BabyGiftBasics Blog

ABC's of Baby Shower Themes

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:19:00 +0000

There are some people out there that plan a baby shower and never even consider a theme. Often they will say it is much easier to not worry about the theme. However, the end result of planning a baby shower without a theme is a big mismatch of unorganized stuff. The person without a theme simply goes out and buys whatever catches their interest. They buy the cake flavor they like, the decorations that caught their eye, and the baby shower centerpiece that looked fun. This will often lead to a disorganized feel for the event.

By taking a little time and planning a theme before starting anything else on the baby shower planning you will start way ahead of the game. It will ensure that the baby shower is a wonderful, well planned and thought out event that everyone will really enjoy. Besides it can be a lot of fun to create a theme.

Some simple tips before taking on any of these themes:

* Enlist the help of other friends. More minds = more ideas = more helping hands

* Take the time and plan ahead

* Loosen up a bit and have fun with the theme.

So now let's continue on to the good stuff. Here are a list of possible themes for your next baby shower.

Stars - Everyone know that the new born baby will for sure be the star of the family. Why not put together a baby shower with a star theme? You can purchase fun confetti stars from a local party store to spread out on the table and cut out some larger stars to adorn the walls.

The Stork - You can always have a fun theme using a stork that brings in a newborn baby. Again, you can find things at a local party store and on the Internet for this theme.

Storybook/Movie Characters - If you have a favorite character from a movie or children's storybook this can make a great theme also. For example, a classic Winnie the Pooh can make great decorations and a fun theme. Have your baby shower in the 100-acre forest and make some fun pots of honey to decorate the walls or the tables with.

Stuffed Animals - Since one of the first toys that a baby will often lay with is a stuffed animal these can make very practical and fun decorations. You do not even have to buy all new stuffed animals or teddy bears. Simply borrow some from friends. Also your local craft or party store will most likely have some small teddy bear party favors that can be used. For a fun centerpiece put the stuffed animals in a small circle facing out and tie balloons to each one.

Prince/Princess - It seems like every new baby loves attention and being the little prince or princess of the house. Why not build on this and have a prince or princess theme for the baby shower? Some fun decorations like small castle walls, and a crown would fit well with purple (royal color) tablecloths and balloons.

While these are just a few of the ideas that you can use and you might not find exactly what you are looking for the idea is to start your own imagination rolling. You want to be creative and have fun with the theme. By thinking about it and choosing something you like the theme will come together faster. Remember to relax, leave yourself enough time to complete the task and plan with friends. If you follow these simple steps and read the suggestions above you are sure to have a wonderful baby shower.

Looking for help? The best Baby Shower themes and secrets? You can also find more baby shower, tips, ideas, themes,and decorations here .

Ryerson, Chris. (2007, December 13). The ABC of Baby Shower Themes The Free Library. (2007). Retrieved August 28, 2008 from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The ABC of Baby Shower Themes-a01073760927

Baby Shower Etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 03:37:00 +0000

by Virginia Coles

Hosting your first baby shower can often be a scary prospect, but it doesn't have to be. All you need to do is follow the advice below and read our planning guide, and you should be able to host a worry-free baby shower.

The following questions are those that most first-time baby shower planners ask, so they should help you along the way.

Who should host the baby shower?
Tradition, as well as Emily Post, has said that a family member does not host the shower. However, like most things, this has changed. It is very common for a mother or sister to plan and host the shower for a family member.

Who pays for the shower?
The hostess provides the shower as a gift for her friend or family member. She will absorb all the costs, but could organize a pot luck buffet to minimize the expenses.

Do I have to give the expectant mother a gift?
As mentioned above, the shower is your gift to the mother-to-be, so it isn't necessary for you to provide a gift. However, if you would like to give her something, it is entirely up to you but it isn't expected.

Where should the shower be held?
Showers are usually held at the house of the hostess. However, if the mother-to-be has requested otherwise, there is no harm in following her wishes. Remember that the baby shower is a celebration for her and she is the priority.

When is the best time to host the shower?
It is best to host the shower about one to two months before delivery, but check with the mother-to-be to see what works best for her.

How should the invitations be sent?
Invitations can be sent by mail or email. It is often common for guests to be invited by phone. If you are sending email invitations, make sure the recipient checks her messages often. Invitations should be sent with enough notice for guests to RSVP.

Who should be invited?
The baby shower you're planning is probably not going to be a surprise, so you can go over the guest list with the mother-to-be. Usually anyone from family, friends, and co-workers are invited. It is possible to host showers for friends only or family only.

Should a friend who has miscarried be invited?
This is a sensitive area and it is best to speak directly with the guest. Be considerate and kind when you ask her if she is up to socializing and would like to attend the shower. It is always difficult to predict how someone may react, so be as gentle as possible.

For more baby shower planning information, take a look at our baby shower guide. You will find everything you need to plan and host a wonderful shower.

About the Author

Visit 1st Baby Shower.com for help in planning your first baby shower, including FREE clipart, games, planning guide and recipes. You'll find everything you need to host a wonderful baby shower. Visit our new online store for great gift ideas!

Free Baby Shower Game Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:42:00 +0000

By Amy Cordray

Baby showers are a great way to show your expectant friend or family member how excited you are about their new arrival.

Unfortunately, these parties can sometimes get a little expensive! However, you can stay within your baby shower budget by trying some of these free baby shower games.

These unique baby shower games cost little or no money and are lots of fun! One game that is always popular and inexpensive is the clothes pin game. This game is played during the entire baby shower. As each guest arrives, they receive a clothes pin that they must clip to some part of their outfit. Once everyone arrives, the hostess explains the rules of the game. No one may cross their legs during the shower. If they do and someone catches them, the person who crossed their legs must give their clothes pin to the person who caught them. At the end of the shower, the guest with the most clothes pins wins and receives a small gift. There are many variations to this game. Instead of clothes pins, you can use safety pins or buttons. Also, crossing legs can be replaced with not being able to say the word "baby" or even the expectant mother's name. The possibilities are endless!

Another unique baby shower game idea is the "Guess that Baby" game. This game is basically free except for the cost of the prize. In the baby shower invitation, ask each guest to bring a baby photo of themselves. When each guest arrives, tape each baby picture to a piece of cardboard, poster board, or other sturdy paper. Each picture needs to be numbered. Pass paper and pens out to each guest. Then, ask the baby shower guests to match each baby picture with the appropriate person. Give them about ten to fifteen minutes to complete the task. Whoever matches the most pictures correctly wins. This truly is a great icebreaker game! If you do not want to ask your guests to bring baby pictures, another variation to this game is to find baby pictures of celebrities online and see if they can match the picture to the celebrity. Either way, the guests are sure to be laughing by the end of this baby shower game!

"The Toilet Paper Game" is a new baby shower game that will definitely be fun for everyone. The basic premise of this game is to get a roll of toilet paper and pass it around to each guest. Do not tell the baby shower guests what the toilet paper will be used for. As it is passed around, have each guest tear off a piece. They can choose how much toilet paper they wish to tear off. After each guest has their piece of toilet paper, ash the expectant mother to stand up. Each guest then takes turns trying to wrap their piece of toilet paper around the expectant mother's belly! This is always a lot of fun because some people have only one or two sheets! Whoever gets closest to her actual girth wins. Of course, toilet paper is not the only item that could be used for this free baby shower game. String, blue or pink ribbon, and rope can all be substituted.

You really don't have to spend a lot of money on baby shower games to have a great party. In fact, these free baby shower games are just as entertaining as their more expensive counterparts. The next time you are planning a baby shower, remember that unique baby shower games don't have to break the bank!

Amy Cordray runs a website full of cute baby shower ideas! She lives in WA state with her husband and 2 little girls.

For tons of free baby shower games and ideas visit http://www.cutest-baby-shower-ideas.com/baby-shower-game-ideas.html

Article Source: Amy Cordray - Free Baby Shower Game Ideas

A Second Baby - A Second Baby Shower - Options to Consider

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:07:00 +0000

By Nisha Williams

Some people question whether a second baby shower is appropriate or even needed if the mom had a baby shower for her first baby.

Having a second baby can bring an abundance of joy and stress to an expectant mother.

Although the etiquette rules change a little for having another baby, a second baby shower is always acceptable.

A baby shower is a celebration that brings women and sometimes men together to show their love and support for the new mommy.

The most important thing is for the mom to receive the help, love and support she needs to as a new mom.

When throwing a second baby shower, there are lots of options to consider. How you throw the baby shower will be determined by a few factors.

To find out which kind of second baby shower you should throw, you will need to ask yourself a few questions...

1. Is the baby the same gender as the 1st child?

Believe it or not, this can make a big difference in how you throw the second baby shower. The gender can determine how much supplies are needed for the new mommy. If the second baby is the same sex as the first, a smaller shower or theme would be appropriate.

If the baby is a different sex than its older sibling, you will need to throw a bigger baby shower to help the mom out.

2. How big is the gap between the new baby and its older sibling?

The gap will also help determine how big of a baby shower to throw the mommy. If the baby is the same sex and 2 years apart, a small shower would be appropriate. If the baby is 4 years or more apart from its older sibling, the mother to be will need a lot more supplies.

3. What does the new mommy need the most? (She probably would be able to answer this question better than you could.)

The difference between having one child and several children can be staggering for a mom who is not prepared for it. It is important as a hostess to look at what the situation will be like when the new baby is welcomed home. By knowing what is needed, you can help the mom help herself without feeling guilty about it.

Is it supplies that she needs, or some alone time to wind down? Does she need a break from the family, or a meal she does not have to prepare? Does she need some help with the housework, or someone to baby-sit so she can catch up on some needed sleep?

After you have answered these questions, you are ready to decide which kind of baby shower to use. Here are three different kinds of baby showers that will work for a second baby.

Sprinkle- It is not a full baby shower, just a sprinkle. Just a little sprinkle of gifts is all the mom really needs to welcome her little bundle of joy. Maybe she just needs to restock her supply of baby items for the next child. By throwing a sprinkle, you can have a celebration for the mom and get the necessities she needs.

Full Baby Shower-Throw a normal baby shower if a good amount of supplies are needed for the baby. Adding a theme to your shower will add flavor to the party while giving the mom needed items. For great theme ideas, visit http://www.creative-baby-shower-ideas.com/baby-shower-themes.html.

Fun Activity Theme- Perhaps the mother to be feels like she has everything she needs for the new baby. If this is the case, maybe you can help her prepare for the stresses of motherhood.

By using a fun activity theme, you can have a celebration while keeping the baby shower low key.

Whether you choose to a have shower, sprinkle or activity, the fact that you are showing your love and support to the mom by throwing a celebration will make all the difference.

Copyright © www.creative-baby-shower-ideas.com All Rights Reserved.

Nisha Williams is the owner of Creative Baby Shower Ideas, where you can find a creative, free resource of baby shower ideas. Visit her website at http://www.creative-baby-shower-ideas.com/ to view detailed picture instructions for creating anything from diaper cakes and creative centerpieces to structuring the perfect and fun baby shower!

Article Source: Nisha Williams - A Second Baby - A Second Baby Shower - Options to Consider

Our Newest Baby Shower Diaper Cake Additions!

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:21:00 +0000

Baby Shower Diaper Cakes make a great gift and centerpiece for any baby shower. You can readily find them in many different themes and they include many baby essentials such as diapers, rattles, bottles, blankets, toys, plushes, and more.

Check out our newest Diaper Cake additions at BabyGiftBasics.com.

It's A Boy 3 Tier Diaper Cake

This diaper cake comes wrapped with matching ribbons and includes:

* "It's A Boy" Teddy Bear

* 3 Flannel Receiving Blankets

* Animal Link Toys

* Manicure Set* Pacifier

* Pacifier Clip

* 3 Wash cloths

* Johnson's Baby Lotion

* Johnson's Baby Bath

* Johnson's Baby Powder

* Johnson's Baby Lotion

* Johnson's Baby Shampoo

* Desitin Diaper Cream

* Johnson's Soothing Naturals

* Manicure Set

* 35 Disposable Diapers

It's a Girl 3 Tier Diaper Cake

This diaper cake comes wrapped with matching ribbons and includes:
* "It's A Girl" Teddy Bear
* 3 Flannel Receiving Blankets
* Animal Link Toys
* Manicure Set
* Pacifier
* Pacifier Clip
* 3 Wash cloths
* Johnson's Baby Lotion
* Johnson's Baby Bath
* Johnson's Baby Powder
* Johnson's Baby Lotion
* Johnson's Baby Shampoo
* Desitin Diaper Cream
* Johnson's Soothing Naturals
* 35 Disposable Diapers

Puppy Paws 1 Tier Diaper Cake

This diaper cake comes wrapped with matching ribbon and includes:
* Cuddly Puppy
* Fork & Spoon Feeding Set
* Pacifier
* Pacifier Clip
* 3 Wash cloths
* 20 disposable diapers

Puppy Paws 3 Tier Diaper Cake

This diaper cake comes wrapped with matching ribbon and includes:
* Embroidered Hooded Towel
* Embroidered Bib
* Wash mitt
* Cuddly Puppy
* 3 Wash cloths
* Johnson's Baby Lotion
* Johnson's Baby Bath
* Johnson's Baby Powder
* Johnson's Baby Lotion
* Johnson's Baby Shampoo
* Desitin Diaper Cream
* Johnson's Soothing Naturals
* Manicure Set
* Fork & Spoon Feeding Set
* 35 Disposable Diapers

Selecting a Baby Girl Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Is there a new baby girl in your life? Choosing a baby girl baby shower gift should be easy and fun. There are many types of gifts appropriate for baby girls, such as baby gift baskets, personalized baby gifts, or even a cute teddy bear.

Baby gift baskets make great gifts because you can choose from many different themes and they contain practical and keepsake items for the new baby. If you want to give a dancer or ballerina themed gift, for example, check out BabyGiftBasics.com’s Beary Ballerina Wagon Gift Basket. Some of the items included in the baby gift basket include: Beary Ballerina Bear, Minky Dot Travel Blanket, Cotton and Lace Onesie, and Ballerina Booties.

If you know the baby’s name, personalized baby gifts can make wonderful keepsake gifts that last a lifetime. Mom and baby will be sure to treasure this memorable gift with baby’s name. Some personalized gifts are part of a gift basket, such as an All Girl Personalized Baby Wagon. This baby gift basket contains items such as: personalized bib, baby’s first doll, Baby Einstein music cd, and more.

Soft, cuddly teddy bears also make a great gift for a baby girl. Check out BabyGiftBasic.com’s selection of high-quality Gund Teddy Bears. They are sure to please any baby girl. One of our best sellers is the Alfie Bear by Gund. Alfie is a round-bellied bear whose innocent smile and raised eyebrows give him a cute, comical expression. He is a soft and lovable bear.

For many more baby girl gift ideas, visit BabyGiftBasics.com!

Buy Your Next Baby Gift Online

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:28:00 +0000

Do you want to get a unique or creative gift for that baby shower? Are you short on time? Do you live far away from the baby shower and need your gift shipped? These are great reasons to buy your next baby shower gift online.

Here are a couple of things to make sure you have a good online shopping experience.

Buy from a reputable company - Unless it's a big chain store, you should do some looking around the site. There are a lot of individuals creating online businesses these days and while most are legitimate, there are a few things you can look for to ensure you a dealing with a reputable company. Look around the site and see if they have a physical address and a working phone number. You want to make sure that if there is a problem, you can contact a real person. Also look for product descriptions without misspellings along with Better Business Bureau and other business icons.

Verify they have a Secure Checkout Page - If they do not have a secure checkout page, do not order from them. Your personal information may not be safe during checkout. There are a couple of things you can look for to make sure they have a secure checkout page: on the checkout page, there should be a yellow padlock icon in the lower right hand corner of the browser window and the website address, or url, should start off with "https," not just "http." The "s" implies secure.

For a great selection of unique Baby Shower gifts, from a reputable, secure online company, visit www.babygiftbasics.com.

Decorate Using a Baby Shower Diaper Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Are you planning a baby shower? One great decoration for every baby shower is a Baby Shower Diaper Cake. Diaper cakes make a wonderful centerpiece because they are unique and come in many different themes and are very useful and practical.

Diaper Cakes are Unique and Themed - a baby shower diaper cake is a decoration or centerpiece made from rolled up diapers, usually disposable, that is stacked and shaped to looked like a tiered cake. In addition to the diapers, they are adorned with extra needed baby items.

Diaper cakes can be the talk of the baby shower. They come in different sizes, generally 1, 2, or 3 tier. You can also choose a Neutral, Boy, or Girl themed diaper cake, in addition to many other interest themed diaper cakes available.

Diaper Cakes are Useful - unlike other centerpieces that are only used for the day of the baby shower, such as flowers, diaper cakes are much more useful. The mom to be can take home the diaper cake and she will have some diapers to get her started and some other useful baby products. Some of the other useful baby items could include: baby washcloths, bibs, bottles, rattles, booties, or even a stuffed animal.

A Baby Shower Diaper Cake will have everyone talking about how great they look and how useful it will be.

Check out BabyGiftBasics.com today for a great selection of baby diaper cakes and other baby shower gifts.

Selecting a Baby Boy Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:40:00 +0000

Are you having trouble selecting a newborn baby boy gift? Look at the suggestions below and combine them with your own touch, and voila!, you should come up with a great, unique newborn baby boy gift that will please both baby and mom.

TEDDY BEARS, especially Gund Teddy Bears, and other stuffed animals make a terrific gift and baby can use it to snuggle with in bed. Gund Teddy Bears are durable and well made to last a lifetime. This makes them a perfect keepsake gift. Visit our Teddy Bear page to find these adorable Teddy Bears.

"Fleming Bear from Gund"

THEME GIFTS - Like Father Like Son - Does dad enjoy sports? Maybe he likes baseball? You could put together a little baseball themed gift that has a little baseball outfit, cap, a plush ball, and even a baseball themed photo frame. The same can be done for other sports such as soccer or football. If you don't have time to put something like this together, check out our All Star Baby Gift Basket. It includes both practical and keepsake gifts. Some of the great items you will find in this baby gift basket include: baby's first puppy, choice of sports frame, sports onesie, sports booties, all star bib, cotton hat, and all star wrist rattles.

"All Star Baby Gift Basket"

Do You Know Baby's Name? If you know the baby's name, you can send or give a personalized gift. A themed gift that is personalized can be treasured forever. Pictured below is our All Boy Personalized Baby Wagon, featuring: mini Radio Flyer Wagon, personalized bib, bear plush, Baby Einstein music cd, baby bottle, rattle, and more.

Visit BabyGiftBasics.com today for a great selection of Personalized Baby Gifts!

"All Boy Personalized Baby Wagon"