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| Unique baby Shower Gifts by Cathy Cripps PERSONALIZED AND UNIQUE GIFTSSometimes, buying a gift for a baby shower is easy while other times, the expectant parents have everything they need so choosing the right gift becomes more challenging. In this section, we will provide a ton of excellent baby gift options. Some are more traditional while others are unique.Embroidered Baby BlanketYou can make or purchase customized baby blankets with beautiful embroidery. These blankets come in any color you like and are created from hundreds of patterns and designs, or created specific to match the theme of the nursery. As the baby grows, the blanket could be kept as a keepsake. JewelryIf the baby is a little girl, matching daughter and mother-to-be bracelets is a great option. You can find these in a wide price range and materials. In addition to buying matching jewelry, special pieces can also be made. With this baby gift, it would be wonderful for a newborn christening or even for an adopted child of any age. CrystalCrystal has become a very popular gift idea. Some crystal is very affordable but made to last a lifetime. About the Author Cathy is the Owner of Baby Shower Moments and the author of Baby Shower Moments A to Z Guide. If you are looking for baby shower ideas pay Cathy a visit. |
| Baby Shower for Mom and the Ladies by Randy Wilson Baby Shower for Moms who just wanna have fun! This type of baby shower is not the only type of shower given today. Traditionally, baby showers have been thrown for mommy-to-be and the guest list was strictly women. These days, many families choose to have different types of showers, including back-yard barbecues to include the men. These are a nice idea since they remember that Daddy is a part of the new baby’s life, too.But there is something to be said for a Sunday afternoon gathering of women to ooh and aah over Mommy’s belly without disparaging looks from the men. One reason to plan a baby shower for mom only.When you have only women at the shower, you have the opportunity to really "girl it up", so to speak, at your baby shower for Mom. You can do really girlie things and not have to worry about the men being bored or embarrassed. Here are a few suggestions for making a shower extra-girlish: Have Tea and Cake. Find a few really pretty tea sets and order little delectables like petit fours, tea cakes or maybe bring a cookie basket. Drink your tea like ladies, with pinky finger sticking up! See if you can find pretty lace doilies for napkins. Pick up some baby shower party favors to go along with your ladies only party. You might even want to fake a British accent, dahling!At your baby shower for mom and the ladies only, let them all be pregnant. Maybe purchase some baby shower decorations to match the pregnant theme. The guys definitely wouldn’t go for this!Ask each guest to come with a pillow or other make shift stuffing to pretend that she is pregnant, too. Give a prize to the most authentic pregnant lady (excluding the guest of honor, of course) at your baby shower for Mom. You can pick up the prizes at any local party favor store or online party favor supply site.Have everyone tell a story from their childbirth experience, or, if they have never had any children, let them rehash the stories their mothers told them ("I was in labor for 72 hours with you..."). Be sure there is a mixture of funny, touching, and gruesome stories to round it out. Decorate with extra-large maternity bras and undies (or get them in mom-to-be’s size so she can actually keep them after the party).Play baby shower games for your baby shower for mom. There is no way you would get away with this at a couples shower! But at a baby shower for mom and the ladies, you can play Guess the mom-to-be’s weight (go easy on her - guess low). Paint her belly, do crafts like paint matching tees and onesies for Mom and baby, or play a game like baby bottle bowling. Ask guests to come up with other baby shower party ideas or baby shower party themes.Don’t Husband Bash. But you can tell funny or touching stories about other new Dads or dads-to-be. You don’t want to scare the mom-to-be. But she should be aware that some Dads will try to stop for coffee on the way to the hospital. Even though Mom’s contractions are 3 minutes apart.Drink Girlie Drinks at the baby shower for Mom. Well, except for the mom-to-be. She can have non-alcoholic versions of girlie drinks, though. Try Strawberry Daiquiris, Cosmopolitans and other fruity drinks.© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved. About the Author Randy is owner of http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com where you will find further tips on baby showers and baby shower games. |
| Baby Shower Cake as the Centerpiece by Randy Wilson When you’re holding a baby shower one of the most important items that you’ll serve is the baby shower cake. Cakes should be the highlight of the food lineup and should be served with a selection of desserts, finger food and cookies. Cakes can come in all shapes and sizes, including baby cakes, diaper cakes and bootie baby cakes.When you’re planning what type of cakes to prepare for the baby shower you’ll find many babyshower cake cookbooks from which to make your selection. If you know the baby is a girl you can decorate the cake in a pink style. The same goes if the baby is a boy, in which case you’ll want to focus on blue or green colors. Baby shower cakes can be either one large cake, or you can make several smaller individual cakes which can be created for each guest that is invited. The main focus of cakes is of course the expectant mother. Baby cakes make a great centerpiece that will bring a smile to any expectant mother. Diaper cakes also continue to be popular and are easy to make and assemble. When you’re planning which cakes that you want to make you can be as creative as you like. There are cookbooks available that feature some great ideas for cakes that you can adapt to fit your baby shower theme. If the theme of the baby shower is the alphabet you can find cakes that highlight this theme. There is no limit to the types of cakes that you can choose from for the shower.Many times the cakes themselves create the theme for the shower. This is because the cakes can be the focus and centerpiece of the entire party. You can plan all the decorations, food and themes around the type of baby shower cake you decide to feature.When you’re looking for baby shower cake recipes you can find cookbooks in the recipe section in your local bookstore or library. You can also find a selection of recipes for baby shower cakes and diaper cakes on the internet. If you can’t find the exact cake that you have in mind for your baby shower you can make any adaptations that you need to modify the cake to your liking.Cakes should be as fun and creative as possible. There may be times when you want to hire someone to make the perfect cake. But keep in mind that half the fun of a baby shower is doing things yourself. Using your imagination, and a little help from cookbooks you can come up with the most amazing cakes imaginable.There are many different types of cakes that you can choose from or that you can use as a starting base for your own babyshower cake ideas. Baby Shower Diaper cakes can often be paired up with edible cakes. This way you have the fun of a cake made from diapers and the deliciousness of an edible cake that everyone can enjoy. Distinct Deliveries is an online merchant which offers not only Baby Shower Diaper Cakes, but much more. Distinct Deliveries.com offers baby baskets, baby announcements, baby books, shower cakes, baby jewelry, engraved items, plush items, baby shower items, gifts baskets, chocolate & candy, baby gifts, book packages, flowers & plants, bath & body, fruit packages, gourmet & snacks, seasonal, pet gifts, specialty gifts, monthly clubs..Some themes you might want to use include:Sports theme for boysPrincess cakes in pink for girlsJungle animals for boysFairy theme for girlsNo matter what type of cake you take into consideration your final choice should somehow reflect the theme of the baby shower.© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved. About the Author Randy is owner of http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com where you will find further tips on baby showers and baby shower games. |
| Baby Shower Decorations by Criss White When decoration for a baby shower, there are a few key aspects that should be considered: 1) Will your baby shower adhere to a theme? Visit our baby shower theme for ideas about selecting a theme. If you are using a theme, then it is good to be consistent. People are most often impressed when decorating follows a selected theme. However, note that it doesn't have to be as specific as just rubber ducks. You can use baby items as a general theme and mix it up if desired. 2) Plates, cups and napkins. If you are serving food, like most baby showers do, then baby themed tableware is often appropriate. If possible, try to make sure that the plates, cups, and napkins all match. Some places also have baby themed table cloths that are great for showers. 3) Confetti, banners, and streamers The most common banners and streamers are "It's a Boy or Girl" streamers and can be attached around the walls. These decorations are usually very affordable and an easy way to decorate. Confetti can come in shapes like rocking horses, ducks, or bears. It usually takes more time to clean up confetti, but it may be worth it for some parties. 4) Yard signs Yard signs, particularly the popular stork yard sign, is a good way to announce a new baby and also let your neighbors know about your baby shower. Another benefit is that guests will be able to easily locate the house that the shower is being held at. 5) Centerpieces and placecard holders A baby shower cake is the most common centerpiece for a shower. Other ideas include floral arrangements, baskets, and bouquets. Themed placecard holders are commonly available for purchase online. You can also make your own by purchasing a regular placecard holder and attaching a clip-on stuffed bear for example. Flower shops often carry such items. Decorating can be a challenging, but fun task and carefully selected decorations can really set the atmosphere for your baby shower party. Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits and resource box remain in tact and the hyperlinks are active. About the Author: Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. See Baby Shower Decorations(http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/decorations.htm) for baby shower decorations and Baby Shower Supply (http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/sbags.htm) for other related baby shower supplies. Source: www.isnare.com |
| Baby Shower Food Items by Randy Wilson Baby shower food items are one of the most important features of the baby shower. When guests arrive at a baby shower they are expecting food that includes desserts, appetizers, and baby shower finger food. You don’t really have to plan an entire meal, it isn't really expected at this kind of event. When you are planning a shower you will want to have a wide selection of baby shower party foods on hand. This is going to keep your guests around long enough to enjoy the games and gift opening.You can be as elaborate as possible or keep things simple and manageable for yourself. If you are planning a meal you’ll want to start with some baby shower appetizers. Then you can move onto the main meal, followed by a selection of desserts. If you want to keep the food a bit more simple you can plan to serve a variety of appetizers, baby shower finger foods and desserts. If the baby shower food menu is going to be a selection of foods that are eaten by your guests throughout the party, you may want to prepare a side table to reflect the baby shower theme. Decorate the table so that the baby shower desserts are featured in the center surrounded by the other food choices spread out to the side. You may want to prepare only baby shower finger food so that there is no need for the guests to juggle cutlery and plates while visiting with each other.Baby shower food items are often prepared as part of the theme. If the baby is a girl you can prepare desserts that reflect this by using pink as a primary decorating color. This means decorating cakes and cookies with a pink icing, then adding decorative touches that continue in a pink theme. If the baby is a boy you can concentrate on blue and green colors when preparing the babyshower food. There are available recipes for cakes, cookies, appetizers, and much more. You could check out your local library, book store and online to check out recipes and recipe books on babyshower food ideas.The baby shower appetizers can be made in replacement of a full meal that you might otherwise serve. Baby shower appetizers can be as complicated as baked spring rolls or as simple as rolled sandwiches cut into bite size pieces. Try to serve as much of a selection as possible, so that there is something for all of the guests. If there are any guests that have food restrictions, try to have some of the food take these restrictions into account.Preparing baby shower finger food needs to be as mess-free as possible. If the guests are wandering around and visiting they won’t want to be juggling plates, cutlery, and drink glasses. This is where finger food comes in handy as the perfect baby shower party food. Prepare finger food that is easy for guests to pop into their mouths without getting their fingers too dirty. Finger food can include vegetables and dips, mini sandwiches, sausage rolls, and crackers and cheese.The desserts that are served can be as sinful as possible or they can be on the healthy side. You’ll want to serve a variety of desserts that center around the party theme. There should, of course, be a baby cake that is the centerpiece of the dessert table. Other smaller desserts can be displayed around the baby cake in a continuing theme. Some desserts that you may want to consider include iced cookies, squares, petit fours, and bowls of seasonal fruit. No matter what type of food that you decide to serve. Try to make sure that there is something for everyone and that there will be enough food to last for the duration of the party. You don’t want to run out of food before the gifts have been opened and the games have been played.You might want to look up babyshower recipes to help with the baby shower food ideas. There are recipes for cakes, cookies, appetizers, and much more. © Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved. About the Author Randy is owner of How to Plan a Baby Shower where you will find further tips on baby showers and baby shower games. |
| Baby Shower Favors to Spice up Your Baby Shower by Randy Wilson Baby Shower Favors should be at every baby shower for its guests. Cute little items, items that are easily available, are perfect for your baby shower. You have a great variety of party favors, such as gift certificates to choose from for your baby shower. Your party favors need not be expensive to be appreciated. You will have fun giving out party favors, and your party guests will enjoy getting those party favors. Baby Shower Favors will also be a reminder of being at the baby shower. Plus, they will serve as a small thank you letting them know you appreciate their attendance at the baby shower. After all, the shower guests had a helping hand in celebrating the coming arrival of the new baby to be. You also might want to have some extra Baby Shower Favors on hand. You never know if someone you didn't expect might drop in. Plus, there is always the possibility that you might misplace a couple of Party Favors. It will be good to be prepared with extra party favors, just in case. You can give out the party favors as the guests arrive. Another way to give out the shower favors would be to have them placed around the table/s where the baby shower guests will be eating. If you are not serving a meal, hand the party favors out when you serve the appetizers. Or you could hand out the party favors as the shower guests are leaving. This is the time to thank each guest for coming to the baby shower. And to thank them for giving the baby shower guest of honor a gift. You could also choose to have baby shower favors you can make yourself. One suggestion would be to personalize your favors. Check out baby shower favors crafts at any crafts store and let your imagination run wild. Your baby shower guests will love the idea of having baby shower favors homemade by the hostess. Talk about being unique! Many different kinds of local stores carry items you can use to make party favors. There also are numerous online merchants that carry the items you need for party favors. If you choose to make your own party favors, favors are not hard to make. Most of the items needed for making party favors are available locally. They are all easy items to find, so you shouldn't have any problems getting the items to make your baby shower favors. Your baby shower will be appreciated by the party guests by this gesture. Even though baby shower favors are usually token items, the favors show that you have put a lot of effort into the baby shower planning. Making for a very enjoyable experience for yourself, your baby shower guests, and your guest of honor.© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved. About the Author Randy is owner of How to Plan a Baby Shower where you can get more tips and ideas for your baby shower. You can also purchase and find free baby shower games. Randy owned and operated a very successful storefront/mailorder business from 1988 to 2003. |
| Baby Shower Game "Distraction" by Randy Wilson The best baby games for baby showers to entertain all of your guests and let the mother-to-be benefit from the experience of others. Your baby shower then will become more than a party. It’s an entertaining learning experience. One of the most educational baby games for baby showers for new moms is also often the most fun. It’s called Distraction. This is for two or three players at one time. The supplies you need will be two to three dolls. Because baby showers are usually held in the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy. It’s probably more relaxing and fun for the mommy-to-be to only watch. This is because this is one of the more active baby games for baby showers. Two or three volunteers (perhaps one or two people who don’t yet have children?) are the actors. They begin simply by holding the dolls. The baby shower hostess tells them their babies are crying. They each try to console the baby. This is where the distractions begin. Members of the “audience” (your other baby shower guests, including the guest of honor) begin yelling out distractions one at a time. All of the acting mothers have to deal with each distraction, while still comforting their crying baby. As baby games for baby showers are for the entertainment of the baby shower guests, let them get as creative as possible. Potential distractions can include the dog needing to go outside. Then maybe they waited too long to let the dog out and have to clean up a doggie accident while not dropping the crying baby. Meanwhile, the UPS man comes to the door needing the mommies to sign for a package. The phone might also be ringing while something is burning on the stove. Get the picture? It’s hilarious to watch the ways the mommy actors deal with all of the distractions. These types of baby games for baby showers are also good for the real mommy-to-be to pick up some words of advice from veteran mothers. She might get a few ideas while enjoying a good laugh. Maybe when the time comes for her to actually deal with similar distractions. She will think back to the baby games for baby showers at her party and be able to smile. Other great baby games with an educational twist - both for the mommy-to-be and the baby-to-be - include birthday card or videotape advice activities. With the birthday cards, each guest gets an age.It’s a good idea to start with age 10 or so. The baby shower guests then write a special message to the baby. They write this message on a card that will be opened once the child reaches the age specified. Each baby shower guest should read her card aloud before sealing the envelope. Videotape advice requires a camcorder or digital video camera. However, if those are not available, it can also be done with a tape recorder. But that isn’t quite as nice. The baby shower guests simply each give words of advice to the new mom. The hostess can guide the baby shower guests as far as advice. Possible ideas for your baby shower games are “When you’re feeling stressed, you should…..” or describing what to expect with different ages. Not only are these activities fun baby games for your baby shower guests, they will be cherished keepsakes for Mom to enjoy over the years. Instead of just rehashing the same old baby games, try to bring in some creativity to provide more entertainment to your baby shower guests. And always think of why you’re all there – to celebrate the birth of a child and help prepare a new mother. © Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved. About the Author Randy is owner of Profitable Home Businesses, How to Plan a Baby Shower and Las Vegas Weddings. |
| Baby Shower Centerpieces That Double as a Gift! by Randy Wilson Here you will learn how to make and where to purchase your baby shower centerpieces. As the centerpiece is the focal point of the baby shower, it is very important for you to design or purchase the right one. You need to place them above eye level at the table to keep from blocking the view of the and the guest of honor from seeing each other at the table. There are many different types of baby shower centerpieces to choose from. One very popular type of centerpiece which doubles as your baby shower gift is a baby diaper cake. Once you have picked your theme you need to keep it featured around that theme. If making your own baby shower centerpiece, many of the supplies needed will be available locally. However, going online will add to the variety of baby shower centerpieces you have to choose from. Many baby shower centerpieces will be made with candles surrounding them. Such as floral centerpieces, using fresh or artificial flowers. Fresh flowers will be more economical if you choose flowers that are in season. When choosing artificial flowers, you can go with silk, chocolate flowers such as roses, plastic flowers, or light-up roses. Use a wicker basket and fill it with baby items. You could put a cloth diaper, diaper pins, baby bottles, bibs, baby socks, pacifiers and other small baby items. Surround the basket with small candles or put a couple of helium balloons tied to the handle.If using a beach theme, use a beach bucket and place a flower arrangement inside, with candles around the outside. Or put small tools for the beach inside the bucket.Fill a small goldfish bowl with water and fill it with floating candles and flower buds. Or you might even add a goldfish to the water. Use votive holders and candles that match your theme. They will provide a soft type of illumination to the event.Go to a craft section or a craft store and purchase small pink and blue gemstones. You could place these in votive holders, or small glass vases of different sizes. Add shredded tissue to the mix and you will have another lovely baby shower centerpiece.You could get different glass figurines of a stork, swan, castle, teddy bear, or whatever would fit with the theme. Put them in a box filled with colored shredded paper and put the figurine on top. Any of these would be a great addition to your baby shower.Hang an umbrella from the ceiling filled with stuffed animals. Or you could put flowers inside and add balloons, dolls and/or ribbons.Fill a bucket, bowl, or basket with candy, small stuffed animals, or flowers. If the baby shower is in the fall or winter. Use small pumpkins, headstones, or leaves of different colors. Pumpkins could be made of tissue, or small figures of pumpkins. Tropical Themes could use many different items to make your baby shower center piece. Pineapples, tiki lights, small palm trees, hula dancer center piece, or a flamingo. Nautical themes could use small boats, ships, sailboats, anchors, or a treasure chest.Spring themes could include items such as hearts, leprechauns, or bunnies.Western themes could use straw, cowboy hats, cowboy boots, western badges and rope.These are just some ideas to choose from. Think about them, mix and match, or add your own ideas to make baby shower centerpieces that perfectly match your theme. You and your guests and guest of honor will have a fun day. They will be getting away from reality for a short time to rest and enjoy themselves. © Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved. About the Author Randy is owner of How to Plan a Baby Shower where you can get more tips and ideas for your baby shower. You can also purchase and find free baby shower games. |
| Baby Shower Checklist for Planning a Baby Shower by Randy Wilson A Baby shower checklist is a great way to ensure that you stay on track. Planning a baby shower can be a hard work. With a complete checklist you can organize everything you need to do. Without a checklist of some sort you may forget some important details. Most shower checklists will suggest you start planning approximately four weeks before the intended shower date. This will give you enough time to do everything you need to without feeling rushed. The most important task is to pick a date! You should confirm this with the new mom and her immediate family as well. You don’t want anyone to feel left out. The baby shower invitations should be sent out approximately three weeks before the baby shower date. Be sure to include RSVPs or request people to phone you by a certain date. You want to have a final number by the second week.This is important for ordering food and planning your menu. If you don’t receive all your RSVPs don’t by shy about calling people up and asking if they plan to attend. If you are planning a large baby shower you should consider asking for help. Ask best friends, sisters, and anyone else you think might enjoy helping out. Be sure to let the new mom know who lent a hand in planning the baby shower. Everyone should feel appreciated. If you are ordering food. Be sure to check with local catering companies. Best to check about two to three weeks before the baby shower. You don’t want to find that everyone is booked solid. If you are ordering a cake this is best ordered at least two weeks before the baby shower. Most baby shower checklists will remind you to buy some baby shower decorations. You don’t have to be extravagant if you’re on a budget. You can find some adorable baby shower decorations that will liven up the party space. But really all you need are perhaps some streamers, and a banner. Planning party games is another important task on your baby shower checklist that must not be forgotten. Be sure to take some time deciding on the games you wish to play. If you think it sounds boring, it probably is. Trust your instinct when looking for fun baby shower games. With all that’s going on, don’t forget to wrap the gifts! You may also want to wrap gifts such as party favors or prizes for the baby shower guests. If you want to do a good job try and not leave this until the last minute. The above are just a few of the many things found on a baby shower checklist. Planning a baby shower is a lot of work, a checklist can help to make things that much easier.© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved. About the Author Randy has dozens more baby shower related articles such as Baby Shower Invitations, Baby Shower Games and Baby Shower Favor Supplies. |
| Baby Shower Checklist-Hostess by Randy Wilson Using baby shower checklist-hostess are the best way to stay organized if you are planning a baby shower. The more organized you are the better the shower will be. You also want to make things as stress free for yourself as possible so that you don’t come across as the frazzled hostess. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if the checklist seems overwhelming. Invited guests will want to help in any way that they can. Your goal is to host the perfect baby shower and this many times means delegating the tasks that need to be done.By using the following baby shower checklist-hostess you’ll be able to organize the perfect baby shower. Use the free baby shower checklists to help with your organizing.Baby Shower Checklist-HostessOne MonthSet a date for the baby showerMake guest list Choose location for hosting the showerChoose a theme Decide what type of a menu you want to serveChoose the type of invitations you’re going to send outDecide what games and activities to includeEnlist help Three WeeksSend Invitations (be sure to include RSVPs deadline and directions)Order foodOrder cakeTwo WeeksBuy baby shower decorations and party favorsPlan gamesBuy favorsBuy a guestbook for the guests to signMake sure that your menu is finalizedOne WeekWrap giftsTake a final count of the accepted guestsPhone those guests that haven’t yet respondedConfirm food and cakeConfirm guest listMake sure you have enough film for the cameraPrepare and clean your home (if the location of the shower) One Day Before the ShowerStart putting up the decorationsPrepare the party favors; make sure that you have enoughMake sure all the games and activities are organizedIf the cake was ordered pick it up or have it deliveredSet up the chairs and tables; add more decorationsMake sure you enough ice and beverages The Day of the ShowerDo any last-minute decoratingBlow up balloonsPrepare the punch and other beveragesSet up the food and cakeHave a guestbook ready at the door for guests to signHave a side table ready for the giftsGreet guests at the doorEnjoy!Hope this baby shower checklist-hostess will be a great help to you. Now you just need to get on with making all of the above start happening. Good luck and have a fun time!© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved. About the Author Randy is owner of How to Plan a Baby Shower where you can get more tips and ideas for your baby shower. You can also purchase and find free baby shower games. Randy owned and operated a very successful storefront/mailorder business from 1988 to 2003. |
| Baby Shower Etiquette by Cathy Cripps PROPER ETIQUETTEYears ago, baby showers were never hosted by a family member. This practice was thought by most people to be tacky, appearing as if the family was asking for gifts. Thankfully, that tradition has changed where now it is acceptable for family members, friends, or co-workers to host the shower. The only exception to this rule is that the parents should not throw their own shower since this is considered inappropriate.Regardless of who ends up hosting the baby shower, it is important that they spend time with the expectant parents to determine the individual they would like to invite and the types of gifts needed most. Additionally, it is highly recommended that the soon-to-be parents register the gifts at their favorite stores. With this information, the host can make sure invitees know where to shop and can provide recommendations if needed. About the Author Cathy is the Owner of Baby Shower Moments and the author of Baby Shower Moments A to Z Guide. If you are looking for baby shower host pay Cathy a visit. |
| Baby Shower Favor Ideas by Adriana Copaceanu With so many different aspects of a shower to plan, coming up with a baby shower favor idea is often the last consideration on a long list of planning. There are several unique, exciting and interesting baby shower favor ideas that will work well for almost any shower. Whether traditional or alternative in nature, the following are popular baby shower favor ideas:
Bath and Body Items Notepads Pictures Gift Certificates Coupons Gift Baskets Designer Candles Baby Bottles with Candy
No matter what baby shower favor idea you come up with, keep in mind that the majority of your guests are coming with one intention in mind, and that is to spoil and entertain the mom to be. Some important considerations when planning a shower include the food items, cake and games that will be played by visitors. The mom to be or any friends of the family is likely to take an active interest in your planning efforts. If you are uncertain what favors might be well received, go over the guest list with your mom-to-be and try to get a feel for the personality of the ladies attending. You might find for example that a large majority of the moms that will be attending have children of their own. If this is the case don't hesitate to include helpful childcare or baby items that any mom would be appreciative of. Some baby shower favor ideas are generated from the party theme itself. For example, if the motif of a shower is a color, such as green, you might consider acquiring some melon, lime or pear flavored hand soaps and lotions (that will of course, be green in color). You might even consider some "gag" gift items as party favors including stickers (which are sure to be well received from the children of guests). Planning a baby shower requires an investment in time and energy. There is no reason to spend the majority of your planning time attempting to find appropriate party favors. There is a vast selection of products available, and ideas are easily discovered when one takes a moment to consider the shower theme, guests and mom-to-be's expectations.
About The Author
Corporate gift strategist Adriana Copaceanu specializes in helping entrepreneurs increase their referrals through the strategic use of gifts. She offers a customized worry free gift giving service to fit the budget of any size business to assist them in standing out from the crowd. See her gift basket gallery here: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com
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| Baby Shower for Second Baby by Randy Wilson Having a shower for second baby used to be considered greedy and unacceptable. But now it is not only acceptable, but it is actually necessary for some families to have a baby shower for second baby. Though mom-to-be may already have a lot of the major items from her first baby. Crib, stroller, high chair - she will need many other items. Moms-to-be always need things like diapers and wipes, undershirts, bath accessories, and feeding supplies. Second baby showers could actually be a “sprinkle” shower. A "sprinkle" shower is where guests buy only the necessities rather than having a full-blown shower. You could also consider finding out from mom-to-be what she wished she had but didn’t get the first time around. Then add those items to the suggested gifts. It could also be a “Bear Necessities” theme decorated with all sorts of bears for the shower for second baby. You could have baby showers for second baby for a caboose baby, or a baby born much later than other babies. Might be very similar to a first time baby shower. Most likely, if there are many years between babies, these parents no longer have any baby items and will be in need of all types of gifts for the second baby showers.For moms-to-be who already have enough for the baby, you might consider having a “mom” baby shower where everyone brings a baby shower gift for mom-to-be instead of for the baby. These can be items with which she can pamper herself, or items that she may need while she is in labor. Sometimes the mom-to-be doesn’t need anything for the baby or for herself, but she wants to have a get together with friends. For this type of party, you may want to ask guests to bring unwrapped baby gifts. You can all wrap these gifts at the party, label them, and then donate them to a charity in mom-to-be’s (or baby’s) name. Baby showers for second babies can be directed towards helping out a new mom after the baby is born. If you hold the shower close enough to the baby’s birth you can have a “Freezer Party.” This is where baby shower guests bring assorted dishes that can be frozen and heated up so mom-to-be doesn’t have to worry about cooking. At least for the first week or so that she is home from the hospital. “Helping Hands” are great for baby showers for second child. Ask guests not to buy gifts, coming instead with a homemade coupon redeemable for their services. These services can include babysitting an older child making dinner, or cleaning the house while mom and baby are still in the hospital. You may even want to throw a baby shower to remind the mom-to-be that she won’t always be pregnant. Suggest buying gifts like sexy lingerie, sinful chocolates, and exotic beverages. All those things she has to keep away from while pregnant. Keep in mind that if you give alcoholic beverages to a nursing mother make sure she also has a breast pump and knows how to use it! A gift certificate for a massage, dinner, or even a pre-natal class is a great idea as well. And don’t forget that mom-to-be will probably need nursing bras plus post-natal support garments as well (these might be fun as gag gifts). © Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved. About the Author Randy has dozens more baby shower related articles such as Diaper Cakes, Games for a Baby Shower and How to Plan a Baby Shower. |
| Facts You Should Know About Baby Shower Etiquette by Jessika Ryder Facts You Should Know About Baby Shower Etiquette Jessika Ryder Whether you’ve hosted baby showers before or not, chances are you’ve got some questions regarding the right baby shower etiquette. You want to create a truly special time for the guest of honor without any unintended faux pas. This guide was specially created to help you get there. The real basics Take the wishes of the mom-to-be into account at every stage. That includes the games, food, invitation list and all other aspects of the baby shower. You can have baby showers either before or after the baby is born. Generally, they’re held 1 or 2 months before due date. But they’re also held after baby arrives because of medical or other reasons. These days, it is perfectly ok for a close relative or even the couple themselves to host a shower. Those “rules” about only non-relatives hosting a baby shower are quite dated now. Before deciding on the kind of baby shower you plan to have -- girls-only or coed, theme or no theme and so on -- consult mom-to-be and find out what she prefers. Who can be invited Generally, anyone the mom-to-be feels she should call. She’s the best guide here. Do you always need to send written baby shower invitations It is usually the better choice. With a written invitation, guests have all details at their fingertips and need not rely on memory. Plus, you can and usually should include directions on how to get there. At the same time, it is fine to just inform people on the phone. Do tell them well in advance, though. So they have enough time to buy gifts, arrange for a baby sitter, etc. And leave your contact numbers with them so they can reach you easily if they need any clarifications. Can you hold a surprise shower Sure. It can be a wonderful feeling for the expectant mother. But do consult someone close to her mother, sister, etc to know about her likely preferences in all areas. The devil is in the details Here’s more in depth information on baby shower etiquette that’ll help you host a truly great party. Send out shower invitations at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Send them even earlier for out-of-town guests. Request an RSVP by a date 2 weeks before the baby shower. If you’re having a coed shower, you might turn the guys off if you send frilly baby pink invites full of baby talk. Stick to attractive, stylish invitations. Greet all guests at the door as they walk in, provide them with name tags if there are many guests and introduce them to others to get conversations going. Register for gifts at only one place. Even if there are reasons like another store being closer to some guests. Else mom-to-be may end up with duplicate gifts she may have to return. And guests will be disappointed if they find that someone else has chosen the same gift they have. While giving gift suggestions, include items at a variety of price points, not just high-ticket items. And do suggest that guests can get together to purchase higher priced items. If there are older siblings, make sure they receive a gift each. They may already be feeling somewhat left out with a new baby on the way, so this is a great idea. Irrespective of whether it’s a coed baby shower or not, buy a gift specially for dad. He should feel that he was remembered too. Record who gave each gift. Essential information when the time comes to send thank you cards! Sending thank you cards is essential baby shower etiquette. Hand gifts to mom-to-be for her to open and take it from her once she’s done with it. This will save her the hassle of continually getting up and moving about to pick up gifts. Sometimes, some guests may need to leave early. They’ll appreciate it if mom-to-be will open presents while everyone is eating. Food and related arrangements deserve special attention. For one thing, expectant mothers can’t eat everything they normally would. See this page for more guidelines on food at baby showers: http://www.baby-showers-advisor.com/baby-shower-food.html Start the baby shower on time and keep it fairly short. Don’t get bogged down in any one segment like games. Be sensitive to mom-to-be’s energy level and any signs of fatigue she may show. End the party if she’s beginning to feel run down. Walk guests to the door as they leave and be sure to thank them for coming. Don’t expect perfection. No party ever is perfect. There’s always the unforeseen -- power goes off just as gifts are being opened, you forgot to dust one corner of the room, the pack of baby shower favors you opened just before the party turns out to be a different color than you ordered and so on. You can’t control it all. Special situations You might have a friend or relative who just lost a baby, or is infertile despite all treatments. Should you call her for your baby shower Attending may be a challenge for her. Being confronted with another’s pregnancy may be difficult for her to bear. The rule in such situations is -- ask. Check with her and find out if she is up to attending the baby shower. Don’t just send an invitation in the mail. On the other hand, don’t presume that she can’t come and not call her at all. If she’s close to the mom-to-be, she may well want to come. Or at least, she may send her good wishes and a gift. But if she tells you that she can’t make it, accept the situation with grace. Never hold it against her in any manner. Even if she said she would come and later backed out. Remember, it is probably one of the most difficult times she’s ever had, so be generous and supportive. Once you’ve understood these simple baby shower etiquette guidelines, you’ll be far more confident about hosting a baby shower. Have fun, and create a special time that will live on in everyone’s memories!
About The Author Jessika Ryder is a successful writer and party enthusiast providing valuable information on baby showers. Her numerous articles provide party planning tips and other useful insights. See more articles at: http://www.baby-showers-advisor.com |
| Five Essential Baby Shower Gifts by Jessika Ryder Five Essential Baby Shower Gifts Jessika Ryder Ask first time parents-to-be what baby shower gifts they would like to receive. Watch their response -- you’ll quite likely see a look of real confusion on their faces! Or maybe they’ll come up with a stock answer like “diapers” or something similar. Exactly what a new arrival needs is not obvious to someone who’s never had a baby before. And many times, guests are in no better position either, when it comes to deciding on baby shower gifts. Of course, there’s a lot more to baby showers than just gifts. But helping parents to stock up for the new arrival is an important part of these celebrations. That’s why the following list of top five baby shower gifts can be quite useful. Top gift #1: Monitors Monitors are excellent anxiety-busters, especially for first-time parents. That’s why they hold the No.1 position on this list. Once they can listen to the baby from anywhere in the house, parents find their confidence levels zooming. The latest monitors are very sensitive and can pick up the slightest sound from baby, even her breathing. If your budget allows for it, take it one step further and buy a video monitor. That’ll really ease anxiety. However, they are much more expensive, so perhaps this can be a joint baby shower gift from two or more guests. Top Gift #2: Playtime mate for baby Babies love to play. Anything that helps them play and be active not only keeps them engaged, but also stimulates all round development. One of the best products for them is an activity gym or playpen. This is a soft cloth mat surrounded by a baby-friendly structure of bars and arches with many different toys suspended from various points. Baby gets to play in a safe environment. Basic activity gyms are excellent baby shower gifts. There are also more advanced ones that include noisemakers and a variety of toys. The suspended objects have different colors and textures to help develop baby’s cognitive abilities. There are also excellent portable gyms and playpens available to help parents move around with baby. These are lightweight and designed to be easy to carry around. Most babies love being carried around in a sling. It’s the next best thing to being cuddled in mom’s arms. Many parents have had the experience where babies get restless and cry while they use other types of carriers, but immediately calm down when put into a sling. Baby slings are believed to foster a closer parent-child bond. Whether that’s true or not, slings do have another great advantage -- they leave your hands free to do other things. That’s definitely a big plus and is a reason why this baby shower gift is highly appreciated. Top Gift #4: The baby travel pack Moving around with baby can be a chore -- you have to pack a seemingly endless array of baby stuff even for short outings. One way to ease this problem is to have one or more baby travel packs handy. What’s a travel pack Essentially, a diaper bag filled with baby necessities. It can include disposable diapers, a small toy or two, bib, complete change of clothes for baby, safety pins, and other supplies. It’s a great advantage if the parents receive more than one travel pack. Then one pack can always be kept ready whenever they want to go. No need to mess around with picking up and stuffing items into a diaper bag at the last minute. Top gift #5: Car seat Lots of parents say that a well-designed car seat is a wonderfully useful baby shower gift to receive. In fact, it’s useful from the moment they leave hospital with the baby. There are infant car seats available as well as infant-toddler convertible seats. The former can be used only till the baby is up to 22 pounds or so typically. While the latter can usually be used till the first birthday. Want more special gifts for showers Check out this page for more information: http://www.baby-showers-advisor.com/diaper-cakes.html Make sure these top five baby shower gifts are part of the event you’re hosting. The guest of honor will end up thanking you long after the party gets over!
About The Author Jessika Ryder is a successful writer and party enthusiast providing valuable information on baby showers. Her numerous articles provide party planning tips and other useful insights. See more articles at: http://www.baby-showers-advisor.com |
| Wrap Adorable Baby Shower Gifts by Abigail Beal Wrap Adorable Baby Shower Gifts Abigail Beal Are you going to a baby shower Gifts for babies are always so cute – here are some ideas to create gift wrapping that is just as adorable as the gift you are giving. If you know the baby is expected to be a boy or a girl, sometimes it is fun to wrap a gift in “baby boy blue” or “baby girl pink” – but remember we have many other colors in the rainbow to choose from! Here are some other options to get your creative juices flowing. Going to a shower and the mother is not sure if the baby is going to be a boy or a girl Wrap the baby gift in white paper and tie the gift with two ribbons instead of one – use one pink and one blue. Tie the blue and pink ribbons together and tape to the back of the package. Then have the ribbon form a bow on the front of the package from the two colors of ribbon. Want to add a cute topping to any baby shower package Add a rattle, teething ring, baby mittens, hairbow, small picture frame, Christmas ornament or a small stuffed animal. All of these items can be fastened with the ribbon you tie the gift with – and these items can also be used by the baby. Love teddy bears Do a teddy bear gift wrap! Use gift wrap paper that has teddy bears on it, or a soft cocoa colored gift wrap paper. But a small teddy bear on the top of your package and tie with a brown or a white bow. You can often find teddy bear rattles or teething rings that have teddy bears on them. Quack quack quack! Wrap with a duck theme! Use yellow paper or paper with ducks on it and tie with a large orange ribbon. Top your gift with a traditional yellow rubber duck. For a pretty look for a spring baby shower consider a very floral look. Wrap a gift with floral or plain but colored paper. Use a green or purple ribbon and tie it in a bow. Top the package with some fresh spring flowers. Cut the stems of the flowers very short. Add the flowers the morning of the baby shower for best presentation. Does the baby have an older sibling Consider giving a small gift to this sibling. A new baby is often a hectic time and seeing their new brother or sister get so many gifts can sometimes be overwhelming, and leave many children feeling a little forgotten. Consider getting an older sibling a storybook or a stuffed animal as a special big brother/big sister gift.
About The Author Abigail Beal © 2004 Abigail Beal a.k.a. “the Gift-wrap Goddess” teaches gift wrap in suburban New York. She is the author of 2 ezines: GiftWrapGoddessWraps and CreativeCraftsTeachers. To subscribe: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CreativeCraftsTeachers/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GiftWrapGoddessWraps/ contact: creativecraftsteachers@yahoo.com giftwrapgoddess@yahoo.com |
| Heres What to expect at a Baby Shower by Mike Yeager Heres What to expect at a Baby Shower Mike Yeager A baby shower is a great way to welcome a new child and congratulate the new mother. Many mothers appreciate the help in purchasing the items they will need for their new baby. Commonly, baby showers are given only to new mothers or mothers who have not had a child in a long while. This way, friends and family, can help give the family the things babies need. Baby showers are a tradition, but what happens at a baby shower is less formal for sure. Sometimes, friends and family members will hold a baby shower for a new Mom as a surprise. Often times, new mothers will get several showers thrown for her first child from different groups, such as one from friends, one from the mothers side of the family, and maybe one from her friends at work. Regardless of how many, these get-togethers are a great way for people to welcome the new child. Planning a baby shower can be a lot of fun. For baby shower ideas, try checking online at the many websites that offer new parent information. Another place to get some ideas is at craft supply stores where there are aisles and aisles of ideas. Some things to consider for your baby shower are baby shower invitations and baby shower favors. Other things to think about are baby shower decorations! Baby shower games can make a boring party a lot of fun. Most of these can even be free baby shower games by using items from around your home. For example, you can take a roll of toilet paper with you to the party. Each guest has to guess how many individual sheets it will take to circle the mother to be. Giving away small gifts can make these games even more fun. Planning a baby shower and attending them can be a lot of fun. Take a trip to the craft store and look around at all the baby shower decorations, games, and favors they have to offer. Pull together some friends and plan a few baby shower games and make your own decorations. Pinks and blues in streamers and tablecloths can fill a room with excitement. Either way you are sure to make the mother to be happy and feeling loved.
About The Author Mike Yeager Publisher http://www.a1-party-supplies-4u.com/ mjy610@hotmail.com |
| Baby Shower Favor Ideas by Adriana Copaceanu Baby Shower Favor Ideas Adriana Copaceanu With so many different aspects of a shower to plan, coming up with a baby shower favor idea is often the last consideration on a long list of planning. There are several unique, exciting and interesting baby shower favor ideas that will work well for almost any shower. Whether traditional or alternative in nature, the following are popular baby shower favor ideas: Bath and Body Items Notepads Pictures Gift Certificates Coupons Gift Baskets Designer Candles Baby Bottles with Candy No matter what baby shower favor idea you come up with, keep in mind that the majority of your guests are coming with one intention in mind, and that is to spoil and entertain the mom to be. Some important considerations when planning a shower include the food items, cake and games that will be played by visitors. The mom to be or any friends of the family is likely to take an active interest in your planning efforts. If you are uncertain what favors might be well received, go over the guest list with your mom-to-be and try to get a feel for the personality of the ladies attending. You might find for example that a large majority of the moms that will be attending have children of their own. If this is the case dont hesitate to include helpful childcare or baby items that any mom would be appreciative of. Some baby shower favor ideas are generated from the party theme itself. For example, if the motif of a shower is a color, such as green, you might consider acquiring some melon, lime or pear flavored hand soaps and lotions that will of course, be green in color. You might even consider some "gag" gift items as party favors including stickers which are sure to be well received from the children of guests. Planning a baby shower requires an investment in time and energy. There is no reason to spend the majority of your planning time attempting to find appropriate party favors. There is a vast selection of products available, and ideas are easily discovered when one takes a moment to consider the shower theme, guests and mom-to-bes expectations.
About The Author Corporate gift strategist Adriana Copaceanu specializes in helping entrepreneurs increase their referrals through the strategic use of gifts. She offers a customized worry free gift giving service to fit the budget of any size business to assist them in standing out from the crowd. See her gift basket gallery here: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com |
| Fun & Unique Baby Shower Favors by Adriana Copaceanu Fun & Unique Baby Shower Favors Adriana Copaceanu A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant mothers pregnancy. Planning a baby shower requires some thought and consideration for the expectant mothers special event. Baby shower favors are among the items that must be considered when planning a shower. Baby shower favors do not have to be complicated to make an impressionable impact on visitors. Most people are happy enough to come to the shower just to visit the mom to be in all her pregnant glory. Baby shower favors however can provide a memento of the unique event and offer a simple way to thank guests for visiting and celebrating the mothers time of joy. Baby shower favors come in every size, shape and form. Some simple gift ideas include the following: Candles Miniature boxes of chocolates or candy Bath and body items Pictures Gift baskets Lotto tickets Movie tickets Keep in mind that to make any party even more fun and eventful, baby shower favors that coincide with the "theme" of the party are even more fun to pass out. For example, if the expectant mother is carrying twins, and the theme of the shower revolves around multiples, it might be possible to offer baby shower gifts that coincide with this idea. Some ideas in this situation might involve the following: Double Bubble "Twix" Candy Bars 2 pairs of anything Identical picture frames Manicure and pedicure set Pair of coffee spoons One neat idea for baby shower favors is to have each guest bring a "white elephant gift". The idea of white elephant gifts typically surfaces during Christmas time, when guests are invited to bring a "mock" gift to a party for exchange. This may include silly items such as used household appliances, a roll of toilet paper or an open box of Oreo cookies. Guests are encouraged to wrap the gifts, then each member of the party can select a number and draw gifts. Using white elephant gifts as party favors is a great way to share laughter and joy in a shower situation.
About The Author Corporate gift strategist Adriana Copaceanu specializes in helping entrepreneurs increase their referrals through the strategic use of gifts. She offers a customized worry free gift giving service to fit the budget of any size business to assist them in standing out from the crowd. See her gift basket gallery here: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/ |
| Baby Showers For Adopted Children by Cathy Cripps ADOPTED CHILDRENCouples around the world have opened their hearts and homes to children through the adoption process. Just as with a biological baby, parents are just as eager to celebrate the life of their newly adopted baby. In fact, a baby shower for an adopted baby is ideal not only for the parent’s sake but it also begins the process of bonding for the baby.With this type of baby shower, timing is crucial. If you were the host, you would need to work with the expectant parents to organize the shower around the time the child would be arriving. The parents may choose to wait a month or so after bringing the child home, allowing him or her to become acclimated to this new life. Therefore, always be respectful of the parent’s wish.Another thing to consider with an adopted baby shower is that because the mother is not or has not been pregnant, the types of games chosen would be very different from those played at traditional baby showers. However, that does not mean you cannot use some of the games used in this guide.Additionally, the adopted child may be older than a newborn. In this case, you can simply have a shower, still celebrating the child’s life while modifying activities slightly. The key is to work closely with the adoptive parents!SECOND/THIRD CHILD Typically, a baby shower is thrown for the first-born but today, we see baby showers for second, third, and even fourth children. In truth, there is no right or wrong, simply what you want to do. After all, the second baby’s life is just as wonderful as the first baby’s life.While this type of baby shower is not as common, if someone offers to host a shower for you, accept and be gracious. If you have other children, then you know how quickly clothing and toys can wear out. Therefore, if the children are spaced several years apart, chances are new items are needed and would be appreciated.Another possible scenario is that the couple has a second or third child more than six, seven, or eight years apart. In this case, technology and baby items have changed significantly so for fun and safety purposes, a second or third shower may be needed to replace outdated items.While there remains, many unanswered questions about the history of baby showers we do know this is a beautiful time of life and celebration. For this reason, it is unlikely that baby showers will ever stop being an important part of our culture.©2004 Babyshowermoments, All rights Reserved About the Author Cathy is the owner of Baby Shower Moments and the Author of Baby Shower Moments A to Z Guide for hosting that perfect Baby Shower Party. Visit Cathy for all your baby shower ideastips and tricks |
| Top Cookie Flavors for Baby Showers and Other Parties by Criss White Cookies are a very popular treat at any party event and as a snack in general. There are now hundreds of different types of cookies that can be served to your guests and at parties. In case you are having difficulty choosing which flavors to serve, here are the five most popular cookie flavors based on our research study: 1. Chocolate Chip - This should be no surprise but chocolate chip tops the list by a landslide. Every cookie maker offers chocolate chip cookies, a delicious combination of batter and chocolate. Chocolate chip cookies were actually invented in the 1900's by Ruth Wakefield and have remain strong in popularity since then. 2. Fortune Cookies - Fortune cookies have also become popular at many occasions. A simple sweet cookie with a message inside that can be customized for any occasion. The history of the fortune cookie dates back to the 13th and 14th century, when secret messages were placed inside of moon cakes to coordinate an uprising against the Mongols, who were known to have no interest in lotus paste. In the mid 1900's, Chinese railroad workers exchanged happy messages in biscuits instead of cakes for their moon festivals. The first automated fortune cookie factory was started in 1964. 3. Sugar Cookies - Sugar cookies are also popular and embody the simple sweetness that people often think about when they think about cookies. This cookie is one of the easiest to make and is a great treat at kid's parties. 4. Peanut butter cookie - Peanut butter has become a favorite flavor among chidren and adults as well. Although use of peanuts in recipes dates back to the early 1900's, it was not until the 1930's when peanuts became a listed cookie ingredient. Since then, peanut butter cookies have enjoyed popularity at bakeries and cookie shops. 5. Oatmeal cookie - In today's health conscious society, oatmeal cookies continue to remain popular. Although they are not entirely healthy, the typically contain less fat than other cookies and still taste great. Other popular cookies include Oreo cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolate cookies, and Girl Scout cookies, which contain a variety of sweet cookie flavors. Whichever cookies you choose to have at your party, your guests are sure to enjoy this sweet delicious treat. About the Author - Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For baby shower cookie favors, go to Baby Shower Cookies (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/cookies.htm) and for more baby shower articles and ideas, see Baby Shower Ideas (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/articles). Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active. |
| A Daddy Baby Shower - New Twist on the old Baby Shower by Randy Wilson Try something new, a Daddy Baby Shower. Even though no one would realistically expect a new daddy-to-be to sit around with his closest buddies, opening baby shower gifts and playing party games while oohing and aahing over the imminent birth of his child. That doesn’t mean that Dad can’t have a baby shower-type celebration. Daddy deserves to celebrate the birth of his child, too!Of course, the term baby shower does invoke visions of baby themed parties. Like the one described above when planning a baby shower. So perhaps “baby shower” is not an appropriate name for this get-together. Why limit yourself with a label, anyway? Call it a “celebrating-Jim’s-impending-fatherhood” party, if you want, instead of baby showers for dad. Here are a few suggestions to make this type of party one for daddy-to-be to remember:Play Games:Well, not baby shower games. But you can play poker, horseshoes or even a game of shirts-n-skins football in the back yard.Eat, Drink, and Be Merry:Have tons of fattening and not-good-for-you foods. Make spareribs, cheese steaks, wings, and anything else you can eat with your hands and make a mess with. The wives won’t be there to complain and you can grunt all you want. Have some beers (or soda if you prefer) and barbecue.Last Night Out:Take the dad-to-be out for a night on the town to rival his bachelor party. Do some bar hopping, play some pool, shoot some darts, and don’t go home until you are kicked out of at least three places. Keep Dad safe, though, and designate someone to stay sober and make sure everyone gets home in one piece. You might also want to check with mom-to-be to make sure she is okay with this plan. She is, after all, pregnant and might not be all that amenable to the last-night-out-before-fatherhood party.Gifts for Dad-To-Be:Let the official baby shower take care of the |