BABY SHOWER IDEAS:
We put together a few pointers to help you throw a memorable and FUN baby shower!

Baby Shower gifts, Personalized baby gifts,  unique baby shower gifts and new baby gifts all can be found here at the The Baby Gift Finder. Whether your in San Jose, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boston or any other city it all can be found right here.

Who should host the Baby Shower?
Traditionally baby showers have been given by a non-relative of the Mother-to be but in recent years it has become more acceptable for showers to be given by Grandmothers-to-be, Cousins, friends, co-workers or anyone close to the Mom. Many times more than one host will give the shower to defray costs and responsibilities.

What are the host’s responsibilities?
The host’s most important job is to create an event that the Mother-to-be will be comfortable with. This includes getting the Mother-to-be’s input on all aspects of the shower (unless it is a surprise shower) including who should be invited, what the date of the shower should be (she’ll know more on the key guests schedules than the host will), what theme will be part of the shower, if games will be played, the selection of food and how long the party will last. The host is also responsible for making sure the Mom-to-be is taken care of, sending out the invitations, being the RSVP respondent, Greeting guests as they arrive, coordinating the activities such as gift opening, game playing and the meal and be an active participant in the running of the shower.

Who should be invited to the shower?
The Mother-to-be should be involved with selecting the guest list as it is her day. If the shower is to a surprise for the new mom, a close friend or relative should help plan the guest list. Generally, anyone who is close to the Mom-to-be, relatives and the Grandmothers–to-be are invited to help celebrate the new arrival.

When should a baby shower be held?
Traditionally baby showers are held 1-2 months before the mothers due date. Showers may also be held after the baby is born. Some people prefer the post partum shower because baby gifts can be personalized and given in the correct size and style. This after the arrival shower is tradition in many cultures and regions so everyone can meet the new arrival. The newborn also becomes the star of the party and a great conversation starter. For information relating to religion and baby showers visit: Pregnancy.about.com

Should Co-ed showers be given?
If the couple is comfortable with the idea of a co-ed shower than why not get dad and his friends involved. Keep in mind men are not going to as interested in frilly decorations or silly games so the co-ed shower tends to be more low key.

Should a shower be given for the second or third child?
Of course. Baby showers are held to show love and support for the mom-to-be and the new arrival. The family probably already has all the essentials so smaller, more practical gifts like, onesies, diapers, formula and toys for the baby are gifts that are usually given.

Should showers be given for adopted children?
Yes. Keep in mind that showers for adopted children usually take place 1-2 months after the child is adopted. This is because adoption proceedings don’t always go as planned and the parents will want to spend some time alone to bond with their new child. Here is a link to some more information on baby showers for adopted children Entertaining.about.com

Should your shower have a theme?
Themes have become very popular for baby showers. Today custom invitations, Thank You cards, party supplies, centerpieces and favors for the guests can be coordinated for an unforgettable event.

Where should the shower be held?
Traditionally it is given in the home of the host, close friend or relative. In recent years many are held at restaurants, parks, day spas and clubs. It is always a good idea to check with venues to see if they have rules against playing games or other activities that happen at Baby Showers.

Is an office Baby Shower appropriate?
Yes but you should check with company policy to see if there are rules against having a baby shower on the premises. See the following link for other information Entertaining.about.com

How should you invite people?
A written invitation is the best way to inform people about the Baby Shower. Hosts may call the guests and invite them but a written invitation contains all the specifics they will need.

What information should be on the written invitation?
Who the shower is being given for, Location including address, time of the shower, host/hosts name, Who to RSVP to and a deadline for RSVP, gift registry information, sex and name of the child (if the Mom-to-be would like this information shared). Other information that is sometimes given is if it is a luncheon, a potluck, if there is a “Wishing Well” and if there is a theme to the shower. A map to the shower location may also be included.

What should be served at the Shower?
Typically the host will provide finger foods, a light lunch, set up a buffet, potluck or barbeque. There is usually not a served meal. Beverages usually include coffee, punch or sodas. Alcohol should not be served out of respect for the Mother-to-be.

Should you play games at the shower?
Games are a very popular activity at a Baby Shower. The host should talk to the Mom-to-be and see how she feels about games. The mom-to-be may not be comfortable playing games, especially those that call attention to her belly. Generally 1-3 games will be played at a Shower. Games can be a good way to get things started and introduce guests to one another.

How do you deal with sensitive issues?
Should you invite guests that have recently lost a child or have had trouble conceiving? -The best thing to do is ask. If she is up for attending a baby shower she will come. If she does RSVP and doesn’t show, don’t hold it against her. This is probably a very difficult ands sensitive time for her.

Timeline for hosts:
6-8 weeks before shower
-Decide on the date and time with the Mother-to-be
-Prepare a guest list with Mother-to-be
-Reserve restaurant or decide on a shower location
-Decide on shower theme with Mother-to-be
-Make or order invitations
-Make a list of food and beverages to be served


4-6 weeks before shower
-Send out invitations
-Keep a record of all names and addresses to give to the Mother-to-be to send out Thank You cards
-Finalize the menu
-Decide on what games, if any will be played and what prizes will be awarded to the Winners
-Purchase prizes for game winners
-Begin shopping for baby shower favors ~ what is a favor? a favor is an item you give to each guest "thanking" them for coming to the shower. This is becoming more and more popular to do!! -Order decorations and party supplies that go with the theme
-Free baby shower games ideas are always helpful ~ here's a list of free baby shower game ideas!
-Don't forget about the table centerpieces, this can be a gift for the new mommy or a game winner idea or even favors to pass out to guests. Try to get a 'usable' centerpiece so it can be used double purpose and saves money in the long run :).
-For couples showers, don't forget about the new daddy!
-If siblings are going to attend, a small gift for them should be purchased.

3 weeks from the baby shower
-Purchase and wrap your gift
-Make sure that there are sufficient utensils and serving spoons
-Make sure you have enough tables and chairs for number of guests
-Confirm reservations if the shower is held at a restaurant, spa or club
-Order of make plans for the cake

1 week before the shower
-Call guests that have not RSVP’d to see if they are coming
-Clean your home
-Prepare dishes that can be frozen
-Arrange transportation for the Mom-to-Be
-Arrange for someone to record names and gifts given to give to the Mom-to-be for Thank You cards
-Arrange for someone to hand the Mom-to-be the gifts, take the wrapping paper and place gifts to the side so everyone can see her opening the next one.
-Write out a timeline that you can follow to keep things on schedule such as play game number one, eat lunch, open gifts, play game 2, have dessert etc.
-Purchase extra film or charge digital camera batteries

2 days before the shower
-Call the Mom-to-be about any last minute details
-Decorate for the party
-Set up tables and chairs
-Set up a gift table
-Call bakery if cake has been ordered and confirm details

1 day before the party
-Make the remaining food on your list
-spot clean your home
-pick up flowers or centerpieces
-Make sure you have enough ice
-Place several garbage receptacles in key areas so guests don’t leave plates, napkins and trash on the tables

The day of the party before guests arrive
-Relax take a deep breath
-Purchase or have balloons filled
-Pick up the cake
-Set up food and beverage tables

As the guests begin to arrive
-Greet each guest at the door and let them know where the refreshments are
-Introduce guests to one another
-Have a comfortable chair, pillow and footstool ready for the Mother-to-be
-Introduce the activities as they begin, explain the rules for games, announce when the meal or gift opening begins.

HAVE A GREAT EVENT!!!

Baby Shower gifts, Personalized baby gifts,  unique baby shower gifts and new baby gifts all can be found here at the The Baby Gift Finder. Whether your in San Jose, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boston or any other city it all can be found right here.