Baby Showers

Welcome that "New Addition". . .
in style with that perfect Baby Shower. We can help. Over the years, we've sold millions of party goods for Baby Showers and other celebrations and we've picked up a few tips along the way. And we're happy to share them with you.

First, the basics

Planning a large party can seem like a monumental task, particularly when you're hosting a Baby Shower for somebody else, even if she's a close relative or friend. But if you focus on advanced planning and stay organized, the Baby Shower is sure to be a success. Not sure where to begin? Start here with these basic steps:

Select the date and time. Consider the mom-to-be's schedule, as well as those of close family or friends who may be traveling from out of town. Should the Shower be a surprise? Could you pull it off?
Make up your guest list. If the Shower's a surprise, check with the mom-to-be's close friends and family to make sure no one's left out.
Pick the location. Your home can be an intimate and a lower cost location, restaurants, catering halls and other outside venues tend to lose that personal touch. Talk to friends and caterers to get ideas.
Consider selecting a theme.
Purchase and send out invitations. Make sure to include all pertinent information, such as directions, any special gift suggestions and, of course, if the event is intended to be a surprise.
Ask friends and family for recommendations. Think caterers, rental companies, and florists. Once you've chosen your vendors, confirm all arrangements in writing - and again a few days prior to the event.
Set a budget and time schedule. Once you've selected your vendors, keep to the budget and timetable, and refer to it frequently to make sure you stay on solid ground.
Shop for decorations and favors. Whether or not you've chosen a specific theme for the party, there are many lovely designs and options to choose from.
Double check every detail. Keep a detailed "to do" list leading up to the event. Write down those items you want to buy, call about, or double check - along with timelines - and check off items as the party planning progresses.

Now, The Fun Part.

Baby Showers can be a great source of gifts for the new parents - and a lot of fun - with some careful planning and a little creativity. Consider these suggestions.

"Ditch the Duplicates".

Really, how many yellow sleepers does one baby need? While gift registries can help, here are few Baby Shower themes that can help as well - and they're a lot more fun. Consider an "A,B,C" shower: Each guest is assigned a letter of the alphabet; she then buys a gift that begins with that letter. Or how about a "stage of life" shower: Divide the guests into various life stages - infant, crawler, toddler, etc. - and ask that each purchase a gift for that specific stage.

Go Educational or Essential.

Ideal for second child showers, "educational" showers focus on just that: educational toys or books for the child and parents. Want to use it for a new mom? Add "mother's advice" cards to the invitation and ask that each guest offer one tidbit of advice; put them in a "wishing well" or bound book.

With an "essentials" shower, the baby receives just what the name suggests: The essentials. From diapers and rash ointment to sleepers and thermometers. Again, assign each guest a specific body part or need, i.e. feeding, to cut down on duplicate gifts.

Play Games.

Games aren't just for kids anymore. There are a number of popular Baby Shower games: From the cerebral - see how many words you can make out of the most popular baby names; to the just plain silly - identify what the baby food on the plate is supposed to be. You can get your guests involved, too: Have each bring a baby photo of him or herself, then have the others try to guess who it is.

Don't Forget Mom.

A new mom needs all the pampering she can get. The Shower can help: A gift basket of lotions or a certificate for a massage, facial or manicure can be a welcome relief after the baby is born.

Consider Going Co-Ed.

While more popular with Wedding Showers, a co-ed Baby Shower could by an excellent option, particularly among close friends. In this case, it may be best to go informal - with a barbecue perhaps - and have an alternative activity planned for those men who are less than enthused about watching baby gifts being opened.

Supplies Checklist

Invitations
Postage stamps
Food/beverages
Cake
Guest Book
Paper goods (i.e., tablecloths, plates, napkins, cutlery, cups)
Wishing well, umbrella
Centerpieces
Favors
Balloons and helium
Streamers
Confetti
Giftwrap, bows, ribbons
Banners/lawn sign
Favors
Gift