"Throwing a Long Distance Baby Shower"

Hi, K....

I haven't thrown a long distance baby shower, but I have done bridal showers that way for my sister and a friend. Basically, I made invitations that went to friends and family who are scattered around (not to the ones who all live in a place where she could actually have them to a physical shower). With my sister's shower, I had people send gifts by a certain date and she opened them at my place on that day with me. We took pictures and she opened them on a webcam so people could sign on and watch live if they wanted to (instructions on how were sent with the invite). With my friend's shower, I asked them to send gift cards and a personal card or note (or lingerie since it was bridal). Then, there were photos taken when she opened that she could email or send to the giver. If you wanted to go that route, you could even send everyone a stamp/address label in with their invite. I can send you a sample of the invite that I made for my friend's shower if you would like. I had them send things to my place because she was coming for a visit, but if your sister lives away, you could have them send things directly to her. It was still fun for the women involved, and they got some fun things from people who might not otherwise have been able to participate. You can send your sister a small box with napkins, balloons, and pre-addressed thank you cards--maybe even a disposable camera for pictures if she doesn't have one handy. Anywho, hope that is helpful. Email me if you want the invite samples. Have fun!
Blessings,
V.

It depends on what you are trying to do. Is this something you are planning for her friends there, or will you be attending as well whe nthe time comes?

Either way, I'd enlist at least one of her friends to be the contact point, get everything you need and have it shipped there. Have her register at Babies R Us, Target, Burlington Coat Factory (if they have one), Pottery Barn Kids, etc, these places put the registery online so anyone can view it.

But having someone there, one of her friends, to help you, be the contact point, the ship-to person, and the one who sets up teh decor at the place of the shower, etc, will be extremely helpful. :)

If you're wanting to throw a shower for her with friends and family that are here, but one she won't be able to attend due to the distance, here's an idea: Have the shower like you would if she were here (decorations, food, etc) and video tape it. Then send her the video tape along with all of the gifts (may want to specify smaller gifts and/or gift cards so shipping is easier and doesn't cost a ton).

Do an internet search on soemthing like online baby shower. You may just find a website that hosts such a thing. I know hosting online tupperware parties and things like that are becoming popular. I would think someone would have picked up on it for baby showers.

You could plan a shower after the baby arrives and then everyone could plan to fly or get out to PA and meet the new baby plus have a celebration or shower with gifts and such.

You could do a shower with a specific theme, and have guests order gifts online to be sent to her. For example, I am a consultant with Usborne Books, a line of children's books. At my website, your mom-to-be can create a wish list of the books she likes best. Your guests can order from that list and have them shipped directly to her for only $5 shipping! I'm sure other companies have similar options. This would help build her library and give them hours of reading fun as the baby grows. Good luck! Oh - my website is www.ubah.com/g2687.