Marisa – Page 2 – Marisa Meidle's Baby Showers

How to Write a Baby Shower Thank You Card

The baby shower is over and everyone has gone home. It was a fun, memorable and successful party. Eventhough you have openned your gifts during the shower and have thanked each one of your guests in person, it is still an intimate gesture to pen a baby shower thank you card, something that is hand-written and personalized.

The guests to your baby shower are your people, they are the ones who will come running and lend a hand when you needed help, especially after the baby is born. You will need them in one way or the other for parenting advice, for companionship, and even to help you look after the baby or prepare meals, among others. Hence, it’s best to show them how much you appreciate their gesture and how much they mean to you through your thank you card.

If you find it hard to put into words your appreciation and what is in your heart, don’t worry. Here is a walkthrough to guide you in coming up with the most heartfelt baby shower thank you card.

When is the best time to send a baby shower thank you card?

The soonest possible is the best time. The standard etiquette when it comes to baby shower thank you card is two to three weeks after the baby shower. If that timelines is unachievable for you, at least make sure that you have sent them before childbirth.

It would also help to have plans early hand:

1. Buy starionery or have a personalized starionery or thank you card before the baby shower;
2. Keep record of the gifts you have received and from whom it was. That way you will be able to remember who gave you what to help you personalized your note;
3. Set a goal or make a calendar or timeline: how many thank you card to make each day or every other day, including the session: are you going to do it after dinner or daytime after breakfast, whichever works for you; and
4. Finish the thank you card before the baby is born, because once the baby arrives, you will be busier than you can imagine.

Who do you need to thank?
You need to send thank you card to everyone who came to your baby shower, all those who attended virtually, and even those who only sent their gifts because they really could not attend in person or vistually. If some of your friends chipped-in to buy you gifts, you still need to thank them individually. If for instance ten or more of your friends or colleagues parhaps contributed for the gift, you can send them thank you note thru email or personal message thru social media, but if you can manage to write a thank you card for each, it is much better.

So, now you know when you should send a thank you card and who you need to send them to, and the preparation or planning you have to make before the baby shower. In my next post, I will walk you through how to write a thank you card, what to write and the wordings for those who came in person or virtually, and appropriate for the gifts they gave – items or money, how do you thank them, and all that.

Hope this one helped you take note of the very first things to consider before the baby shower, as far as baby shower thank you card is concern.

Baby Shower Gift Alternatives

Ofcourse there is nothing with having a baby registry like in any other traditional baby shower. That way, guests would know what the mom or parents-to-be needs. Plus, opening gifts is the happiest part of the baby shower, thus a time-honored tradition. It’s fun to hear guests say aaaaw…, swoon over the gifts, and pass them around to look at.

However, if you are not so much into gifts or is superstitious about opening gifts before the baby is born, then doing it is cringy and not fun for you. A word of advise though, in case you think of putting a note that says “no gifts” in your invitation, please don’t. When people see that, it’ll raise eyebrows and cause them to feel uncomfortable, and still decide get you gifts. Why? Because it is human nature to bring something when attending a party, it’s uncomfortable to come empty handed. Myself included.

Instead of saying “no gifts,” there are other choices for your guests to channel their good intention. Here are some gift alternatives that you may want to consider, and that you and your guests can be happy about.

1. Go for Books
This is something that the baby may not enjoy early on, but it will benefit them as they grow older. A book library is awesome as well as for that many bedtime story reading. These books can also later be donated and will be much appreciated.

Here are some favorite books:
a. I Kissed the Baby – by Mary Murphy
b. Goodnight Moon – by Margaret Wise Brown
c. Pat the Zoo – by LV Studio
d. Guess How Much I Love You – by Sam McBratney
e. I Love You as Big as the World – by David Van Buren
f. Time for Bed – by Jane Dyer
g. Counting Kisses – by Karen Katz
h. Look, Look – by Peter Linenthal
i. Everywhere Babies – by Susan Meyers
j. From Head to Toe – by Eric Carle

2. Baby or Mother Related Charity
It doesn’t have to be something grand or a charity that is loud. Choose something that speaks to your heart, something that you are passionate about.

Ask your guests to donate to this cause instead of buying you a gift, they will surely love to do something for a good cause too. Just remember though to choose something that is not politically motivated or religious in nature. Instead, go for a neutral ground work like non-profit organizations that help families in need or taking care of orphans.

3. Diaper Raffle
This one is not much of an alternative, because it is often a fun activity in baby showers. Seriously speaking, you can never have too much diapers, and this is also a great way for guests to enjoy something in return of gifting you packs of diapers.

4. Baby Gifts for Donation
This is another worthwhile alternative to baby shower gifts. Instead of buying you gifts, guests can buy gift items for those who actually need them. Ask them to donate gifts to your charity works or projects. It is actually a wonderful opportunity for your guests to do something special whilst doing good in your community.

So next time you think of putting a note that say “no gjfts, please” in your invitation, write something like “would appreciate for you to consider…” with the althernative of your choice. That way they won’t feel coming empty handed.

The thing is you cannot really ask and expect your family and friends to come to your baby shower empty handed. You may not like opening gifts in baby showers, and that is fine and understandable. But understand too that most people are not okay coming to parties, especially baby shower without something. And don’t get it wrong, it is not a burden to them but a real sweet gesture with genuine intention – to help you prepare for parenthood and join in your celebration.

So, no gifts but why not opt for the alternatives above? Hope you find them interesting and fun.

Creative Alternatives to Traditional Baby Shower

A new bundle of joy is on the way, you are in a celebratory mood, but not up for a big traditional baby shower. Well, time has changed and you are definitely not alone mom-to-be on this. These days, more and more expecting moms or parents feel that lavish and grandious party to celebrate baby on the way does not seem practical.

There are for sure reasons why most mom-to-be’s want to skip the traditional baby showers: not a fan of parties, uncomfortable being around people especially in their current state, don’t want people to spend on them for expemsive baby shower gifts, and believes spending for the party is impractical. Although it is okay to say no when a friend or family wants to throw you a big shower, but it is wonderful and gracious to accept such a sweet gesture, as long as they keep it low key.

Guess what? There are many creative ways to get celebrated and welcome the little one in a non-traditional baby shower. A baby shower that is practical and one where you need not stick with the rule, and just have fun.

1. Baby Sprinkle
If this is your second, third or so baby or even if it is your first and you don’t want to have that lavish party, then a baby sprinkle is a good alternative.

A baby sprinkle is a smaller and simplier version of baby shower. It is a smaller and more intimate party with just the inner circle, and the parents-to-be receives just a sprinkling presents rather than tons of gifts. It is less formal, less extravagant, but as fun and memorable as a baby shower.

2. Sip and See
What makes this one different is that the party is thrown after the baby is born. Works well for mom-to-be who are uncomfortable being around people while pregnant, I mean pregnancy can be discomforting for some. This party can be co-ed or something for the girls only. It can be huge or small, and simple or a bit grand. But what makes it better than the traditional baby shower is that the guests can focus on the baby.

3. Virtual Shower
This has nothing to do with being OZ or being too thrifty, but often it is more practical to have a virtual baby shower as oppose to in-person. It is practical for the host, parents-to-be, and the guests. It saves you the venue, the food and the dress too, among others. As a result, guests can spend more on the gifts. Virtual baby shower is nothing short to in-person showers, you can have as much fun and even more. It can be as special too.

4. Baby Shower by Mail
This is even more practical than a virtual baby shower, but is more intimate and heartfelt in my opinion. The idea is that your friend or family sends out note sharing the news about the impending bundle of joy along with the gift registry.

Once you receive the mail, you get to open the gifts at your own pace in the comfort of your own place, and because noone is watching you open the gifts, you get to freely react the way you truly feel whilst reading the mails. And because your friends and family did not get to see you open their gifts or celebrate with you in person, make sure to pen a heartfelt thank you note to each of them and put them in the mail.

5. Community Service
This is a unique but really special and worthwhile way to celebrate your impending baby. You will never forget spending time with your family and friends doing acts of kindness to people and your community a couple weeks or months before you enter another chapter in your life. What better way to honor a new life than doing acts of kindness such as doing charity or public works and projects, helping gather relief goods or cooking some hot meals for the needy, among other community works. Doing something genuinely out of love with nothing in return is so precious. Your little will be proud of you when they find out how you celebrated them.

Lastly, I know you feel that expensive gifts and lavish parties are wasteful, but the thought behind is actually to help out new parents, even if you seem to have everything you need, and to share with your joy as you celebrate a sweet milestone. I hope you find these alternatives interesting, and help you celebrate with your family and friends comfortably.

Work Friendly Baby Shower Ideas

Perhaps your colleague and bestie is expecting her first baby and you want to throw her a baby shower, but you and your colleagues and friend, including the mom-to-be are quite busy with work. Well, guess what? You can always squeez in a couple of minutes or hours even to throw her baby shower. I am pretty sure your colleagues would love to chip in and contribute.

Don’t worry about the budget, and don’t stress out about how you can get everyone to find the time. Just get the word out, and you’ll be surprised with the turn out. I’m pretty sure of that.

There are a lot of work friendly or work approriate baby shower ideas that you and other colleagues can work around with. You can have something small or a quick party in the conference room or in her workspace, pretend like you’re going to have meeting of some sort or you can also have it during lunch or during breaktime or you can have something fancy and book a place for an after work dinner out.

Here are a couple of ideas that you might find interesting or something you can go for or use as inspiration:

1. Decorate Her Desk
This is a simple, but real sweet idea to surprise a mom or parents-to-be and feel celebrated and special. If you can’t really find the time to have that proper and much bigger baby shower, you and or a couple of collegues can stay late after work and pretend like you need to work overtime or come in very early the next day to decorate the mom-to-be’s workspace with some colorful balloons, a banner and not to forget the cake and gifts you and your colleagues have prepared. It will definitely be a real sweet surprise.

2. Fun at the Office
This is something you can do for a much longer baby shower, whether at the office or outside office. It’s always exciting to get everyone do some fun activities. Since, your guests are all collegues, then they probably don’t need ice breakers to make them feel comfortable with each. With that being said, you can easily get everyone to join in the game. One fun activity that always works is a “diaper raffle” where everyone brings a pack of diapers in exchange for raffle tickets that will be drawn towards the end of party. Guest will get the chance to win fun prizes.

3. Pizza Time
We know that catering services can be a bit pricey and complicated, and takes time. It is fun and satisfying to have pizza instead. You can announce to everyone that lunch is on the house. Making sure that everyone knows except the mom-to-be ofcourse. That cheezy and bready, fresh from the oven hot pizza is going to be so satisfying especially for the pregnancy cravings. Now, while everyone is enjoying their bite, you can surprise the honoree with the gifts from everyone along with some balloons and cake.

4. Taco Bar
This is a real fun, tasty, and satisfying idea for baby shower in the office. Like pizza, you’ll definely give everyone and the mom-to-be some cravings satisfied moment. Plus, it is an allergy-friendly meal to enjoy, because everyone can make their own taco and choose the ingredients they want. And while everyone is having fun making their taco, surprise the honoree with the gifts that everyone has brought, and some balloons and cake.

5. Some Desserts
This is a creative idea where you can ask some collegues who knows how to make cookies and cupcakes chip in and bake some cute and colorful goodies to surprise the mom-to-be along with the gifts, colorful balloons and cake. This idea can be anytime of the day, over breaktime or after lunch or some pretend meeting at the conference perhaps. While everyone is giving their gifts, and exchanging sweet words, these goodies will make the moment even sweeter.

6. Conference Room Makeover
This idea is an upgrade of decorating mom-to-be’s workspace and it allows for a much longer time. You can ask some collegues to help you prepare the conference room. I’m sure your colleagues will be more than delighted to help and chip in. Some can do the decorations while others can help with the food, sweets, and the cake.

Finally, it doesn’t really matter whether the baby shower is a 15 minute coffee or tea break or a lunch meeting or a fancy dinner out. The idea of you and the mom-to-be’s colleagues organizing a baby shower amidst all the paper works and busy schedule is a very sweet and thoughtful gesture. It will be very much appreciated, and will make mom-to-be feel truly special. So, if you are having second thoughts, I say go for it. I am pretty sure even your boss would love to have a part in the shower. Have fun.

Summer Baby Shower Ideas

If you love the sun and warm days, the long nights and festive fireworks, then summer is the season for that.

Summer is a vibrant season, a time to go out and have lots of fun whether its day or night. Summer has so much to offer from fruits and colorful blooms, a lot of traditions and holidays, and above all lots of sand and beaches, and surfs.

If you are looking at having a summer baby shower, but couldn’t seem to decide on the theme, here’s a round of cool theme ideas for summer baby shower for your inspiration.

1. Peach Summer
Peach is a cool shade and is gender-neutral color, thus perfect for a gender-neutral baby shower. You can have various decorations from flowers to fruits. And have some peach mocktails for your refreshing drinks.

2. Pine-Appley Ever After
Summer has a lot to offer I said, especially fruits. One of the most refreshing summer fruits is pineapples. So, why not have a pineapple theme? You can decorate the venue with lots of green and yellow, have some pineapple cake or pie and serve refreshing pineapple punch or mocktails. You can also have some tropical fruit arrangement with pineapple in the middle as your centerpieces.

3. Let’s Flamingo
These adorable pink birds are so beautiful because of its bright pink color. Flamingo is also associated with warm climates, hence a good theme for the summer season. It’s also perfect for a baby girl shower, because it’s pink. You can have bright colored flamingo-inspired banners for your decorations, then have some balloons and table scapes as well.

4. Little Sunshine
Sunshine symbolizes fun and is really an adorable theme for baby shower anytime of the year. But, summertime theme is especially relevant in summer season. You can choose whether to have a subtle way of expressing the theme or go loud with the yellow, orange and golden colors for that summer-y vibe. Either way, it’s going to be really fun and memorable.

5. Beachy
Beach is a must when it’s summer. And beaches are designed for fun. There are a lot of ways to interpret a beach-inspired baby shower. You can go classic or fantastical. If the parents-to-be are beach bum, welcoming and celebrating their impending bundle of joy in a place they love most is going to be really special and memorable for them.

6. Pool Party
Ask any moms what they want during the summers, all they really want is to beat that summer heat. What better way than a cool splash in a poolside with lots of sweet snacks and refreshing drinks while having some worthwhile conversations and fun with family and friends while celebrating the joy of an impending bundle of joy?

7. One in a Melon
Watermelon is another summer fruit favorite. It is sweet, juicy, bright colored, and so refreshing. This is perfect for a baby shower theme, so easy to pull-off and create centerpieces out of it. Decorate the place with lots of green and red or rich pink for baby girl shower, and serve refreshing watermelon juice or mocktails.

8. Little Squirt
Water is always a great idea for summer time. If you plan to have a kid-friendly baby shower, then consider having some fun water balloons, water tables, and lots of water activities. But, if it’s an adult baby shower, then you can tone it down by having water-inspired decorations with lots of blue and white shades. Serve some blue lemonades or flavored drinking water or some blue mocktails.

9. Brunch Party
This is a cool and practical theme for baby showers. It allows your guests and the mom-to-be especially, to rest by the time the summer heat rolls in. It is also the best time to have a mix of breakfast and lunch food, saves you from lunch so to say. Decorate the venue with lots of morning glories and your tables with some white and neutral shades.

10. Shrimp Boil
Summer and beach come together, and it is often associated with lots of seafoods like shrimps, crabs, and crawfish. Why not have a shrimp theme then, especially for parents-to-be who are fond of eating seafoods? This fishy theme may be a bit messy, but it is super laid back and comfy. It’s really perfect for unfussy parents-to-be and guests.

Hope this list helped you find the theme you are looking for or served as inspiration as you organize your own.

Summer is so vibrant and perfect for baby showers, especially outdoors. Go out and spend that momentous occasion by the beach, have some barbecue, prepare that refreshing lemonade, and let the wave of fun and laughters wash over you.