When was the last time you opened a baby shower invitation and thought, ”This is going to be so fun!”? I was trying to convince a friend of mine that she needed to have a baby shower when I realized that all of her negative feelings about her own baby shower probably came from attending ones she didn’t like. So, how do you plan a baby shower people will actually enjoy?
For me, it starts with wiping the slate clean of any preconceived notions about what you “have to do.” A baby shower should be a time to shower a new mom with love, advice, and gifts for this new journey she’ll embark on. So instead of following outdated traditions, let’s explore some other options to allow a new mom and her guests to experience a new kind of baby shower.
Out With the Old + In With the New
One of the first things my friend complained about was what she’d be expected to wear. “I’ve never been to a baby shower where the mom was in leggings.” That’s what she said when I first brought up a shower. Now listen, if you’ve dreamed of the beautiful dress you’d wear at your baby shower, by all means, live your life mama! But for the moms that are uncomfortable dressing up even when they aren’t pregnant, wear what you want. I’d just advise you to let guests know the dress code is casual so everyone can join in with you.
No Time For Games
Be honest: do you really like playing baby shower games? I asked a group of moms for their feedback on how to plan a baby shower people will actually enjoy. The majority said to get rid of games!
Instead, try opting for self-led activities if you’re worried about people being bored. Tables with onesies to decorate, advice cards to fill out, and envelopes for guests to write their address on for thank you cards are all great options.
If you want to give away prizes, you can pull filled-out envelopes or advice cards out of a box throughout the party. Another giveaway idea would be to have a diaper raffle–every box of diapers you bring enters you to win something.
If you look online, there’s no shortage of baby shower activities and games. They range from simple stuff like guess the due date to more involved games like charades. You know your guests better than anyone, so do what’s best for you!
Capture the Memories
My mom has a cousin who enjoys photography. At my baby shower, she offered to take photos as my gift. It was perfect! I didn’t have to worry about moments being captured. And, my mom and sister were able to just enjoy the shower instead of constantly getting their phones out.
If hiring a professional photographer is in your budget, you’ll find some great options in the Photography section of our Guide to Women-Owned Businesses. If not, you probably have a friend or family member who’d be willing to gift you their time and camera skills.
Let’s Talk About Gifts
The whole reason we do this thing, right?! A lot of moms I’ve talked to about how to plan a baby shower people will enjoy attending took one of two approaches when it came to opening gifts. Option one would be to take the gifts home to open them. This keeps people from staring at you for two hours while you open yet another burp cloth.
Option two would be to ask guests to bring the gift unwrapped. This is my favorite! Guests bring an unwrapped gift and put it on a table for everyone to walk by and see. If there’s an opportunity, you can get a picture of mom-to-be with the gift giver and their gift. If you choose to give an unwrapped gift, make sure a card or book is securely attached with your name on it so mom knows who to thank.
Speaking of gifts, what about mom?! Baby gifts are wonderful but if I had to choose between another toy my son couldn’t pick up for five months or a lounge set I could nap, breastfeed, and greet guests in . . . the choice is clear. Or maybe you’d like to gift the mom-to-be with a service like meal delivery, house cleaning, or even a great doula. Robes, slippers, and postpartum healing supplies are all amazing routes to take as well!
It’s Your Day
Everyone always says that weddings should be what you want. “It’s your day” is the sentiment that is widely used. Baby showers shouldn’t be any different. It should be a day to celebrate a mom and her new bundle of joy, whatever that means to you. If it’s your dream to have a formal event at a fine dining restaurant, go for it! If you want a backyard open house style bbq where kids and spouses are invited, go for it!
The point is, motherhood isn’t one size fits all and baby showers shouldn’t be either. So whether you’re having a shower planned for you or you’re planning one for someone else, remember, there are no rules anymore. Don’t worry about giving guests the same baby shower they’ve been to 100 times and instead, give them a baby shower they’ll actually enjoy.
