Baby Shower On a Budget

ON A BUDGETroom. For instance, if the nursery were done in Walt
Just because people are on a tight budget does notDisney, then lamps, blankets, sheet, bibs, sleepers,
mean the baby shower cannot be fun. For this, thediaper bag, and so on, all focusing on Disney would be
guests would all be asked to pick up unique gifts fromon the gift list.
thrift stores, garage sales, antique stores, estate sales,NAMING A BABY
or consignment shops. Not only are the gifts affordableFor a fun baby shower filled with laughter and some
but the expectant mother will end up with some veryvery interesting names, create a theme around naming
eclectic items.the baby. Throughout the day or evening, the guests
PURE PAMPERINGwill be asked to wear nametags of the name for a
When a woman reaches about the seventh or eighthboy and girl they like best.
month of pregnancy, the cute maternity clothes are noIn addition, each guest will be given an envelope with
longer "cute". The rounded stomach is in the way,anywhere from five to nine letters, chosen at random.
sleeping and getting comfortable is nearly impossible,Their mission, if they choose to accept it, is to
and all the woman can think of is "getting theunscramble the letters to come up with a baby name.
pregnancy over with."This theme is wonderful and creates a light
Obviously, nature has an amazing way of preparingenvironment and some very strange names.
women to give birth but while in that stage ofIf the weather is expected to be nice and there is
pregnancy, she feels miserable. Instead of or in additionadequate room outdoors, set up a tropical oasis,
to throwing a standard baby shower, why not throw acomplete with lights strung up outside, floating candles
"pamper party" for the soon-to-be mom. For thisin the pool, Tiki torches, Hawaiian leis, and so on. Have
shower, have everyone bring something just for thebeach music playing in the background and for food,
expectant mother.serve ham, fresh fruit, barbecue, fruit punch, etc. This
This might include some comfortable lounge clothing,provides a relaxing environment for the expectant
chocolate covered cherries, takeout Chinese food, youcouple as they prepare for the big day.
name it, do it. She will feel so much better aboutAROUND THE CLOCK
herself and gain a much better outlook about the hardFor this baby shower theme, each guest would be
work of labor ahead of her.assigned a gift that would be used at a specific time
PREGNANT GUESTSof day. For example, 7:00 a.m. could be a baby bottle,
When hosting a baby shower, to create a ton of8:00 a.m., burping pads, 9:00 a.m., baby food and spoon,
laughs while also making the expectant mom feel1:00 p.m. baby blanket for naptime, 5:00 p.m., bib and so
good about her situation, have every guest comeon.
"pregnant" - men and women. A simple bed pillowLIBRARY TIME
rolled up and tied around the waist with an oversizedIn this case, every guest would be asked to bring a
shirt will do the job. While this is fun for an all-girlbook for the baby, ranging from those appropriate for
shower, it is even a better theme for a coed shower.six month to three years of age. Since books are so
BABY TOYSaffordable and the variety so great, guests could bring
Rather than baby clothing, have each guests bring aone book, three books, or a book along with another
special baby toy that could be used in the child's firstgift.
three years of life. The variety will be wonderful andSAFETY FIRST
the cost savings to the parents huge. Not only is thisWith this baby shower theme, each of the items
baby shower theme excellent for a first baby but itbrought would be things to support child safety. This
also works very well for a second or third baby, asmight include a non-slip bathtub, warm hooded bath
well as adopted children.towels to keep the little one warm, cabinet and drawer
MEMORIESstops, power outlet plugs, soft toys, etc.
For a special baby shower, create one filled withSPRINKLE SHOWER
memories. In this case, each guest would bring a giftIf the expectant couple will have more than one
made in or representing the year the baby is born. Forshower, this would be an excellent option. For this
example, one guest might create a scrapbook withtheme, rather than guests buying large items, they
newspaper and magazine articles, another guest mightwould bring a sprinkling of small items that are used on
bring a new toy developed that year, and anothera daily basis.
guest a picture frame with the year as part of theAs an example, this would include things like shampoo,
design.powder, diapers, baby wipes, lotion, socks, pacifiers,
BABY'S FIRSTdiaper cream, and so on. Mothers are always running
With this theme, each family member or friend wouldout of supplies. With this theme, she would have a nice
choose something to represent the baby's first. As ansupply for months while enjoying the convenience and
example, a pewter fork and spoon for the first solidcost savings.
food, a pair of baby shoes for the first attempts ofAs you can see, when it comes to baby shower
walking, a tooth fairy box for the first lost tooth, a silkthemes, the possibilities are limitless. As mentioned
or satin case for a lock of hair from the first haircut, orbriefly, the most important factor to make any baby
perhaps a cake gift certificate for his or her firstshower a success is to create a treasured memory.
birthday.Yes, the shower is for the baby but it is also for the
NURSERY TIMEparents to share in their joy and help them celebrate
If the theme of the baby's nursery is known, thethe miracle of birth or adoption.
shower could be specific to the decorations of that©2004 Babyshowermoments.