Things to Avoid

Certain things can make a party a bit flat. If the mother-to-be is shunning all fish, alcohol and caffeine as many pregnancy guides recommend, perhaps a crawfish boil with beer and wine is not in good taste. Likewise, if the guest of honor is rather low-key and shy, inviting 100 of her closest friends might be overkill. Know your honoree and plan accordingly. Save your dream shower for your own pregnancy, this one is about your friend.Too many games or too much planned activity can be overkill. Adults don’t want to play fifteen fun games. One or two will be plenty, and lots of showers go wonderfully without a single game. If you or the guest of honor isn’t up to games, leave them out – they are by no means required.As annoying as it may be, follow etiquette rules closely. Thank guests, allow them time to eat and visit. Record gifts and get traditional thank you cards written promptly. Try to speak to each of your guests and bring a hostess gift. Manners are not old fashioned and never will be.

The Best Gifts

The bride-to-be has most likely registered for the baby prior to the shower, so this can make shopping for gifts simple. Some things you should buy only off a registry like crib bedding and large items such as swings and high chairs. Others are often selected more as a place holder and you can get creative. Towels, clothing, blankets and toys are ideal gifts because they are so much fun to open. Find something unique or even bring the centerpiece of the shower in the form of a beautiful diaper cake – you can never have enough diapers. One thing to bear in mind is that babies come in all shapes and sizes. If a mother has had a baby previously, you will have a good idea of what size to expect. Otherwise, always opt for larger sizes to ensure baby will have a chance to wear all the diapers or clothing. Newborn diapers and clothing are worn for less than a few weeks in most cases. Even 0-3 month sized clothing is outgrown very quickly. Larger sizes may get more mileage, and with so many people already buying very small sizes, larger sizes are often greatly appreciated as they help to round out the closet. While a shower may seem complicated, it’s not designed to be. It’s all about having a good time and honoring the expectant mother. Make mom-to-be feel special one last time before all attention in her life focuses on her new baby. She’ll appreciate the attention and all of the gifts that help fill the nursery and closet. A shower is fun for everyone.