Unique Baby Shower Favors

Lots of traditions surround Baby Showers depending on ethnicity, size of the immediate and extended families and their respective values, but the main goal is always the same: celebrate a pregnant mother who will soon give life. Although circles of friends like co-workers and such might be tempted to treat it like a bridal shower where the entire event is one big surprise, care should be taken not to put additional strain on someone already having to disrupt her usual habits considerably. Therefore many mothers-to-be prefer having a say in the date, location and even guest list for the party since they know more than anyone what their own constitution and mind can take.

And since convenience is an issue, such gatherings are more enjoyable when held in someone's home or an area that allows for privacy, comfort and most of all space to move and breath. Fancy restaurants are a nice time out for anyone, but hard on the body carrying the offspring, especially if it means sitting on a wooden chair for hours. A family living room, private reception area and even patio with swimming pool make stronger settings.

What Should Be Offered?

Like the time and place, gifts should be something where the guest of honor can convey indications of need or desire. Sometimes a financial situation requires help for clothing, furniture and appliances, while other times cute, cuddly or funny are the determining factors. Many expecting parents will register for Baby Showers in stores offering the accommodations to do so, or publish their wish list online. Such practices shouldn't be looked down on, but instead seen as a genuine resource and tool to make the occasion a truly festive one for the parents, since they are after all the reason for the Baby Shower to happen in the first place.

Regardless of someone knowing the parents' true wishes, great Baby Showers will usually have guests bringing individual gifts to be kept as a sentimental attachment toward whom offered it, after use of course, while the gathered group as a whole will pitch in together to offer an additional gift of greater cost and significance, such as bedroom furnishings, imposing toy sets or the quintessential spa treatment for mommy, always a surefire winner. But most of all, gifts should be from and for the heart, whether they are costly or completely handmade.

What Should Happen?

Like any self-respecting party, Baby Showers shouldn't consist in guests sitting around and looking at each other. The occasion calls for activities to center on the mother, and turn the gathering into a game about and for her, with activities ranging from the details of the pregnancy itself to fun ways of opening gifts and sharing the obligatory (yes, absolutely obligatory) cake.

Baby Showers do not need to be taken as commercialism in the vein of Christmas or Easter, but as a day of relief, happiness and distractions for a well-deserving mother. Any activity undertaken should be so with such a thought in mind. Good time, great company, let's bring in Baby!

Baby Shower Gift Ideas to Make Your Shower Memorable

Whether you are planning a baby shower for yourself or for a friend who is expecting a baby, choosing just the right party favors and other details can feel overwhelming.

Most shower hosts give out small prizes or gifts to the guests. They're usually fun little toys or trinkets for the attendees, but some shower hosts give elaborate gifts to everyone who attends the shower. Whether you decide to give trinkets or treasures, you will probably need some help coming up with baby shower gift ideas.

Personalized baby shower gifts are always a big hit with guests. Small or full-size chocolate bars with the baby's name on them are popular at the moment, as are chocolate bars that simply say "It's a Boy" or "It's a Girl." These cute little gifts are inexpensive, well-loved by recipients, and memorable.

Other baby shower gift ideas are hand-made gifts personalized with the guests' names. Placemats or T-shirts made by the future baby's older siblings are a cute way to get the whole family involved in the baby shower process.

Some baby shower gift ideas that have recently become popular are candles, water bottles with custom labels, and small personal tea gift sets. These baby shower gift ideas are very popular for sophisticated baby showers or baby shower tea parties.

Some baby shower gift ideas have been around for many years, but are still just as popular today. Stuffed animals, small packages of candy, and miniature cakes are classic baby shower gift ideas that have never lost their appeal for baby shower organizers and guests.

If you want to go for a more modern and funky vibe for your baby shower, place cards that contain seeds and can be planted right in the ground are hot in the baby shower crowd right now. Other modern baby shower gift ideas are custom fortune cookies (with messages like "Welcome Baby Jonah" or "Thanks For Coming To Our Baby Shower" and the date) or mini topiaries.

Having a themed baby shower makes it simple to come up with great baby shower gift ideas. For a tea party, give teacups filled with gourmet tea. For a safari-themed baby shower, give animal print picture frames or stuffed lions.

There is no end to the fabulous baby shower gift ideas out there that will really make your baby shower shine. Whether you decide to go traditional or modern, giving unique baby shower gifts is a sure-fire way to make your event memorable for your guests.