spa Resorts
Jun
28
There are different types of baby showers to cover just about any occasion. Baby Showers have been traditionally for Ladies only. But in this day and age, you can plan a baby shower for just about any kind of group.
Shower for Mom:
The most common of the types of showers is a shower for mom. When you have only women at the shower, you have the opportunity to really “girl it up”, so to speak, at your shower for mom. You can do really girlie things and not have to worry about the men being bored or embarrassed.
Shower for Daddy:
Baby shower for daddy is another of the types of shower. No one would realistically expect a new daddy-to-be to sit around with his closest buddies. Opening gifts and playing party games while oohing and aahing over the imminent birth of his child. But that doesn’t mean that Dad can’t have a shower-type celebration.
Shower for the Family:
Another of the types is one for the entire family. Though showers have traditionally been held for mommies-to-be only, times are changing and many people are having showers to celebrate the new baby’s whole family-to-be.
Shower for Twins:
For the parents expecting twins, or possibly more, you can have a twins or multiples party. Multiple or a twins shower can be given when the mother-to-be is expecting twins or more. Having twins is twice as nice. But it’s also twice as much work and twice as expensive. Fortunately for Moms expecting twins or multiples, there is usually someone willing to throw a party to help ease the strain on the wallet.
Baby for Adoption:
Some parents choose to adopt, and they need to know you care about them too. Adopted babies are just as much a part of the family as any other newborn. These types of showers would be very thoughtful and greatly appreciated by the mom.
Shower for Second Child:
Types of baby showers can also be for a second, third or more. Sometimes this type of shower would also be called a caboose shower.
Long Distance Shower:
When the mother or parents cannot be at there, you can hold a long distance type. Also called an absentee, virtual or online shower.
Shower for Couples:
A baby shower for couples is another type of shower you could have. This shower is for both the mom and the dad-to-be. If having a baby couples shower seems odd to you, consider this: mom-to-be did not get pregnant on her own. Nor will she likely be raising the baby on her own. So why should she get to celebrate on her own?
Shower for Grandma:
Throwing a baby shower for grandmother would be a great way to commemorate the excitement of becoming a grandparent for the first time. There’s nothing like spoiling the little cuties for a day and then sending them home to their parents!
Surprise Shower:
Will the mother-to-be know of the party, or will you be having a surprise shower? Remember, mom could go into labor early and you would have to cancel or re-schedule the shower. Also, you would have to figure out a way to spring it on her without her finding out. However, if you want to surprise her and the obstacles don’t bother you, go for it.
Shower for Teacher:
Something a little different would be a shower for teacher. Studies show that there is a lot of interest in this type of shower. You would give the teacher a shower similar to a shower for mom.
By: Randy Wilson About the Author:
Build Huge Twitter Following
Jun
15
As the hostess to the perfect baby shower it is important to consider the
venue in which you are going to have the baby shower.
Many baby showers are held in the hostess’ home. This is a great cost saving
idea, but one must be sure the house is big enough to accommodate the guests
without anyone feeling crowded or packed in so tightly, they do not feel
welcome. A great thing about having the party in the hostess’ home is the
ability to control the timing of the shower. You can either have a more formal
occasion with catered food and scheduled activities or you can host more of an
“open house” where guests can come at their leisure. The open house option
sometimes allows the new mom an opportunity to have quality time with many
different guests. A great baby shower favor to give during an open house shower
would be a baby shower heart shaped tea infuser or heart shaped measuring spoons
that each guest can cherish and think of the new mom and her amazing new
adventures each time they enjoy a mug of tea or are baking a luscious treat.
Restaurants are another popular location for baby showers. The convenience of
having all of the food and drinks served to the guests is wonderful. This is
usually a more costly alternative venue, but it makes the hostess’ job of
feeding all of the guests “a piece of cake”. Speaking of cake, many restaurants
will serve a beautiful baby shower cake for dessert. How easy is that?
Restaurants with a party room are great for some added privacy. Using the main
dining area can result in guests being shifted around to accommodate the party
and regular customers. Also, with the “party room” you are able to control the
unpleasantness of inconsiderate smokers nearby. Any new mom and her doctor will
thank you for this. The perfect themed baby shower favors would include “on the
go” items such as mini purses that contain mini manicure sets or a hand bag
shaped mini frame for each guest. To embellish each place setting, you could use
trendy shoe or purse shaped name card holders.
Many places of worship will let you use a fellowship hall or large classroom
for a baby shower. Make sure to make a donation to the church for letting you
use the facilities. Usually space isn’t a problem when taking this route. If the
place has a kitchen that the staff will let you use, you are in great luck! This
will make food preparation and serving a breeze. Make sure you get permission
before serving Aunt Ethel’s Amazing Champagne Punch. Many churches do not allow
adult beverages. A great baby shower favor for this venue would be heart shaped
ice cream scoops or “Love Grows” wildflower seed kits. Each guest can cherish a
sweet treat or a beautiful bouquet of flowers long after the shower is over.
As a thoughtful hostess, keep in mind the many different venues that you can
have the perfect baby shower. Let the new mom’s personality guide the way.
All of the above gift suggestions and many more are available at
SweetTaterBabyGifts.com [http://www.sweettaterbabygifts.com/baby-shower-favors.html]
By: Sarah Garr About the Author:
When Sarah Garr is not chasing after her energetic toddler she is busy coddling her new baby, Sweet Tater Baby Gifts. Sweet Tater Baby Gifts [http://www.SweetTaterBabyGifts.com] offers a full line of unique and personalized baby gifts and baby gift ideas. Come visit http://www.SweetTaterBabyGifts.com [http://www.sweettaterbabygifts.com/baby-shower-favors.html] today!
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