Baby showers are events that are remembered by a mom-to-be for life. They have become an American tradition and it is not uncommon to throw a baby shower for a mom-to-be who is expecting her second, third, or fourth child. First time mothers look forward to their baby showers with great excitement and anticipation. As a baby shower hostess, the pressure to throw an event that is both unique and memorable is very real. But what if you are working within a tight budget? A baby shower doesn't have to cost a lot of money to be an event that the guest of honor will treasure in her memory.
The first order of business is invitations. Many expectant moms like to put one of the invitations from their baby shower in their baby book - so they have to be beautiful! But how can you save money without spending hours filling in the blanks on the really cheap invites? Simple! Purchase inexpensive blank invitations that you can run through your printer, and a roll of coordinating ribbon. Punch two holes at the top of the printed invite, thread a piece of ribbon through, and tie in a bow. Viola! Beautiful, classic invitations that cost you very little.
Next, plan your menu. Serve light refreshments rather than a full spread of food. Finger foods are super appropriate for a baby shower and will keep your costs down. Things like a veggie platter with dip, crackers and blocks of cheese you sliced yourself, fruit salad, cucumber sandwiches, and deviled eggs are inexpensive and easy to prepare, but they make an appealing spread. For drinks, consider ice cream punch. Combine a two-liter of ginger ale and half a gallon of vanilla ice cream in a punch bowl. Easy, inexpensive, and delicious.
One of the most important aspects of a beautiful baby shower is the decorations. The space where the shower will take place should feel like a celebration. The most bang for your buck here comes from helium balloons - the more, the better! Helium balloons turn even the most stark and cold space into an instant party. Purchase a few inexpensive baby bath products to use for balloon weights, and distribute odd-numbered bunches of balloons throughout the space. Next, add some paper streamers. These are super cheap and they are just the right touch over doorways and windows. The final touch will be two tablecloths in a color that matches your theme - one for the food table and one for the gift table. These large splashes of color will finish the room and they are so inexpensive!
Plan activities for your guests that do not require you to purchase supplies. Baby shower games that require only a paper and pencil, (or better yet) just a thinking cap, are your best bet! And finally, consider purchasing or making a diaper cake as your gift to the expectant mom. Displaying a large diaper cake adds a lot of atmosphere to a baby shower; they are an ideal centerpiece and an irresistible conversation piece. You can use the diaper cake to play a game with your guests - have participants guess how many diapers and what baby items the diaper cake is constructed with. And when the party is over, mom-to-be can take the diaper cake home as your gift to her. You get a centerpiece, a game, and a gift all in one - the kind of versatility you need when you are on a budget. Most importantly, diaper cakes are a unique and memorable gift that the expectant mother will be thrilled to receive. Six months after the baby shower, she won't remember who gave her socks or onesies, but she will still be smiling about the diaper cake!
With just a little creativity and not a lot of money, you can throw a baby shower that will live in the memory of all your guests for years to come, and be a treasured happy memory for the mom-to-be.
Plan The Perfect Baby Shower
A baby shower is a fun and exciting way to welcome the arrival of the newest member of the family. This event is not only memorable for the expecting parents, but it is special to the close family members of the incoming baby. Being invited to one is definitely an honor; all you have to do is to make sure you get the perfect baby gift to bring to the baby shower.
Realistic Gift Items
Looking for the right baby gift can be a challenge, especially if you're a newbie to such an event as a baby shower. Luckily for you, there are hundreds upon hundreds of gift ideas to choose from. Buying a gift for this occasion can be a challenge, or even a burden to some, because of the pressure of choosing the right gift those parents-to-be can be grateful for and use for the baby.
The safest choice when it comes to buying gifts for babies is being practical. The gift doesn't need to be extravagant, as long as it is heartily given. Choosing practical gift items not only makes your hunt for the perfect baby gift easier, it also gives you more choices. There are plenty of practical items that the baby will surely need, and some of these items are a lot cheaper than most.
Let's face it - when it comes to buying gifts, price is definitely a big factor. When you are on a tight budget, then don't dream of buying a classy and overgenerous baby gift - it's just not rational. Instead, go bargain hunting for a sensible and quality item for your money's worth, no matter how meager you budget is.
Ask Around
If you're still not sure in what to bring to the baby shower, don't be afraid to ask around. Get helpful tips and advice form close family members or friends. They will surely have a wonderful idea for a gift or two. Ask those close to the expectant parents of what they think or know that will be greatly appreciated by the parents of the baby. Finding out what is needed for the baby will make your search for a baby gift much simpler.
Asking others who are invited to the baby shower in what they are bringing as gifts is also a good idea. This will prevent you from giving a gift that somebody else is also giving. Your gift should be different from the others in order for it to be truly treasured and remembered.
You can even ask the parents of the future baby of what they want as gifts for their baby. Although the surprise factor in giving might be lost, it is definitely a good way to get the right gift that will be surely appreciated. There is nothing wrong in asking the recipient of the present what they want or need; they would even surely be thankful that they are going to get something they want.
Gift Choices for the Inexperienced
If you are bold enough to choose a gift on your own, then here are a couple items that surely can't go wrong. One gift staple in every baby shower are baby clothes. Clothes as a baby gift is surely practical and a lot cheaper than most gifts. Plus, you can add a personal touch to this gift. You can either personally customize the baby clothes, or choose the style that reflects your taste. Another gift that you can't go wrong with are diapers. A modest supply of diapers for the baby will be greatly appreciated.
Both Leah Merchant & Mandie Klein are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Leah Merchant has sinced written about articles on various topics from Baby Shower. Leah Merchant is the mother of two small daughters and owner of Diaper Cakewalk, an internet store offering diaper cakes, baby shower centerpieces, new baby gifts,. Leah Merchant's top article generates over 1900 views. Bookmark Leah Merchant to your Favourites.
Mandie Klein has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gift Ideas, Parenting and Babies. For more choices in selecting the proper baby gift, look for. Mandie Klein's top article generates over 40500 views. Bookmark Mandie Klein to your Favourites.
Automobile Sales Tax Deduction Of course, charity is a choice, and you shouldnt make it unless you are that philanthropic or have money at your disposal. It is better off to sell it