FROM VENUES AND INVITES TO REFRESHMENTS AND GAMES, OUR GUIDE MAKES THROWING A BABY SHOWER A PIECE OF CAKE!
Text Fiona Anderson
Ah, baby showers! A celebration to mark the imminent arrival of a tiny human. Baby showers are filled with joy, anticipation, and a dash of baby-themed fun. Whether you’re the expectant parent, a friend, or a family member organising the event, planning a baby shower is an exciting task.
In the olden days, baby showers were more like quaint gatherings. Expectant mothers would receive gifts like hand-carved wooden rattles, cloth nappies, herbal ointments, teething jewellery made from amber or coral, talismans, and even live animals. Fast forward, and baby showers have become synonymous with Pinterest-inspired decorations, adorable onesies, and lighthearted games.
There’s so much to do, from choosing the right venue to inviting the guests, coming up with engaging games, and finding the perfect gifts!
Don’t worry; we’re here to answer every question about the tradition of holding baby showers and how to do it with a modern twist.
Setting the stage
The first step in planning a baby shower is selecting the right venue. It could be at a private home, a tea garden, or a restaurant. Remember, hosting a baby shower doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s all about finding a balance between what you envision and what you can afford. A private home can decrease costs, while a paid venue means less clean-up afterwards.
When to start planning
Timing is key! Most baby showers typically happen within the last trimester of pregnancy when the mom-to-be is showing off her beautiful baby bump. But, as we all know, little tykes have a knack for keeping us on our toes, so it’s always a good idea to plan the baby shower at least six weeks before the baby’s due date. That way, you give yourself enough wiggle room for unexpected surprises.
The later the party is held, the bigger the belly, the more uncomfortable mom-to-be may feel, and the greater the risk of her water breaking just as dessert is served! An earlier date also gives her time to exchange duplicate gifts (no one needs four mobiles), fill in what’s missing and organise the nursery with all her new gear.
Who to invite
Regarding the guest list, the more, the merrier. Consider close friends, family members, and colleagues who would love to share in the excitement. Ask the mom-to-be to double-check the invite list and add more names if needed. Creating a WhatsApp group with all those invited makes keeping everyone in the loop easier.
Can a baby shower be held for a second or third child?
If not, why not? Every new life is worthy of celebration. A baby shower for a second or third child is especially appropriate if the expecting mother’s children are a significant age difference or if she is having a baby of a different gender this time.
Baby shower themes
What about pastel pinks and baby blues? Snore! The best themes are those with a particular connection to the mom-to-be, whether she likes horses, forest creatures, polka dots, purple, Dr Seuss, or Taylor Swift.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
LITERATURE: Classic books and movies can make for great baby shower themes. When Jessica Simpson was pregnant with her daughter Maxwell, she threw a Charlotte’s Web-themed baby shower complete with a picket fence and a funfair tent. When her sister Ashlee was pregnant with her baby Bronx, her theme was Winnie the Pooh. Kevin Jonas’ wife, Danielle, honoured her impending birth with a Mary Poppins-themed party complete with umbrella-shaped centrepieces.
HOBBIES: A theme based on the expecting mother's hobbies or special interests demonstrates that you know what she enjoys. Think nautical, globe travel, environmental awareness, exotic flowers, yoga, country music, modern art, or whatever interests her. Search "baby shower decorations" on Pinterest for more decorating ideas.
Gifts
When it comes to gift-giving, strike a balance between practicality and sentimentality. Consider items useful for new parents, such as nappies, baby clothes, feeding accessories, and nursery essentials. Don’t forget to add a personal touch. Encourage guests to contribute to a “memory box” filled with handwritten notes, heartfelt wishes, and small mementoes for the baby to cherish in the years to come. We encourage you to make use of the Gift Registry at Dis-Chem Baby City. The sky is the limit for choice and variety.
Refreshments
No celebration is complete without food! Prepare various savoury snacks such as mini quiches, stuffed mushrooms, sliders, chicken skewers, and bite-sized sandwiches. Pretty up the table with colourful macarons, mini cupcakes, cake pops, fruit skewers, and cookies with cute baby-themed designs. Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests and provide vegetarian and gluten-free options.
While champagne and orange juice can complement a baby shower, always provide non-alcoholic drink options. Create a mocktail bar with various options, from fruit-infused water to sparkling lemonades and flavoured iced teas. Add some fun garnishes and cute straws to make them extra Insta-worthy.
Fun and games
Yes, baby showers centre around socialising, eating, drinking, and opening gifts but games and activities give your shower that extra sparkle. A gender-reveal surprise is a popular fad, in which the mom-to-be opens a box packed with coloured balloons, and everyone gets to watch the pink or blue balloons float into the air. Then there are games like baby bingo, where guests fill a bingo-style square card with items they believe you will get. Players tick off the correct squares as mom-to-be opens presents. The first person to call bingo wins a baby shower game prize. Alternatively, let everyone get creative by decorating plain white onesies with washable markers.
