For any gift giving occasion, many would argue that giving cash as a gift is a little too impersonal. To some, giving cash implies that you didn’t take time to actually look for a gift, or you didn’t put any thought into it. It’s basically a quick fix.
Despite what most people think, more and more people are resorting to this gift giving technique. I think it has a lot to do with our current economic situation. People are realizing that times aren’t as easy as they used to be. We’re straying away from the “cutsey” unnecessary gifts like personalized Lenox, and opting instead for diapers, baby formula, etc.
People always want to give the best present for a new baby, and I always tell people to go for what a baby needs, not what the mom wants for her baby, or what you think would be "so cute" for the baby. For example, A cute Easter outfit is a great gift, but a pack of diapers and wipes would be much more useful.
I actually think giving cash is a great gift idea. Imagine if you had 20 guests at your baby shower and each of them gave you $20 (average price of a gift). That’s $400 for your new baby! You can do a lot more with $400 as opposed to a porcelain photo frame or a "designer" car seat.
Of course, you can always give gift cards too, which are pretty much as good as cash. The only catch is that the card will have to be used at a specific store. If you are considering a gift card, go with a Visa card. They are accepted everywhere.
*If you were expecting a baby, what types of gifts would you rather get at your baby shower – clothes, toys and collectibles, or a stack of cash? Do you think it’s tacky to give cash as a baby shower gift?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday, August 4, 2008
Reusable baby shower decorations
Are you planning a baby shower and looking for ways to make your money stretch? Consider these decoration ideas that incorporate common baby items which can be reused after the celebration is over:
Washcloths for napkins – neatly fold them into a triangle and place them next to your plates. Provide disposable napkins and inform your guests that the washcloths are just for show.
Socks for a rose bouquet – Visit this page to learn how to make a rose bouquet out of reusable baby socks. This makes a great table centerpiece.
Baby bottles, pacifiers, booties for paper weights – You can use any small baby item that’s heavy enough to hold balloons. Fill small bottles with candies, marbles, etc, and tie the balloon string around the bottle, just under the nipple. A pacifier is a bit lighter, so you can use that for just one balloon. Make a few with pacifiers and place them randomly around the room. For baby booties, place a pair of booties next to each other and tie the balloon string around the shoe laces.
Baby clothesline for streamer or banner – Use a bunch of baby clothes, booties, bibs, etc. and create a line to hang across the room. Have your guests decorate some onesies and use those too.
Baby blanket as a tablecloth for gift table – Use a nice, fluffy fleece blanket to drape your gift table. If the table is too big for one blanket, use a crib sheet, which is a bit larger.
Diaper cake – This is the ultimate reusable piece of décor. You can buy a diaper cake or make your own. Either way, use it as your centerpiece for the head table, and make sure the cake is made with usable diapers that the mom can use for future use.
How would you create reusable baby shower decorations?
Click here to share your ideas
Washcloths for napkins – neatly fold them into a triangle and place them next to your plates. Provide disposable napkins and inform your guests that the washcloths are just for show.
Socks for a rose bouquet – Visit this page to learn how to make a rose bouquet out of reusable baby socks. This makes a great table centerpiece.
Baby bottles, pacifiers, booties for paper weights – You can use any small baby item that’s heavy enough to hold balloons. Fill small bottles with candies, marbles, etc, and tie the balloon string around the bottle, just under the nipple. A pacifier is a bit lighter, so you can use that for just one balloon. Make a few with pacifiers and place them randomly around the room. For baby booties, place a pair of booties next to each other and tie the balloon string around the shoe laces.
Baby clothesline for streamer or banner – Use a bunch of baby clothes, booties, bibs, etc. and create a line to hang across the room. Have your guests decorate some onesies and use those too.
Baby blanket as a tablecloth for gift table – Use a nice, fluffy fleece blanket to drape your gift table. If the table is too big for one blanket, use a crib sheet, which is a bit larger.
Diaper cake – This is the ultimate reusable piece of décor. You can buy a diaper cake or make your own. Either way, use it as your centerpiece for the head table, and make sure the cake is made with usable diapers that the mom can use for future use.
How would you create reusable baby shower decorations?
Click here to share your ideas
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Baby shower cake alternatives
Let’s face it, baby shower cakes are cute to look at but expensive to buy. Unless you have superb baking and cake decorating skills, chance are you will have to purchase a pricy cake for your celebration. Depending on how many people are on your guest list, a small sheet cake from your local grocer might suffice. But if you want something more elaborate, or you need to feed tons of people, start thinking about alternatives to a baby shower cake.
Baby shower cupcakes - You can easily get 24 cupcakes from one box of cake mix and one package of icing. Even if you need to use two boxes of mix, you’ll still spend a lot less than buying a cake for a fancy bakery. You can buy a cupcake stand or just place your cupcakes on a serving sheet. And you can use different colored icing to match your theme. Why not use the cupcakes to make an activity for your guests? Before you guys eat them, see who can decorate them the best.
Cookie tray – Another great and cheap alternative to a fancy baby cake. Chances are, you already have almost everything you need to make cookies from scratch in your kitchen. Whatever you don’t have, you can get it for next to nothing at the supermarket. Let’s say you’re having 30 people, make an assortment of chocolate chip, peanut butter, sugar, and oatmeal raisin (or whatever you think your guests will like). About 60 cookies is more than enough for 30 people. Neatly arrange your cookies on a round or oval cookie tray.
Cheesecake tray – This is a good alternative if you’re only having a few people. You can find a cheesecake variety tray at any supermarket for about $10. I would suggest buying two, in case anyone wants seconds. Of course, you can use this alternative no matter how many people you’re having, but cheesecake is a bit expensive, so it’s best suited to feed only a few people.
Practically any dessert can be used as a substitute for a baby shower cake, if it is presented the right way. Make sure your main dessert is the main attraction of the food table. The three listed above are my favorite choices. With each of these options, they are easy to prepare (or cheap to buy), and you can offer a variety of choices to your guests.
Do you have a cool baby shower recipe or food idea to share?
Click here to tell us about it!
Baby shower cupcakes - You can easily get 24 cupcakes from one box of cake mix and one package of icing. Even if you need to use two boxes of mix, you’ll still spend a lot less than buying a cake for a fancy bakery. You can buy a cupcake stand or just place your cupcakes on a serving sheet. And you can use different colored icing to match your theme. Why not use the cupcakes to make an activity for your guests? Before you guys eat them, see who can decorate them the best.
Cookie tray – Another great and cheap alternative to a fancy baby cake. Chances are, you already have almost everything you need to make cookies from scratch in your kitchen. Whatever you don’t have, you can get it for next to nothing at the supermarket. Let’s say you’re having 30 people, make an assortment of chocolate chip, peanut butter, sugar, and oatmeal raisin (or whatever you think your guests will like). About 60 cookies is more than enough for 30 people. Neatly arrange your cookies on a round or oval cookie tray.
Cheesecake tray – This is a good alternative if you’re only having a few people. You can find a cheesecake variety tray at any supermarket for about $10. I would suggest buying two, in case anyone wants seconds. Of course, you can use this alternative no matter how many people you’re having, but cheesecake is a bit expensive, so it’s best suited to feed only a few people.
Practically any dessert can be used as a substitute for a baby shower cake, if it is presented the right way. Make sure your main dessert is the main attraction of the food table. The three listed above are my favorite choices. With each of these options, they are easy to prepare (or cheap to buy), and you can offer a variety of choices to your guests.
Do you have a cool baby shower recipe or food idea to share?
Click here to tell us about it!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Cool baby shower traditions
Here are a few common baby shower traditions that you can use to add a special touch to your celebration. All of these activities have been practiced for many, many years. And they are just as much fun today as they were in the past.
Don’t say baby game – This is by far the most popular baby shower game. It’s a good way to get all your guests to participate, it’s easy, and it’s fun. All you have to do is give your guests a diaper or clothes pin as they arrive for the party. Once everyone has a pin, announce that the game is starting. If someone hears someone else say the word “baby”, whoever said the word has to give up their pin! The object of the game is to acquire as many pins as possible. You will decide how long the game will last. Usually, this game is good enough to go on until the end of the celebration.
Baby shower hat – As the gifts are being unwrapped, tear off a piece of the wrapping paper from each gift. If there is a gift bag, just use a piece of the tissue paper. You can also use ribbons. Take a paper plate and tape or glue all the pieces of paper and ribbons to the plate. Punch a hole on each side of the plate and insert a piece of string. Put the hat on the guest of honor’s head and tie it around the chin. Make sure you take a picture of this, and then store the hat away as a keepsake.
Advice book or tip jar – This is another great way to get your guests involved. All they have to do is write down a small piece of advice for the new mom in a book or on pieces of paper (for the jar). She can keep this for future reference to help with those busy mommy days.
Keepsake box – You’ll want to make sure you save a little piece of absolutely everything from the shower. This includes streamers, tablecloth, tableware, favors, gift wrap, papers from any games you played, etc. Store everything in a keepsake box so that the new mom will always have it to reminisce.
Cake keepsake – Before you start cutting the cake, make sure you cut around whatever part the mom wants to keep. Usually the guest of honor wants either the baby’s name if written on the cake, or whatever graphic is on the cake. Tightly wrap the cake and freeze it. Serve the rests to yourself and your guests.
Happy planning!
Don’t say baby game – This is by far the most popular baby shower game. It’s a good way to get all your guests to participate, it’s easy, and it’s fun. All you have to do is give your guests a diaper or clothes pin as they arrive for the party. Once everyone has a pin, announce that the game is starting. If someone hears someone else say the word “baby”, whoever said the word has to give up their pin! The object of the game is to acquire as many pins as possible. You will decide how long the game will last. Usually, this game is good enough to go on until the end of the celebration.
Baby shower hat – As the gifts are being unwrapped, tear off a piece of the wrapping paper from each gift. If there is a gift bag, just use a piece of the tissue paper. You can also use ribbons. Take a paper plate and tape or glue all the pieces of paper and ribbons to the plate. Punch a hole on each side of the plate and insert a piece of string. Put the hat on the guest of honor’s head and tie it around the chin. Make sure you take a picture of this, and then store the hat away as a keepsake.
Advice book or tip jar – This is another great way to get your guests involved. All they have to do is write down a small piece of advice for the new mom in a book or on pieces of paper (for the jar). She can keep this for future reference to help with those busy mommy days.
Keepsake box – You’ll want to make sure you save a little piece of absolutely everything from the shower. This includes streamers, tablecloth, tableware, favors, gift wrap, papers from any games you played, etc. Store everything in a keepsake box so that the new mom will always have it to reminisce.
Cake keepsake – Before you start cutting the cake, make sure you cut around whatever part the mom wants to keep. Usually the guest of honor wants either the baby’s name if written on the cake, or whatever graphic is on the cake. Tightly wrap the cake and freeze it. Serve the rests to yourself and your guests.
Happy planning!
Friday, June 27, 2008
The slumber bear - the best baby shower present ever??
I was talking to my best friend the other day about her newborn baby. All is well with both of them! But the mom cannot get her baby to stay asleep unless someone is holding her.
If you know someone who is going through this with their baby, or if you’re experiencing it yourself, don’t worry. The baby is not over-spoiled. ALL babies have trouble falling asleep if they’re not being held.
Why, they’ve spent 9 long months in the womb, surrounded by water and all sorts of creative noises. So they’ve gotten used to it. Nothing would put a newborn baby to sleep better than the soothing sounds of the womb.
So what’s the best baby shower present ever? The Slumber Bear
This cute and cuddly bear is much more that just a plush toy. It’s a battery operated toy that offers all the sounds a baby hears before birth. All you have to do is attach the bear to the rail of the crib and turn the device on. It will start to make all those weird but soothing noises, and your baby will be fast asleep.
In addition to that, the device has an auto shut-off mode and it can detect motion. Once the bear turns off (when it thinks your baby has fallen asleep), it will turn back on again if the baby moves or starts crying!
Check out amazon.com for great deals on the Slumber Bear. Every new parent needs one!
If you know someone who is going through this with their baby, or if you’re experiencing it yourself, don’t worry. The baby is not over-spoiled. ALL babies have trouble falling asleep if they’re not being held.
Why, they’ve spent 9 long months in the womb, surrounded by water and all sorts of creative noises. So they’ve gotten used to it. Nothing would put a newborn baby to sleep better than the soothing sounds of the womb.
So what’s the best baby shower present ever? The Slumber Bear
This cute and cuddly bear is much more that just a plush toy. It’s a battery operated toy that offers all the sounds a baby hears before birth. All you have to do is attach the bear to the rail of the crib and turn the device on. It will start to make all those weird but soothing noises, and your baby will be fast asleep.
In addition to that, the device has an auto shut-off mode and it can detect motion. Once the bear turns off (when it thinks your baby has fallen asleep), it will turn back on again if the baby moves or starts crying!
Check out amazon.com for great deals on the Slumber Bear.
Every new parent needs one!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Got baby shower questions?
Are you in the midst of planning a baby shower and don’t know what to do next? I get plenty of emails every day about the do’s and don’ts of planning a shower. Some people don’t know were to hold the shower, when to send the invites, what to wear to a shower, etc.
So I thought it would be a good idea to start a baby shower questions forum so we can help each other out. This forum is the perfect place for all hostesses, guests and parents-to-be to get informed and share their knowledge with others.
The good thing about this forum is that you do not have to register or login. And in addition to asking questions, you can also answer or comment on questions that have already been posted.
Ready to join the Q & A forum? Click here for instant access. You can jump right in and ask a question, browse around through current entries.
Remember, the idea here is to help and be helped. Enjoy!
So I thought it would be a good idea to start a baby shower questions forum so we can help each other out. This forum is the perfect place for all hostesses, guests and parents-to-be to get informed and share their knowledge with others.
The good thing about this forum is that you do not have to register or login. And in addition to asking questions, you can also answer or comment on questions that have already been posted.
Ready to join the Q & A forum? Click here for instant access. You can jump right in and ask a question, browse around through current entries.
Remember, the idea here is to help and be helped. Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Baby sprinkle invitation etiquette
Baby sprinkles are small-scale baby showers that are specifically reserved for children after the first born. The purpose of this type of shower is to focus on giving the mom to be to small necessities for her new baby, as opposed to the big stuff she already received with baby number one.
So, if you’re throwing a baby sprinkle, make sure you let your guests know that in the invitations. The guests can certainly buy whatever gift they choose, but stress to them, in a nice way, that the mom-to-be has a greater need for certain gifts.
Follow these pointers as a guide for writing your sprinkle invitations:
*Make sure the invitation clearly says “baby sprinkle” and not “baby shower”. This will automatically let your guests know that this will be not quite the same as a shower.
*Use cute baby sayings to stress gift ideas, and to subtly explain the difference between a sprinkle and a shower. Here’s an example:
Bibs, diapers, and bottles galore
The Johnson family is having one more.
All their other kids have plenty to share,
But we still want to show the new baby we care.
The new baby won’t need a playpen or crib.
So just bring the small stuff like bottles and a bib.
Remember it’s a baby sprinkle indeed,
A light showering of things that the baby will need.
Get more wording samples here.
*Be creative! This is probably the hard part, but it can be done. Use a play on words and try to think of regular words that rhyme with baby words. A good way of doing this is to use an online dictionary to generate rhyming words and syllables for you.
*Lastly, don’t forget to include the basics of an invitation. The cute baby sayings are nice, but it won’t mean anything if your guests don’t have the specifics about the party. Make sure they know who the guest of honor is, the date, time, place, and RSVP info for the baby sprinkle.
Now that you have something to go on, get started on those baby sprinkle invites, and best wishes!
So, if you’re throwing a baby sprinkle, make sure you let your guests know that in the invitations. The guests can certainly buy whatever gift they choose, but stress to them, in a nice way, that the mom-to-be has a greater need for certain gifts.
Follow these pointers as a guide for writing your sprinkle invitations:
*Make sure the invitation clearly says “baby sprinkle” and not “baby shower”. This will automatically let your guests know that this will be not quite the same as a shower.
*Use cute baby sayings to stress gift ideas, and to subtly explain the difference between a sprinkle and a shower. Here’s an example:
Bibs, diapers, and bottles galore
The Johnson family is having one more.
All their other kids have plenty to share,
But we still want to show the new baby we care.
The new baby won’t need a playpen or crib.
So just bring the small stuff like bottles and a bib.
Remember it’s a baby sprinkle indeed,
A light showering of things that the baby will need.
Get more wording samples here.
*Be creative! This is probably the hard part, but it can be done. Use a play on words and try to think of regular words that rhyme with baby words. A good way of doing this is to use an online dictionary to generate rhyming words and syllables for you.
*Lastly, don’t forget to include the basics of an invitation. The cute baby sayings are nice, but it won’t mean anything if your guests don’t have the specifics about the party. Make sure they know who the guest of honor is, the date, time, place, and RSVP info for the baby sprinkle.
Now that you have something to go on, get started on those baby sprinkle invites, and best wishes!
Monday, May 19, 2008
How far along should she be?
Sometimes a hostess or mom-to-be is not sure of the appropriate time to have a baby shower during a pregnancy. As with all things dealing with baby shower etiquette, nothing is set in stone. Most showers are usually held during the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy. You can have the party earlier that that, but here are a few reasons why you should hold off until the third trimester.
1. Give the parents time to adjust. Once they find out they’re having a baby, they’re sure to be shocked, whether they were trying to get pregnant or not. Give them some time to spread the news to family and friends at their own pace, and adjust to the overall changes of being pregnant. You don’t want to overwhelm the mom-to-be with a baby shower too soon.
2. Wait until they find out the sex of the baby. Nowadays, there are plenty of gender-neutral baby shower themes, but lots of hostesses like to select a theme or choose decorations and favors that are gender specific.
3. Give her time to create a registry. After she finds out the sex of the baby, the mom-to-be can take time to create her wish list. She’ll need time to think about decorations for the nursery, clothes, toys, etc.
4. A very pregnant mom makes for great pictures!! Taking pictures is one of the most important aspects of throwing a good baby shower. Guests love to take pics with the pregnant guest of honor. Her belly can also be used for some great games.
5. Having a shower late in the game adds excitement. The baby shower signifies that the baby is almost here. It’s kind of like the kick-off to “crunch time” for the parents. If you throw the shower just a month or 2 before her due date, you add to her anticipation of meeting her new baby.
It’s not imperative that you wait for her third trimester, but be sure not to have the shower too late either. Do not plan too close to her due date because, as we already know, that date is not 100% accurate. You don’t want to risk her going into labor shortly before the party. You’ll have to change the date if that happens. She probably won’t be up to a party right after giving birth.
Do you have questions or concerns about an upcoming baby shower?
Click here to add your question to the baby shower Q & A Forum
1. Give the parents time to adjust. Once they find out they’re having a baby, they’re sure to be shocked, whether they were trying to get pregnant or not. Give them some time to spread the news to family and friends at their own pace, and adjust to the overall changes of being pregnant. You don’t want to overwhelm the mom-to-be with a baby shower too soon.
2. Wait until they find out the sex of the baby. Nowadays, there are plenty of gender-neutral baby shower themes, but lots of hostesses like to select a theme or choose decorations and favors that are gender specific.
3. Give her time to create a registry. After she finds out the sex of the baby, the mom-to-be can take time to create her wish list. She’ll need time to think about decorations for the nursery, clothes, toys, etc.
4. A very pregnant mom makes for great pictures!! Taking pictures is one of the most important aspects of throwing a good baby shower. Guests love to take pics with the pregnant guest of honor. Her belly can also be used for some great games.
5. Having a shower late in the game adds excitement. The baby shower signifies that the baby is almost here. It’s kind of like the kick-off to “crunch time” for the parents. If you throw the shower just a month or 2 before her due date, you add to her anticipation of meeting her new baby.
It’s not imperative that you wait for her third trimester, but be sure not to have the shower too late either. Do not plan too close to her due date because, as we already know, that date is not 100% accurate. You don’t want to risk her going into labor shortly before the party. You’ll have to change the date if that happens. She probably won’t be up to a party right after giving birth.
Do you have questions or concerns about an upcoming baby shower?
Click here to add your question to the baby shower Q & A Forum
Friday, May 16, 2008
Cool favor ideas for a Safari Baby Shower
During the spring and summer months, the Safari theme is one of the most popular for a baby shower. People love the baby animal decorations, the greens and browns that remind them of the great outdoors, and the great party favors that go well with this theme.
Why do the guests look forward to the favors? Because they are a constant reminder of a wonderful celebration. Baby shower favors are quite versatile. You can use lots of favors for any theme idea. But some favors seem to be meant for some themes.
Here’s my pick for the top 5 safari baby shower party favors.
Plush toys and thank you notes – Buy some small safari animal plush toys, a pack of small blank greeting cards, a 1-hole puncher, and some colorful ribbon. On each card, write something like “Thanks for coming to Lisa’s baby shower”. Punch a hole in the corner of the card (near the fold) and make sure the hole goes through each side of the card. Then, use the ribbon to tie the card around the neck of the plush toy. Get a variety of animals, and use ribbons that match whatever color scheme you’ve chosen.
Baby elephant soaps – At any dollar store you can find cute soaps in a variety of shapes and colors. Buy some small baskets, cellophane and ribbon. Put about 5 soaps in each basket and use the cellophane and ribbon to tie it.
Personalized mini water bottles – This is a nice favor that will keep your guests cool in the warm weather. You can find plenty of online stores that specialize in printing personalized labels, candy bar wrappers, stationary, etc. Your labels can say something like “Lisa’s baby shower – May 16, 2008”, or “Lisa’s little animal will be here soon!” Buy some small spring water bottles and replace the labels with your personalized ones. Or, you can order bottles with the labels already attached. Tie a piece of ribbon around the top of the bottle, and make sure the ribbon color matches your theme.
Decorated cookie – Make animal shaped sugar cookies and decorate them with frosting. You can simply outline the cookie with colorful frosting, or write something like “Lisa’s safari baby shower” on it. Wrap the cookie in cellophane or plastic wrap and tie with a ribbon.
Personalized candle tins – There are plenty of online stores that sell basic candle tins with personalized stickers. You can choose from a variety of pictures to go on your sticker, and you can create your own wording. You can simply put the parents’ names, date of the shower, the baby’s name (if known), etc. Present the favors in a small gift bags that match the colors of your decorations.
All these favor ideas are perfect for the safari theme, but you’re not limited to the suggestions above. Let your imagination run wild and be sure to shop around before making a selection.
Keep in mind when you’re shopping for favors that you can always find great stuff at the dollar store. If you want something personalized, you’ll most likely have to order something online.
Happy Planning!
Why do the guests look forward to the favors? Because they are a constant reminder of a wonderful celebration. Baby shower favors are quite versatile. You can use lots of favors for any theme idea. But some favors seem to be meant for some themes.
Here’s my pick for the top 5 safari baby shower party favors.
Plush toys and thank you notes – Buy some small safari animal plush toys, a pack of small blank greeting cards, a 1-hole puncher, and some colorful ribbon. On each card, write something like “Thanks for coming to Lisa’s baby shower”. Punch a hole in the corner of the card (near the fold) and make sure the hole goes through each side of the card. Then, use the ribbon to tie the card around the neck of the plush toy. Get a variety of animals, and use ribbons that match whatever color scheme you’ve chosen.
Baby elephant soaps – At any dollar store you can find cute soaps in a variety of shapes and colors. Buy some small baskets, cellophane and ribbon. Put about 5 soaps in each basket and use the cellophane and ribbon to tie it.
Personalized mini water bottles – This is a nice favor that will keep your guests cool in the warm weather. You can find plenty of online stores that specialize in printing personalized labels, candy bar wrappers, stationary, etc. Your labels can say something like “Lisa’s baby shower – May 16, 2008”, or “Lisa’s little animal will be here soon!” Buy some small spring water bottles and replace the labels with your personalized ones. Or, you can order bottles with the labels already attached. Tie a piece of ribbon around the top of the bottle, and make sure the ribbon color matches your theme.
Decorated cookie – Make animal shaped sugar cookies and decorate them with frosting. You can simply outline the cookie with colorful frosting, or write something like “Lisa’s safari baby shower” on it. Wrap the cookie in cellophane or plastic wrap and tie with a ribbon.
Personalized candle tins – There are plenty of online stores that sell basic candle tins with personalized stickers. You can choose from a variety of pictures to go on your sticker, and you can create your own wording. You can simply put the parents’ names, date of the shower, the baby’s name (if known), etc. Present the favors in a small gift bags that match the colors of your decorations.
All these favor ideas are perfect for the safari theme, but you’re not limited to the suggestions above. Let your imagination run wild and be sure to shop around before making a selection.
Keep in mind when you’re shopping for favors that you can always find great stuff at the dollar store. If you want something personalized, you’ll most likely have to order something online.
Happy Planning!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
What to do with children at a baby shower
Many people think it’s the norm to have just adult women (sometimes men) at a baby shower. But you would be surprised at how many people bring their kids along for the party.
It’s likely that the kids will end up running around, finding things to get into themselves. But as the hostess, you should find ways to get them involved in the rest of the guests’ activities. What better way to do that than with great baby shower games?!?
Of course, the kids can play any game you choose, but there are a few that they may enjoy more than others. I’ve listed a few games that children will love, and the adults can participate as well:
Baby shower anagram – Give everyone a piece of paper and something to write with. See how many baby words they can make out of the words “baby shower”. This can also be a learning game for the kids.
Act out a story – This is a great game for the kids to be in the spotlight. Have one of the adult guests read a children’s story, such as “Little Red Riding Hood”. As the guest is reading, the kids will act it out. Make sure the guest reads only about 2 lines at a time, and give the kids time to act out that part before moving on. If there are enough kids, you can group them into teams for this game.
Bottle bowling – Line up 10 baby bottles as if they were bowling pins. Roll a small ball and knock down as many bottles as you can.
Those are my 3 top baby shower games for kids, but as I said before, they can participate in any game you want your guests to play. But keep in mind that kids like to be busy. If you have the room, play action games with the kids.
Also remember that the kids deserve game prizes too. I would suggest instead of giving prizes to the winner, just give all the kids a small gift just because they participated.
Another note…
We all know that eventually you’ll get tired of the kids running around all over the place. Keep a stock of writing games, coloring books, and other activities that kids can do while seated at a table. You can even reserve a table as a “kids corner” somewhere in the room.
It’s likely that the kids will end up running around, finding things to get into themselves. But as the hostess, you should find ways to get them involved in the rest of the guests’ activities. What better way to do that than with great baby shower games?!?
Of course, the kids can play any game you choose, but there are a few that they may enjoy more than others. I’ve listed a few games that children will love, and the adults can participate as well:
Baby shower anagram – Give everyone a piece of paper and something to write with. See how many baby words they can make out of the words “baby shower”. This can also be a learning game for the kids.
Act out a story – This is a great game for the kids to be in the spotlight. Have one of the adult guests read a children’s story, such as “Little Red Riding Hood”. As the guest is reading, the kids will act it out. Make sure the guest reads only about 2 lines at a time, and give the kids time to act out that part before moving on. If there are enough kids, you can group them into teams for this game.
Bottle bowling – Line up 10 baby bottles as if they were bowling pins. Roll a small ball and knock down as many bottles as you can.
Those are my 3 top baby shower games for kids, but as I said before, they can participate in any game you want your guests to play. But keep in mind that kids like to be busy. If you have the room, play action games with the kids.
Also remember that the kids deserve game prizes too. I would suggest instead of giving prizes to the winner, just give all the kids a small gift just because they participated.
Another note…
We all know that eventually you’ll get tired of the kids running around all over the place. Keep a stock of writing games, coloring books, and other activities that kids can do while seated at a table. You can even reserve a table as a “kids corner” somewhere in the room.
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