|
Click Here
for more articles
|
|
|
|
Baby
Shower On A Budget
|
|
by:
Cathy Cripps
|
ON A BUDGET
Just because people are on a tight budget does not mean the baby shower
cannot be fun. For this, the guests would all be asked to pick up
unique gifts from thrift stores, garage sales, antique stores, estate
sales, or consignment shops. Not only are the gifts affordable but the
expectant mother will end up with some very eclectic items.
PURE PAMPERING
When a woman reaches about the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy,
the cute maternity clothes are no longer “cute”. The rounded stomach is
in the way, sleeping and getting comfortable is nearly impossible, and
all the woman can think of is “getting the pregnancy over with.”
Obviously, nature has an amazing way of preparing women to give birth
but while in that stage of pregnancy, she feels miserable. Instead of
or in addition to throwing a standard baby shower, why not throw a
“pamper party” for the soon-to-be mom. For this shower, have everyone
bring something just for the expectant mother.
This might include some comfortable lounge clothing, chocolate covered
cherries, takeout Chinese food, you name it, do it. She will feel so
much better about herself and gain a much better outlook about the hard
work of labor ahead of her.
PREGNANT GUESTS
When hosting a
baby shower, to create a ton of laughs while also making the
expectant mom feel good about her situation, have every guest come
“pregnant” – men and women. A simple bed pillow rolled up and tied
around the waist with an oversized shirt will do the job. While this is
fun for an all-girl shower, it is even a better theme for a coed
shower.
BABY TOYS
Rather than baby clothing, have each guests bring a special baby toy
that could be used in the child’s first three years of life. The
variety will be wonderful and the cost savings to the parents huge. Not
only is this baby shower theme excellent for a first baby but it also
works very well for a second or third baby, as well as adopted
children.
MEMORIES
For a special baby
shower, create one filled with memories. In this case, each
guest would bring a gift made in or representing the year the baby is
born. For example, one guest might create a scrapbook with newspaper
and magazine articles, another guest might bring a new toy developed
that year, and another guest a picture frame with the year as part of
the design.
BABY’S FIRST
With this theme, each family member or friend would choose something to
represent the baby’s
first. As an example, a pewter fork and spoon for the first solid food,
a pair of baby shoes for the first attempts of walking, a tooth fairy
box for the first lost tooth, a silk or satin case for a lock of hair
from the first haircut, or perhaps a cake gift certificate for his or
her first birthday.
NURSERY TIME
If the theme of the baby’s nursery is known, the shower could be
specific to the decorations of that room. For instance, if the nursery
were done in Walt Disney, then lamps, blankets, sheet, bibs, sleepers,
diaper bag, and so on, all focusing on Disney would be on the gift
list.
NAMING A BABY
For a fun baby shower filled with laughter and some very interesting
names, create a theme around naming the baby. Throughout the day or
evening, the guests will be asked to wear nametags of the name for a
boy and girl they like best.
In addition, each guest will be given an envelope with anywhere from
five to nine letters, chosen at random. Their mission, if they choose
to accept it, is to unscramble the letters to come up with a baby name.
This theme is wonderful and creates a light environment and some very
strange names.
If the weather is expected to be nice and there is adequate room
outdoors, set up a tropical oasis, complete with lights strung up
outside, floating candles in the pool, Tiki torches, Hawaiian leis, and
so on. Have beach music playing in the background and for food, serve
ham, fresh fruit, barbecue, fruit punch, etc. This provides a relaxing
environment for the expectant couple as they prepare for the big day.
AROUND THE CLOCK
For this baby shower theme, each guest would be assigned a gift that
would be used at a specific time of day. For example, 7:00 a.m. could
be a baby bottle, 8:00 a.m., burping pads, 9:00 a.m., baby food and
spoon, 1:00 p.m. baby blanket for naptime, 5:00 p.m., bib and so on.
LIBRARY TIME
In this case, every guest would be asked to bring a book for the baby,
ranging from those appropriate for six month to three years of age.
Since books are so affordable and the variety so great, guests could
bring one book, three books, or a book along with another gift.
SAFETY FIRST
With this baby shower theme, each of the items brought would be things
to support child safety. This might include a non-slip bathtub, warm
hooded bath towels to keep the little one warm, cabinet and drawer
stops, power outlet plugs, soft toys, etc.
SPRINKLE SHOWER
If the expectant couple will have more than one shower, this would be
an excellent option. For this theme, rather than guests buying large
items, they would bring a sprinkling of small items that are used on a
daily basis.
As an example, this would include things like shampoo, powder, diapers,
baby wipes, lotion, socks, pacifiers, diaper cream, and so on. Mothers
are always running out of supplies. With this theme, she would have a
nice supply for months while enjoying the convenience and cost savings.
As you can see, when it comes to baby shower themes, the possibilities
are limitless. As mentioned briefly, the most important factor to make
any baby shower a success is to create a treasured memory. Yes, the
shower is for the baby but it is also for the parents to share in their
joy and help them celebrate the miracle of birth or adoption.
©2004 Babyshowermoments.com,
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. If you are looking
for baby
shower ideas pay Cathy a visit.
|
|
