Baby Shower

Get What You Want From A Baby Shower

Organizing and planning for a baby shower gift registry really makes a difference between getting the items or essentials that you really need and having to take a lot of items to the return counter.

Are you a first time expecting mom? Well, the thing is you will be needing a lot of baby items to begin with.

Even before your close relatives or friends put together a baby shower for you, it helps to organize and list down all the essential items you will need. Even in your early stage of pregnancy you can already start thinking about registering essential baby items and your baby shower. It is also good to consult experienced parents for guidance and expert suggestion on baby items, so to speak.

Now when you organize your list, make sure to have a mix of items from bigger and quite expensive ones like strollers or walkers, mid-range items like seats and mobiles, and small ones like baby bottles or bottle racks and bottle brushes.

Here are some of the essential items you must consider for your baby shower gift registry:

1. Baby Stroller or Walker
2. Baby Swing
3. Baby Monitor
4. Portable Playpens
5. Diaper Bag
6. Baby Sling or Carrier
7. Baby Bathtub
8. Baby Bath Accessories
9. Portable and Foldable “Snap-and-Go” Stroller
10. Nursing Pillow
11. Bouncy Seat
12. White Noise Machine
13. Swaddle Blanket
14. Portable and Foldable Changing Pads
15. Formula “Milk” Dispenser
16. Dishwasher Container for Baby Bottles and Pacifiers
17. Mesh Feeders
18. Baby Pillows
19. Cute Clothes, Onesies, Mufflers, Hats and Socks
20. Baby Essential Accessories – Nail Clippers, Digital Thermometer, Baby Wipes. Burping Cloths, and Diapers

These are the most important baby essential you need to have before birth. The smaller items including the mid-range ones are quite easy to prepare and easy for your friends and relatives to purchase. Unless you have extra generous and big shot family and friends who are thoughful and generous to buy you the big tickets, you will need to buy them yourself, because these big items are really items that you need.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that your guests opt to help you a lot and buy you the big ticket items as their baby shower gift for you and your baby.

Baby Shower Prizes

Baby showers are not like any event, it is a celebration of sweet milestone. A celebration of a wonderful blessing, the arrival of the cutest bundle of joy, and a journey to parenthood.

But like every party, we also want baby showers to be fun and exciting, not only for the guests, but more so for the parents-to-be. Now what better way to have fun, than do some fun activities and play some games. And to make it extra, extra fun and memorable – give away some prizes.

Prizes can be for the games or as party favors. It need not be too expensive, just a simple token or keepsake will already delight the guests. Here are some ideas for prizes and thoughtful gifts or keepsakes:

1. Personalized Tote Bag
2. Persolized Photo Frame
3. Scented Candles
4. Card or Cash Holder and Wallet
5. Angel Keychain
6. Baby Footprint Keychain
7. Baby Shower Pens
8. Mini Soap Favors
9. Rose Flower Wine Stoppers
10. Succulents
11. Lip Balms with Thank You Card
12. Cute Footprint or Bear Bottle Opener
13. Customized Boxes of Goodies and Candies
14. Hand Cream Favors
15. Tea Light Candles (Scented or Unscented)
16. Personalized Coffee Mugs or Tumblers
17. Personalized Umbrellas
18. Baby Shower Sign
19. Baby Shower Rubber Bracelets
20. Honeycomb Soap
21. Baby Shower Goodie Bags
22. It’s a Boy/Girl Glass Bottle with Lid
23. Candy Treats
24. Personalized Shopping Bags
25. Scented Box (filled with assorted bath soaps, candles, hand cream, and lotion)
26. Personalized Hankies/Face Towels
27. Personalized Flash Drive
28. Cute Baby Shower Designed Mouse Pad
29. Personalized Center Table Mat
30. Cute Baby Shower Designed Ref Magnets

Finally, baby shower prizes are optional. But, the intention really of having baby shower prizes is to add extra touch of excitement to the shower.

It does not matter what your baby shower prizes or party favors are made of – whether they are fancy girts or practical ones or sentimental items. These adorable gifts will make your guests feel truly appreciated and will leave them with lasting sweet memories of the event.

Guide to Planning, Hosting, and Attending a Baby Shower

A baby shower is not like any party or event, it is a special and momentous one. It is a celebration for the parents-to-be and the impending bundle of joy. It is a very sweet milestone for the parents-to-be and their family. It has a couple of traditions that has to be taken into consideration.

It is significant to have everything organized ahead of time. It helps to always have a list of everything, not only the list of guests or gift registry, but everything from the menu to games and activities. Having a list will guide you thru each component or detail of your baby shower – what are already accomplished and those that are yet to be done.

Here is an experts’ guide to help you plan your baby shower:

1. Pick a Date
Usually, a baby shower is held around the last 2 months of pregnancy. But, it does not mean it really has to be around that time, because baby showers can be done before and after the baby is born. It is signifcant though to always check on the parents-to-be’s comfort especially the mom-to-be. The best place to start is when the mom-to-be is most comfortable to party and be around friends and family.

But which ever time you and the parents-to-be decide on, it is best to already have a sense or vision of what the baby shower would be like in advance. How do the expecting parents envision the baby shower. It is best to sit down with them and discuss all the basics and the essential details, this way the shower will be in the right track.

2. Who will Host
A baby shower can either have one or multiple hosts, and can either be one of the parents-to-be’s closest family or friends. It is the host or hosts who will plan and work on everything for the shower, that is why it is such a sweet and thoughful gesture, whoever will be the host. The only contribution of the parents-to-be are the gift registry, and guest list and their contact details. The host or hosts then are the ones responsible of planning for the event from the location to decors, menu to sending invites, and coordinating activities and games to party favors, among others.

3. Sending Invites
Yes a phone call can serve enough as a way of sending the word out, it is more intimate and special to send out printed invitation.

Make sure that everyone in the guest list gets an invitation and make sure too that you worked out the guest list with the parents-to-be to ensure that noone is missed out.

The guests need ample time to prepare and make room for the scheduled date and also prepare for their baby shower gift. Especially for the guests who needed to travel from afar only to get to the event. So the best time to send invites is 3-4 weeks before the day.

4. Baby Shower for the Siblings
You can throw a party for the second, third or so baby, and this one is called “baby sprinkle.” This one does not have to be as big as the baby shower thrown for the first born. It does not mean that first born are way more special, but because the expecting parents already have most of the essentials they will need. Hence, no need to invite a lot of guests and for them to keep on giving the same gifts over and over again, unless if there is a huge gap between the siblings.

So a baby sprinkle is a smaller and simplier version of the baby shower, but the spirit of celebraring the imprending bundle of joy is still the same if not sweeter. Sweeter because it is not so much about gifts, but more of celebrating a new blessing.

5. Curate the Menu
A party is not a party without food and beverages to munch on and drink while having great conversations and having fun.

Choose food that are tasty and easy to prepare. Finger foods or single servings are the best, because not only are they easy to prepare, but saves you with dining wares and cutleries and prevent sharing of utensils.

One significant detail to consider is the guests dietary requirements or restrictions. And although it is fine to serve alcohol, it is best to serve non-alcoholoc drinks like mocktails to ensure that you are safe while having fun. Plus there are possibly under 21 years old and kids in attendance.

6. Activities and Games
It is essential to have fun activities to make everyone feel at ease comfortable. You and the guests can either play group games like physical and mental games or get them to do DIY activities for the parents-to-be’s nursery or as a simple keepsake.

7. Gift Registry
This one is important to help ensure parents-to-be gets all the essentials they need. Make sure that you include it in the invites you sent to the guests, so they are guided when they purchase gifts. It is also good to keep in touch with the guests to check on what they picked from the registry so that they don’t end up picking similar items.

Finally, whether you are having a huge baby shower or a small intimate one with only the immediate family and closest friends, the shower’s focus must be centered around the parents-to-be and their impending bundle of joy.

And no matter what happens along the way or after, don’t stress or worry too much, because the parents-to-be will be more than appreciative of your thoughtfulness and generosity. It is not easy to host a baby shower. They will remember your sweet gesture and they will talk about the party for years and years. So give yourself a tap on the shoulder for doing such a sweet gesture and one heck of a job.

Baby Shower Gifts for Parents Who Already Have Kids

Parents who already have a child or children may already own newborn essentials, and because they already have most of the essentials an expecting parents need, it can be quite tough to find what else to buy them.

Buying baby shower gifts for first born baby is relatively easy, because you know that the expecting parents are starting zero, so they will need all the baby essentials they can get. But when it comes to second, third or so baby, unless there is a huge gap between the sibling and the impending baby, buying gifts get a bit tricky – what else do the parents need though?

If you are attending a baby shower or baby sprinkle of expecting parents who already have kids, and you’re having a hard time choosing the right gift, here are some great gift ideas that are fun and really useful.

But before that, you can never go wrong with “newborn basics” even if the expecting parents are having second, third or so baby. Newborn basics are the kind of stuff they’ll need plenty of, and therefore it will be a huge help for them, especially now that their family is growing. Basic essentials like diapers, wet wipes, bath soap and shampoo, lotion, powder, and the likes are the most practical gift you can gift them, and will surely be highly appreciated.

However, if you want to go beyond the newborn basics, here are some of the best gifts you can get them:

1. BABY SITTING
Any parent with a couple of kids would love to have some alone time. Babysitting service is the best gift you can give them. Having someone watch over the baby and the older siblings will give the parents couple of hours to relax, take a walk perhaps, have a long bath, read a book, sleep, and recharge.

2. STORAGE BOXES
Eveytime there is a new baby, there are also lots of new stuff, from clothes to toys to gadgets and equipments and more. Gifting them with spacious storage boxes for the new addition to the family will make their life easier. It helps to have additional room to hold those special keepsakes and essential stuff, and help them organize.

3. PAMPER PRODUCTS
With a hectic daily routine and so much on their hands and barely getting sleep, a night free of all these chaos is pure luxury. Get the parents out of the house for a couple of hours or the whole day if possible, without worrying about their kids. Treat them on a spa, dinner, overnight in a hotel, go to a theatre and others. It will be a perfect way to recharge.

4. BABY SLING OR CARRIER
With their hand full, having a sling or carrier helps parents carry their baby hands-free and allow them to multi-task.

5. PHOTO SESSION
With the technology today and the smartphones, it is easier to capture photos and post them on instagram for instance. But, there is something special with printed photos taken in a studio with the whole family.

6. CLEAN HOUSE
Lend a helping hand or hire a cleaner to help parents get through their sleepless and hectic day-to-day routine now that their brood is growing. Anything that will make their life easier will be a great help.

7. PREPARED FOOD
This will be highly appreciated. You can either order a weeks food delivery service or some grocery shopping of ready-made food or spend time in their kitchen and help them in preparing food. Parents will barely have time for themselves with more kids plus a new one. They will surely appreciate extra hand.

8. GIFT CARD
A gift card to a baby store is a great alternative to baby clothes where the baby might end up getting plenty of in the same size, and also they might already have plenty of these clothes from hand-me-down. Atleast the parents can get something else to fill the gaps.

9. LUXURY TREATS
This is all about the parents. Having more kids take a lot of toll on the parents and will totally appreciate treats at the end of a hectic day. Simple treats like a box of chocolates or some fine wine if you want to be generous.

10. SHOWER FOR THE OLDER SIBLING
Sometimes the older sibling might feel neglected with the coming of a new baby. Buying gifts like books or toys for the older siblings will make them feel special and appreciate having younger sibling.

Whether its the second, third or so child, any baby shower gift is much appreciated. You can never go wrong really, anything that genuinely comes from the heart, thoughtful and useful for the family’s growing brood is the best. Hope this list help you find what you are looking for.

Delicious Mocktails for Baby Showers

Many would ask if you can serve alcohol on baby showers. Well, yes you can, but it’s still best to resort to other drinks given that the guest of honor which is a mom-to-be can’t in any way drink alcohol. Plus you’ll have guests who are not into alcohol, some under 21 years old, plus you might have children and teens around as well. And it is safer to avoid alcohol drinks.

Mocktails are fresh fruity drinks that can make your baby shower or any party fun and festive for all ages. It is the perfect choice for drinks – they’re not alcohol, but not flat. They make for a great replacement to real cocktails. They are refreshing and tastes good – you won’t miss or even think about alcohol.

Here are some favorite and delicious mocktail ideas for you. You might want to try them on your baby shower.

1. Passion Fruit Green Tea
The mixture of passion fruit juice and green tea creates that subtle taste, that is so refreshing to drink.

2. Watermelon Lemonade
This is a pink lemonade that is so refreshing and delicious. Perfect for summer baby showers. It’s a combination of watermelon juice and homemade lemonade. For added flavor and totally optional, add a little bit of freshly picked mint.

3. Blackberry Plum with Basil
This bright colored drink is so invigorsting and refreshing. It is made with raspberry juice infused with fresh botanical herbs, berries and some citrus.

4. Carrot Limeade
This really has a beautiful color, and it is so enticing. Not only is it booze-free, but healthy too. It’s a blend of carrot and lime juices. Then add a bit of sugar, especially for children and even adults.

5. Cucumber Tonic
This is another vibrant booze-free mocktail made with rosemary, cucumber and tart lemon. Add the mixture to a fever-tree tonic water. The later is a tonic infused with botanical oils and therefore it gives your mocktail that complex aroma.

6. Grapefruit Margarita Punch
This drink may pass for a real margarita. Combine a pink grapejuice with some pomegrenate syrup. For presentation, serve it in a margarita or martini glass.

7. Cider with Cara Orange
Who says punch can’t be fun. This is a classic festive punch made with winter citruses. For special touch and to make it even more enticing, garnish it with candied oranges.

8. Pomegrenate Soda
Combine a generous splash of pomegrenate with a little bit of sugar. Mix well, and then add maraschino cherry. This drink creates that enticing and refreshing pink drink

9. Pomegrenate Citrus Juice
Combine grapefruits, orange, some tangerine and tangelo juice. Then mix it with pomegrenate juice to give it color, rich flavor, and antioxidants too.

10. Blueberry Mint Lemonade
Mix fresh pureed blueberries with a homemade lemonade, and add a little bit of freshly picked mint syrup.

Finally, while you have the best of mocktails, it won’t be complete without some delicious food to pair it with. Whether you are having lunch or dinner or some in between meals, always pick variety of menu that goes well with your choosen mocktails. These delicious mocktails will make your guests forget about alcohol.

Baby Shower