Non-baby Shower Celebratory Day

How about booking a private party at Dinner by Design? Everyone can pitch in and work together to create a bunch of meals for the freezer so that, when the baby comes, all she will have to do is pull the entrees out of the freezer and cook them.

What new mom wouldn't be able to use that?

www.dinnerbydesignkitchen.com

I don't work for dinner by design, by the way; I just absolutely love their offerings and ease of preparation!

Hi Debbie -

With my second son, 5-1/2 years after my first, one of my friends wanted to do something for me. So, she planned a day trip with several girlfriends and my Mom. We went down on a Sunday to Fast Eddie's in Alton and to the Aries Winery in Grafton. It was so nice just having a girls day out. I love the food at Fast Eddie's (it's cheap & good) and the scenary from the winery. It overlooks where the Illinois & Mississippi rivers come together. It's a beautiful drive down there on the Great River Road, especially in the Fall. Even if she doesn't drink, the winery has soda & there are tables out on a deck where they usually have live music. Depending on your friends religious beliefs, of course, this may not be an option. But maybe you can find something similar to do. My friends also brought gifts and some didn't but most of all I just enjoyed being w/them all. Good luck! I'm sure whatever you do for her, she'll enjoy.

I'm not sure what you want to spend per person but what about going to 1154 Lill Studio to make bags and then lunch/dinner. You could all chip in so that she could make a diaper bag....

http://www.1154lill.com/home/

I did not have a shower for several reasons, the most important being religious reasons. My SIL did not want a shower for the same reason and instead, she had a lovely gathering of women, children and loved ones that focused on love and spirituality. Everybody brought something they found in nature or a poem or verse that reminded them of new life, joy and the power of living simply. After some snacks and relaxing, they went around the room and explained what they brought, adding stories of parenting or childhood. I know it sounds really "earth mama" but it really was a wonderful, memorable time.

Also, Mothering magazine had an article about the "anti-shower" a issues ago (can't remember exactly when) but they might have it in their archives online. That had some alternative ideas as well.

Good luck planning!
T.

Ps For those who don't know, people of the Jewish faith do not have baby showers. Also, I believe Jehovah's Witnesses do not exchange gifts.

Some people asked about the 'what religion doesn't have a baby shower'. To my knowledge, some Jewish families do not have a baby shower until after the baby is born. While I do not know the particulars behind it, I do believe it is a tradition that some people who identify as Jewish follow.

It would be awesome to throw a 'meal-making' party for her. Put together a bunch of stuff for the freezer that can be made after the birth of the baby. Is this her first baby? She will be so appreciative that she will have one less thing to do and/or think about while taking care of a newborn.

what if its a " sprinkle" rather then a shower, i am throwing one of thsoe for my friend who is on her 2nd baby.. so justa the close girlfriends... a good lunch and a few small gifts

One thing my sisters did for me when I was having my 3rd daughter was to put together a scrapbook with written pieces from my friends on how I was a good mom. She contacted some of them by email and some by snail mail. That is one of my most treasured gifts. They surprised me with it at a lunch with my 2 sisters, my mom, m-i-l, and 2 girls. Since she doesn't have children yet, you could get friends to write how special of a person/friend she is. The mani/pedi I received was also greatly appreciated.

How nice of you to think of your friend! We should all be so fortunate, I'm sure she would appreciate anything you guys do. I liked the Second City idea,if it's not too many of you, you could go with her to pick out some items for the baby and then do lunch or dinner.

I like those pottery places where you can paint different things. They usually have things for children's rooms like piggy banks or plaques that can be hung up. Some places let you bring in food and drinks. It's fun and a pretty good stress reliever!

Hi Debbie - You didn't specify where you live, but there is a great nail salon in downtown Glen Ellyn called Cosmos Beauty Bar. They do manicures and pedicures and they have a full-service bar. You can have a two hour party or just book appointments. You can bring your own food too. The owner is lovely! Whatever you decide to do, have fun!

I second the Lil Studio purse party. It's a bit pricey, but so worth it. There is also a movie theater in the western burbs that has food and alcoholic beverages. I know the mom-to-be couldn't have the drinks, but it could be fun for everyone else.

Second city is always fun too. You can do dinner before or after.

Have fun!

I'm curious what religion doesn't allow for a baby shower, but would allow for a day out to celebrate...same thing??? I'm just curious not trying to be argumentative.

Maybe just a day all together shopping for baby clothes, maternity clothes, helping her pick things out she will need...then do lunch somewhere

Or take her to the city and do one of those river cruises with dinner/lunch

A few ideas:

1. Meal making party at Simply Homemade (www.simply-homemade.com)

2. Scrapbooking party -- each person makes a scrap book page for baby (baby's 1st bath, baby's 1st meal, etc) then mom adds pics later. I haven't been to one but I've seen them advertised at Michael's craft store and a couple scrapbook supply stores. If her religion dictates that she has no baby stuff in the house prior to baby's arrival, one of you could collect all the pages and give them to her after baby.

3. Chicago Architectural boat tour followed by lunch somewhere downtown. The boats do have an indoor area if it's too chilly. This one would be best when the weather warms up, if you have that much time before your event. I believe they have restroom facilities since she'll probably have to take "potty breaks" if she's very pregnant. You could all pitch in for a limo to take you downtown so you don't have to drive.

You might try looking on a "travel" site for "things to do in Chicago". A lot of times they have things that are in the suburbs, too. I know it's hard to do some things if mama-to-be can't be on her feet for a long time or has to potty every 5 minutes.

Good luck and have fun!

Hi Debbie
For religious reasons my friends and I did not have showers either. For one of my friends there was a sip and see after the baby was born. It was a lot of fun to have a shower like party after. Otherwise, I think all of your ideas sound like fun. I loved getting pedicures when pregnant. There are a lot of places in the city that will let you have a party and even bring your own food into the nail salon.

My friends had a tea for me at Suzette's Creperie in Wheaton and it was really nice. We just sat there, got served food and visited. All of us are busy and it's hard to see everyone together and we really enjoyed it.

Since it was my 4th child, I didn't want a shower and was very embarassed when someone asked me about it. I suggested some type of get together without the shower part and it worked nicely.

M.

Do whatever would be the most fun for her! Sometimes my girlfriends and I go to a museum, especially for a featured exhibit. Art, ethnic, history, etc. Or a local tour of architecture? A play...a picnic....and last but not least, shopping. Is she completely prepared for the baby's arrival? You could always stay in and reminisce over old photos, make a project, cook meals to freeze....As long as you're all together and she is the focus it will be wonderful. xo

You don't say when you are planning this, but if its not for a couple months you should consider going up to the Chicago Botanic Garden when the bulbs and fruit trees are blooming. It is spectacular! There is a luncheon restaurant where you can sit outside - its causal but the food is good. There are also lots of lovely spots in the garden to just sit and contemplate the view. Enjoy!

Hi Debbie,
How about a craft day. You could all get together and bring everything to make your friend a scrapbook for the babies first year so all she would have to do is insert the pictures. Have everyone bring their supplies and maybe their favorite snack to share and make it a fun day filled with crafts, visiting and eating! You might also ask everyone to pre-make a ready to freeze dish for when your friend has the baby.
Whatever you decide I'm sure you will all have a great time. Best Wishes!

For my second pregnancy, some friends took me to Devon Street and we all got our hands or feet henna'ed, including my daughter. It has different meanings in different parts of India, but generally it is supposed to ensure healthy birth, baby and postpartum.

I like the Dinner by Design and 1154 Lill diaper bag ideas that you already got.

I would also like to add that you could go to one of the many paint your own pottery places as well. They will generally let you bring in food, etc. for a get-together.

I don't know if the nursery is already decorated, but you could also take a trip to the Zoo and take pictures of the animals and then print/develop them and frame them for the baby's room.

Good Luck,
D.

Lunch at an Asian restaurant might be fun. Also they have those movie theaters where you can get dinner inside. I also think comedy clubs (with an appropriate comedian) are fun as well! There's the improv.

It all depends on when you choose to go out.

Hello Debbie,

You can just take her to some comedy movie, have some pizza and ice cream at some pizza place, and include some gifts useful for her after the baby is born. That way you all can have fun like a girls' night out.

Hope this works.