Baby Shower On a Budget
ON A BUDGETJust because people are on a tight budget does not mean the baby shower cannotbe fun. For this, the guests would all be asked to pick upunique gifts from thrift stores, garage sales, antique stores,estate sales, or consignment sh...
...ops. Not only are the giftsaffordable but the expectant mother will end up with some veryeclectic items. PURE PAMPERINGWhen a woman reaches about the seventh or eighth month ofpregnancy, the cute maternity clothes are no longer “cute”. Therounded stomach is in the way, sleeping and getting comfortableis nearly impossible, and all the woman can think of is “gettingthe pregnancy over with.”Obviously, nature has an amazing way of preparing women to givebirth but while in that stage of pregnancy, she feels miserable.Instead of or in addition to throwing a standard baby shower,why not throw a “pamper party” for the soon-to-be mom. For thisshower, have everyone bring something just for the expectantmother. This might include some comfortable lounge clothing, chocolatecovered cherries, takeout Chinese food, you name it, do it. Shewill feel so much better about herself and gain a much betteroutlook about the hard work of labor ahead of her. PREGNANT GUESTSWhen hosting a babyshower, to create a ton of laughs while also making theexpectant mom feel good about her situation, have every guestcome “pregnant” – men and women. A simple bed pillow rolled upand tied around the waist with an oversized shirt will do thejob. While this is fun for an all-girl shower, it is even abetter theme for a coed shower. BABY TOYSRather than baby clothing, have each guests bring a special babytoy that could be used in the child’s first three years of life.The variety will be wonderful and the cost savings to theparents huge. Not only is this baby shower theme excellent for afirst baby but it also works very well for a second or thirdbaby, as well as adopted children. MEMORIESFor a special babyshower, create one filled with memories. In this case, eachguest would bring a gift made in or representing the year thebaby is born. For example, one guest might create a scrapbookwith newspaper and magazine articles, another guest might bringa new toy developed that year, and another guest a picture framewith the year as part of the design. BABY’S FIRSTWith this theme, each family member or friend would choosesomething to represent the baby’s first. As anexample, a pewter fork and spoon for the first solid food, apair of baby shoes for the first attempts of walking, a toothfairy box for the first lost tooth, a silk or satin case for alock of hair from the first haircut, or perhaps a cake giftcertificate for his or her first birthday. NURSERY TIMEIf the theme of the baby’s nursery is known, the shower could bespecific to the decorations of that room. For instance, if thenursery were done in Walt Disney, then lamps, blankets, sheet,bibs, sleepers, diaper bag, and so on, all focusing on Disneywould be on the gift list. NAMING A BABYFor a fun baby shower filled with laughter and some veryinteresting names, create a theme around naming the baby.Throughout the day or evening, the guests will be asked to wearnametags of the name for a boy and girl they like best. In addition, each guest will be given an envelope with anywherefrom five to nine letters, chosen at random. Their mission, ifthey choose to accept it, is to unscramble the letters to comeup with a baby name. This theme is wonderful and creates a lightenvironment and some very strange names. If the weather is expected to be nice and there is adequate roomoutdoors, set up a tropical oasis, complete with lights strungup outside, floating candles in the pool, Tiki torches, Hawaiianleis, and so on. Have beach music playing in the background andfor food, serve ham, fresh fruit, barbecue, fruit punch, etc.This provides a relaxing environment for the expectant couple asthey prepare for the big day. AROUND THE CLOCKFor this baby shower theme, each guest would be assigned a giftthat would be used at a specific time of day. For example, 7:00a.m. could be a baby bottle, 8:00 a.m., burping pads, 9:00 a.m.,baby food and spoon, 1:00 p.m. baby blanket for naptime, 5:00p.m., bib and so on. LIBRARY TIMEIn this case, every guest would be asked to bring a book for thebaby, ranging from those appropriate for six month to threeyears of age. Since books are so affordable and the variety sogreat, guests could bring one book, three books, or a book alongwith another gift. SAFETY FIRSTWith this baby shower theme, each of the items brought would bethings to support child safety. This might include a non-slipbathtub, warm hooded bath towels to keep the little one warm,cabinet and drawer stops, power outlet plugs, soft toys, etc. SPRINKLE SHOWERIf the expectant couple will have more than one shower, thiswould be an excellent option. For this theme, rather than guestsbuying large items, they would bring a sprinkling of small itemsthat are used on a daily basis. As an example, this would include things like shampoo, powder,diapers, baby wipes, lotion, socks, pacifiers, diaper cream, andso on. Mothers are always running out of supplies. With thistheme, she would have a nice supply for months while enjoyingthe convenience and cost savings. As you can see, when it comes to baby shower themes, thepossibilities are limitless. As mentioned briefly, the mostimportant factor to make any baby shower a success is to createa treasured memory. Yes, the shower is for the baby but it isalso for the parents to share in their joy and help themcelebrate the miracle of birth or adoption. ©2004 Babyshowermoments.com,All rights Reserved
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