Baby Shower On a Budget
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 budget pay Cathy a visit.