Special Baby Shower

Hi! Candy:
I LOVED having my baby showers! One thing my friend did at my first shower; I did not find out the sex of the baby and she had cut little pieces of pink and blue paper and had each guest write down what they thought the sex was along with a little note. Then, they put them in a container she made and I was to read them after I had the baby. I have all of them now in my son's keepsake box! I really liked that!!
I really like the idea a previous mom shared about the children's book instead of a card....what a sweet idea!
Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful shower!

Candy,

I think a really special tea/brunch would be really special for your friend. Maybe you could ask all of the guests to write down a favorite parenting tip or funny story, etc. for your friend and then secretly compile it together and present it to her at the baby shower.

Molly

You sound like a terrific friend! At my last shower, my friend(the host) asked that in lieu of cards the guests give their favorite children's book with a personal note written inside. I cannot tell you how much I love reading those books to my son and knowing the thought that was put into it!

This is really sweet of you to do this for your friend! I have hosted a couple showers in the last year and a half. Here are some things that I thought were "special touches":

1. Organize a group gift - ask everyone if they would like to chip in for a group gift including people that can not come. We did this at my friend's shower 2 weekends ago and we had so much $ we were able to get her a stroller, bouncie seat, and so much other stuff.

2. Buffet style food - mexican works great! Rice, beans, chips/salsa/guacamole, burritos (cut in half) - a lot of mexican restaurants you can order and just bring it to your house - portions are usually large so if you're expecting 20 people just order for 10 and supplement with chips

3. Instead of cakes - cupcakes are great and easy!

4. Sign in book - have a book people can sign in and write down advice. The same book can be used to write down gifts received. Party City carries these in all colors/themes.

5. Flowers! If you have a farmers market near you - the day before the shower you can get tons of flowers cheap - daisies, roses, etc - put them in various vases around your home - these are pretty decorations!

6. Baby bingo is always a fun game! Everyone gets a bingo card and has to guess what gifts are in the packages - as the mommy to be opens the gifts people cross off their bingo cards - I usually give away 2-3 gifts for 2-3 bingo winners.

7. Party City also has some great gender neutral decorations and balloons you can pick up - Winnie the Pooh is a really cute boy or girl theme.

8. Other games - you can google, there are TONS of free ideas online. Gifts for games - pick up stuff at the dollar section of Target... don't spend too much!

9. If your friend's mom is in the picture - ask her to bring a sentimental gift - maybe her baby book or something like that

10. A great gift from you to her is her hospital bag - my mom did this and I did this for a friend. I went to Walgreen's, got a small travel case and filled it with stuff for the mom - i.e. shampoo, brush, soap, toothbrush, paste, mouthwash, chapstick, etc. That way she doesn't have to worry about that. I also got her all the essentials for baby like Tylenol, Mylecon, baby wash, q-tips, etc etc - it was a realy fun basket!

11. Nametags!! Great if you have lots of people whoe don't know each other

12. Get a cute sash or tiara for the "mommy to be"

I'm sure I have more ideas.... let me know if you need any help!!

K.