Baby showers are important events in the lives of the new mom, family and friends. A baby shower doesn't have to break a budget, however. The following ideas save money and create memories that will make any baby shower an event to remember.
Planning the Baby Shower with Mom in Mind
Begin planning the shower ahead of time, as that will save on time, money, and stress. Ask the new mom what theme she has for her child, and make the shower coordinate with that. Decide on the decorations ahead of time, and purchase them on sale beforehand.
Try hosting the shower in a space familiar to the new mom to make her more comfortable. Ask relatives or friends with large houses, the new mom's church, or other local organization she's affiliated with for use of a room. Guests will see a new side of the new mom just by coming to the location.
Simple Invitations for a Baby Shower
If there are other children in the family, encourage them to color pictures on the invitations for a creative touch. If not creative, invite a friend or relative who likes scrapbooking or computer design to make the invitations at a relatively low cost.
Invite guests to bring some diapers as a shower-warming gift on the invitation, so that the new mom won't have to worry about that expense.
Plan Ahead on Baby Shower Decorations
When decorating for a shower, consider that the gifts themselves will be festive. Place them in a prominent place at the shower as a centerpiece.
Save money for the host and for mom by decorating with items the new mom can use later. Tie balloons to stuffed animals or other toys for the baby as table toppers. Use printed baby blankets as table decorations.
Decorate the cake with a rubber ducky or another toy baby might like. Give all the items to the new mom after the shower as an additional gift.
Homemade Refreshments for an Informal Shower
Make a baby shower informal, rather than formal. An informal shower will be warm and inviting to all who attend. Ask a talented family member or friend to make the cake instead of purchasing one. Consider hosting a shower potluck, where every guest brings a snack or meal item.
Ask a friend or family member to help wash dishes afterwards to avoid purchasing paper items.
Simple Favors for a Baby Shower
Save money on party favors for baby shower guests with a simple gift that honors the new mom and the guest's relationship to her.
Invite every guest to have her picture taken with the new mom, and give the picture to the guest in a simple frame at the shower's conclusion.
Meaningful Activities for a Baby Shower
Some people are uncomfortable with shower games and being put on the spot. Instead, plan an activity that will benefit the new mom.
Invite every woman present, who feels comfortable doing so, to share a story of her greatest learning experience as a mom, grandma, or other infant caregiver. Record the wisdom on an audio or video recorder for the new mom to keep. Also consider an activity where every guest makes a page for a scrapbook or writes a note about the new mom's pregnancy.
If the new mom is a religious person and guests are comfortable, consider inviting guests to write a prayer for the new mom, her pregnancy, and the future of her baby.
Give the prayers to the new mom at the conclusion of the shower, or close the shower with everyone in a circle and someone reading select prayers to the new mom, sending her from the shower into the rest of her pregnancy with God's blessing.
Hosting a baby shower can be a meaningful experience for everyone present without breaking a budget. Think outside the box, offer inexpensive entertainment from the heart, and ask other family members for help.
The group welcoming the baby into the world can all celebrate baby's entrance together while hosting a shower that everyone will remember.
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