Baby Shower Gifts

Baby showers are usually invitation-only. Invitations should be sent out at least two to three weeks before the event allowing people to RSVP. The invitations should include information such as where and when the baby shower will be held. Include other relevant information, including if children are allowed to attend. If you do allow children to attend, consider providing activities such as games or colouring books and pencils to keep them occupied.

It is also common to have a baby shower after the baby is born. This may be a result of cultural tradition, pre-pregnancy scheduling conflicts or the early arrival of the baby. In this event, the baby is usually present at the shower.

Baby showers are typically informal events commonly held at the house of the host or at a restaurant. A baby shower may be themed and typically includes finger food and drinks but not a full meal. Fun activities such as games may be played.

Ideal Baby Shower Gifts

Guests invited to a baby shower are expected to bring a small gift for the mother or baby. Typical gifts include practical baby items such as baby clothing, blankets, diapers or nappies, baby bottles and toys. Other gifts may include baby gift sets and soft toys. Gifts for the mother may include maternity or baby related gifts but other gifts gifts such as flowers or chocolates are acceptable. If you are invited to a baby shower and cannot attend, you may choose to send a gift with a card message.

Baby showers are often planned and hosted by a close friend or a family member, thus helping to reduce the workload of the pregnant expectant mother. Generally a sister, aunt, mother of close friend can organise the baby shower, but generally speaking it can be anyone close. Their is no tradition for where and when a baby shower is held. For practical purposes, most baby showers are held between one to three months before the baby due date.

Most baby showers are hosted at the home of the mother to be, but again there are no formal preferences to where it must be held. They can even be held in hotel rooms, beaches, parks or a restaurant but generally they are held somewhere more private where guests can speak freely.

The baby shower is a memorable milestone that is celebrated by close friends, family members, neighbours and even work colleagues. The main idea is to "shower" the parents to be with gifts - primarily for the baby that is. During the baby shower guests will hold games & activities, serve food and play music just to name a few. It's a time to come together, celebrate and create memories. For first time mothers it's also a time to celebrate the transformation from being a woman into a mother.

A cake should be at the centrepiece of the baby shower and other hot food can be served on platters. Whether alcohol should be served is up to personal preference of the host, being a celebration some guests may want to get a little happy! Appetizers with a selection of dips, jams and cheeses are also a great idea. You should also be aware that some guests may be allergic to certain foods and be sure to also provide a vegetarian alternative to ensure all guests are adequately catered for.

Ideally gifts for the baby shower should be items that the parents can put towards the child's nursery and upbringing. This includes:

- Baby clothing & accessories
- Bedding and baby blankets
- Gift Vouchers
- Personalised baby hampers
- Ready made gift hampers
- Pregnancy bags and carriers
- Teethers & Rattles