Baby Shower Do’s and Don’ts Guide

Gift Registry – Baby Shower Do’s and Don’ts Guide

In my previoua posts we’ve shared with the do’s and don’ts when it comes to hosting, planning for the guest list, choosing the date and venue. Now let look into ‘gift registry.’ This can raise some etiquette concerns when not planned well. But, these etiquette concerns can be handled easily when planned well, and all matters significant are taken into consideration.

Back then, it is the mom-to-be who plan for the gift registry, she then passes it on to the host or the one who will throw the baby shower. Today, the mom-to-be can work on the gift registry with the dad-to-be, along with the host of the shower.

Why is there a need to have a gift registry?

The reason why it is necessary to have gift registry is to help shopping for baby shower gifts easier for guests, and also ensure that the mom-to-be and her baby gets what they need. So, once you have the gift registry, include this information in the invitation that will be sent out to the guests.

FOR THE MOM-TO-BE

When you are preparing for the gift registry, consider the BUDGET and the TIME of you friends, colleagues, and family, who are in your guest list, in purchasing these gifts. You may include price range and different options of gift items that are available in stores accessible to your guests. Don’t put gift items that need to be ordered or personalized or made-to-order stuff.

In case you are wondering what does a registry typically include? These are items such as basic baby items like diapers or baby bottles and the likes. It can also include bigger items like baby crib, stroller, changing table or carrier and others.

If this is your second, third or so child, then you may already have most of the essential items like baby crib or stroller and other items that may be passed down from one baby to the next. Instead, list down staples items that you need plenty of like diapers, baby wipes, lotion, bath soap and the likes.

If for instance it’s your first time to have a baby girl after maybe two boys or vice versa, then list down items that will allow your guests to purchase something that is gender appropriate, like girly baby stuff and toys or the other way around – clothes and toys for boys.

FOR THE GUESTS

If on the other hand, you are a guest, then remember that you are not limited to getting only the items from the registry. It will be very much appreciated if you plan to gift the mom-to-be more items, not in the registry, but you think she’ll need or will be good for the baby.

Bottomline is that the gifts listed in the registry are the items the mom-to-be believe she needs, it will help her greatly if she could have most of those items in the registry, if not all. But, remember to give from your heart. You are special and dear to the mom-to-be or parents-to-be, so gift her or them what reflects your relationship. And to express your joy, and love and support.

Baby Shower Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts Guide

In my previous posts we’ve learned of the primary do’s and don’ts for baby showers. Starting off with who should host or throw the baby shower, followed by the guest list – who to invite.

We’ve also learned that baby shower can be thrown more than once, that way allowing more family and friends of the mom-to-be or parents-to-be to share with the celebration and extend their love and support.

Now that we’ve identified who should throw the baby shower and planned the guest list, what’s next?

When and Where to have the Baby Shower

When you are planning to have the baby shower is just as important as where you plan to do it. The best times to have the shower is later on the pregnancy, when the expecting mom has gone past the morning sickness, cramps and other early pregnancy discomforts, so that she may be able to enjoy the party. Usually, aroud six weeks before the due date is the best time, but it is significant to consult the mom-to-be or parents-to-be on this. Once you have the date, make sure that you give your guest ample time to prepare for the shower. Send out invitations atleast four weeks before so that they can save the date, and also for guests who may be out of town can make travel plans.

The venue where you plan to do the shower is really dependent on the number of guests invited. You can hold the shower in rented places or in the mom-to-be’s place. If you plan to have it in the mom-to-be’s place, just make sure it won’t cause extra stress to her, like for the preparations or the cleaning afterwards.

Now that you have the time and place, what other matters can raise baby shower etiquette concerns? We’ll share with you in the next posts. Stay tuned.

Whether you are the mom-to-be or parents-to-be or the sister or bestie of the expecting mom or simply the host of baby shower, you might not know yet or is perhaps wondering about baby shower do’s and don’ts. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the baby shower etiquette:

Who’s Hosting?

Before anything else, who is going to host the baby shower? I mean, you can’t have one unless someone will host it. Traditionally, it is one of the girlfriends of the mom-to-be or her relatives – like a cousin or aunt. But, that is ancient. Today, anybody from friend to colleagues or relative of the mom-to-be or even the dad-to-be can host the shower. In fact, the mom or parents-to-be would be delighted to have more than one baby shower.

Having more than one baby shower might sound extravagant, but it is not. It is actually practical and encouraging for the mom-to-be, especially for parents-to-be who need that extra love and support. It is actually helpful in the sense that baby showers provide opportunity for the expecting mom or parents to receive not only emotional support, but above all receive support that will help them prepare for the task ahead, especially first time parents-to-be.

Now, generally the mom-to-be does not host a baby shower for herself. Why? Well, because the purpose of the party is for her to be celebrated, and for her friends and family to shower her with some TLC. But, were in the modern era. So, if noone thought of hosting one for the mom-to-be, which is impossible. But, if and when that happens, mom-to-be can ask her bestie or colleague or a relative perhaps to host a simple baby shower for her.

Although the mom-to-be does not and should not host a baby shower for herself, she is often involved in the preparations and putting together guest lists, and if the host need some information and about the guest or for the fun activities for the party, and for coming up with the gift registry and other things that the host might need to organize one heck of a fun party.

Who are the Invitees?

Now you have the host, next up is who should be invited? It is kind of simple, you just need to consult the mom-to-be or the parents-to-be who their close friends are or family members or colleagues that they wanted to include in the guest list. You don’t want to miss someone dear to her or to both.

However, as much as you would want to invite everyone, you need to be transparent with the mom or parents-to-be of the limitations with regards to the budget, and also the venue.

Not to put aside the dad, but traditionally baby showers are females only – it all about the mom-to-be and her friends. But, like I said that is ancient. So you can, by all means, invite dad’s male friends. Bottomline is to discuss the guest list with the mom-to-be or both parents and plan accordingly. This also helps, when there will be more than one baby shower, atleast the mom-to-be would know who to invite for the next baby showers.

So, the host is ready and the guest list is ready, and you’re all set. What comes next? We’ll talk about other do’s and don’ts in my next posts. We’ll learn about where and when to have the party, about gift registry, and what about if it’s second, third time or so baby of the mom-to-be?