Thursday, February 10, 2011

The RIght Wording for Baby Shower Invitations

Baby showers are a prelude to miracle which is the birth of a newborn baby. It is this occasion where friends, family and other people who know the parents to be, are gathered together to give gifts and make this occasion memorable to everyone present.

This baby shower usually happens a month or 2 in advance and making the right invitation can be just as challenging as planning the entire event.

There are many ideas and themes one can think of to make the invitation a good preview of what is to come during the baby shower itself. The important thing is that the invitation should set the mood for the occasion and with the proper planning and a little imagination with friends or professionals, it will surely make this baby shower stand out over others that people have gone to.

The one who will host this event is usually a very close friend of future mother. That person can start by talking to the mother and other members of the family what kind of theme will be appropriate for the party.

The proper words should express the love and anticipation that the future mother has for the newborn baby. The host must do it by putting oneself in the shoes of the mother. If that person has had children in the past, it will be quite easy to relate to that situation. If this person has not had any children yet, then it is best to ask the help of those who have so that person can help empathize what the future mother is experiencing.

Just like any other invitation, it should have the name of the person to be invited, when and where the event will take place, the contact number of the one hosting the event, the gender of the baby and the theme of the party.

If the newborn baby is a boy, a good example for a theme is a sailboat. The invitation can be shaped into a little sailboat then on the inside; it can start off with the “row the boat” nursery rhyme before inviting the people to the shower party.

On the other hand, if it is a girl, an example of a good theme is a cookie. The theme is based on the poem that tells how little girls are made which usually come from sugar and spice and everything nice. 

If during the discussion with the future mother one has learned that the sex of the baby is to be kept a secret until the shower party itself; one can make an invitation with a cute drawing of a baby wrapped inside a blanket carried by a stork. This should keep everyone guessing and make the party a fun one.

A challenging invitation is when the parents have not decided on the name of the baby yet. One can make an invitation that has various letters of the alphabet that will give people an idea that this occasion is to help out decide on the baby’s name.

There are other ideas and themes to make the shower a memorable occasion. It just takes some planning and little imagination to make this baby shower stand out over others that people have gone to.

The host can do alone, plan it with other friends or get a professional to help out.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

More About Baby Shower Invitations

A baby shower is one of the special events in the life of a mother to be shared with friends before the actual birth. Invitations should set the mood and make this occasion memorable to everyone present.

This baby shower usually happens a month or 2 in advance and making the right invitation can be just as challenging as planning the entire event.

One can get an invitation that has been made by a card company but for it to be special, it is best to choose a design then have it custom made. Since the host is usually a very close friend of the mother, that person can talk to the mother and other members of the family what kind of theme will be appropriate for the party.

After getting all the ideas in and finally choosing what theme will be used, the friend will already have an idea what kind of invitation it is and how it will look like.

For a girl, the theme could be a star which could highlight the future. An invitation can be shaped into a star with the nursery rhyme song inside.

For a boy, the theme could be a cowboy. An invitation can be made with the design of a cartoon character in the front and other special details inside.

An invitation can also be made depending on the season. In the summer, with the weather being a bit humid, the ideal theme will be a summer shower that comes with a lot of ice cream. The invitation can be made in the shape of an ice cream.

Just like any other invitation, it should have the name of the person to be invited, when and where the event will take place, the contact number of the one hosting the event and the gender of the baby if this is applicable.

The invitations must be given out a month up to a month and half prior to the event itself. This will give people time to make plans for that day and pick the right gift.

Babies are cute, smell good, can be quiet and the noisiest at certain times. It is all part of the phase of the baby growing up. There are other ideas and themes one can think of to make the invitation a good preview of what is to come during the baby shower itself. It just takes some planning and little imagination to make this baby shower stand out over others that people have gone to.

The host can do the planning alone or brainstorm with friends in picking the right invitation then having it made by the printers. When that is finished, the other details after that should already quite easy such as the food for the occasion, the registry of gifts for the party, and the prizes for the games to be played.

If the person needs help, then a professional can be called to assist in the entire process.  With the many themes and invitations that have been done in the past, this usually comes in a package that includes a planner to help guide the person along.  The host can find this people in the neighborhood or check online.

By comparing the packages and prices of the various companies that do this, one will surely get value for money for this special event. 

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Exeptional Baby Shower Party Gifts

Unique baby shower gifts add a special touch to the baby shower party. Unique baby shower gifts can be fun and creative or personal and memorable. As long as they are from the heart, unique baby shower gifts become keepsakes that families will treasure for a lifetime.

Baby showers are meant to celebrate the impending arrival of the newborn baby into the family. The baby shower party is an exciting and fun-filled event for moms and dads that are anticipating the birth of their beloved baby. Presenting them with unique baby shower gifts will certainly help make the party extra special.

Ideas for unique baby shower gifts

Unique baby shower gifts need not be expensive. Unique baby shower gifts can be something useful that can be used once the baby is born or a lavish gift for either the parents or the baby. Expecting parents take pleasure in receiving unique baby shower gifts from family and friends during the baby shower party.

These exceptional gifts mean that they took the time to find a really special gift for them. However, unique baby shower gifts are no longer just for the coming baby or for the mom-to-be. There are a wide variety of unique baby shower gifts for moms after giving birth, for dads and even for the excited grandparents.

Assortment of unique baby shower gifts

Unique baby shower gifts that are great for babies are personalized baby items. Items like baby bibs, baby blankets or burp cloths are lovingly appliquéd and personalized with a monogram of the baby's initials. These specially made pieces make great keepsakes that the family can cherish for a lifetime.

Custom made jewelry is another example of a unique baby shower gift that the baby can hang on to until he or she grows old. Jewelry like necklaces with pendants and bracelets can be personalized with the baby's name engraved on it.

There are also unique baby shower gifts for the proud parents. New parents will love to receive a custom built stroller bag or diaper bag to use when going out with baby. Plus new parents get a kick out of wearing fun t-shirts that sport amusing sayings poking fun at the new mother and father.

Another popular idea for unique baby shower gifts is baby gift baskets. There are different arrangements available for the baby gift baskets. Baby gift baskets often follow a theme and are designed specifically for either the baby, the mom and even the dad.

Gift baskets for mom can either be filled with maternity clothes or remedies for morning sickness. Unique baby shower gifts for dads can also be packed in a distinctive gift basket. The gift basket for dads can be designed as a survival gift basket like a daddy diaper tool kit.

Where to find unique baby shower gifts

Many online shopping sites offer a wide variety of unique baby shower gifts at reasonable prices. At the same time, many artists that specialize in creating unique baby shower gifts often sell their products online. Unique baby shower gifts can also be a personal creation of the gift giver for a more personal touch.

The search for unique baby shower gifts is a labor of love. Some may give up and concede to buying a mundane gift for the party. But for those who really want to give the best, unique baby shower gifts are the only way to go. 

Monday, February 7, 2011

Even More Unique Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Selecting what to bring for a baby shower party can be a difficult task.  Any guest would like to give a gift that can be useful to the baby or the parents.  Nobody would like to have his or her gift stashed in a closet or to given away to charity without being used first by the recipient.

Therefore, one has to make sure that he or she has chosen the baby shower gift properly so it will not be wasted.  As much as possible, never select a baby shower gift that the parents may already have.  Sometimes, the baby shower invitation says what the parents would like to receive.

If it is not on the invitation, you can also call the mom to ask what she would like to receive or what else she would need.

At times when the parents seem to have prepared well for the baby, you can select unique baby shower gifts that would serve as decorative items and remembrance.

Here are some unique baby shower gift suggestions.

* Birth Announcement Plates

These are decorative plates that come in pastel colors and different designs.  These can also be personalized with the baby's name.  Some companies also offer printing the baby's picture on the plates.

The plates may be used to contain food.  However, many chooses to have these plates displayed somewhere in the house.

* Personalized Ornaments

These ornaments are made from ceramic tiles that can be displayed on cabinet or shelves.  These can be personalized to contain the baby's name or picture.  You may also give a poem to the engraving company so it will be included in the ornament.

* Personalized Baby Blankets

These blankets come in pastel colors with different designs.  These can be personalized to include the baby's name.  Before deciding to give one, make sure that the parents hadn't bought or will not be receiving several blankets during the baby shower party.

* Pillows

Pillows can also be personalized with the baby's name.  These come in several colors and designs.

* Personalized Name Frame

If the baby's name was already chosen, you can choose a personalized name frame.  This will contain the baby's name with it's meaning, usually the biblical or historic association of the name.  It may also have a poem dedicating the gift to the baby or wishing the baby and the parents well.

* Piggy Bank

The parents can start the baby's savings with a personalized piggy bank.  The parents may drop coins each day after the baby is born.  When the child is older, he or she can continue saving money with this decorative piggy bank.

* Baby Naming Book

If the parents still hadn't decided what name to give to the baby or if they are not yet sure of the baby's gender, the baby-naming book is a great gift for the baby shower.  The book contains name selections from the bible and historical figures.  The meanings of the names are also given as well as the variations and origins in different countries and cultures.

* Music CD

Music has been proven to enhance the creativity and eliminate stress.  For babies, music can help them have quality sleep and boost their creativity and intelligence.  This is a perfect gift for the baby and the parents.

Regardless of the gift that you have chosen, always include a card to express your thoughts and your joys in sharing the celebration with the baby' parents.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Your Top 10 Cheap Baby Shower Gifts

Gifts at $10 and below

Are you on a tight budget, but have an important baby shower that you dare not miss?  Don’t worry…here are ten items that you can give as a gift, without breaking the bank.

1.Books.  Buy baby board books online for less than $5 a pop (shipping included).  Get discounted rates when buying on a bundle. 

2.Baby Clothes.  Any new Mom will appreciate a set of clothes as a baby shower gift.  However, if you plan ahead, you can give the Mom-to-be toddler clothes instead of infant sets.  She’ll surely appreciate the vision.  Another tip is to buy off-season, while the clothes are on clearance.  You can surely fit more than a piece for under $10.
    
3. Engraved Charms.  If a silver or gold bracelet is out of your budget, why not give a personalized jewelry charm?  Choose from several shapes, with heart as being the most popular.  It can be used as a pendant or bracelet charm.  Have the baby’s name and birth date engraved at the back of the charm.

4. Basket of Goodies.  In dollar stores, purchase an inexpensive woven basket and decorate it with leftover holiday ribbons.  Line the basket with pastel confetti and fill the basket with goodies, like purse versions of lotion, cologne, powder, diaper pins, wet tissues, anything that the baby needs.  Some of these miniature items are grocery give-aways, so the over-all price comes really low. 

5. Painted Pots.  Paint clean clay pots with pastel colors and use stencils to place simple designs.  Give a set of three to give the Mom-to-be a handy desktop storage for cotton balls, Qtips, diaper pins, etc.

6. Hand or footprint kit.  These are kits that have materials to imprint the baby’s hands or feet onto framed shadowboxes.  Most kits are at $10. 

7. Framed Cross-Stitch.  For a personal touch, buy cross-stitch materials and sew the baby’s name and birth date on a rectangle piece of cloth.  Have it framed for a lasting gift.  If you are short of time, give her a short and sweet note written on a copy of the pattern to say, “gift is work-in-progress, will be done in time for his/ her birth.”

8. Plant a Tree.  Various government-sponsored companies are promoting tree planting and this is definitely a great gift for a baby shower.  Most tree planting gifts come with a certificate complete with the baby’s name and a personalized dedication.  Some companies offer a dollar for every tree, so your $10 can buy 10 trees.  Now that’s a guarantee of fresh air for the baby’s future.

9. Baby Website.  For the tech savvy Mom-to-be, create a free website for the future newborn.  This gift will last until the baby grows up and can personally edit his or her website.  If you know that the parents already have a web host, why not pay for the domain registration of the baby’s name so for the next five years, the future new born will have his or her own e-niche.

10. Pamper Mom, Too! Who says baby shower gifts are only for babies?  Be creative by giving the Mom-to-be a gift, instead of the baby.  After all, the occasion is, in fact, a celebration of her strength and dedication in carrying another life for nine months. Dollar stores frequently offer pampering gift baskets or customize your own, similar to the basket of goodies described above.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Ideas for Homemade Baby Shower Party Favors

When throwing a baby shower you are not obliged to give party favors to your guests. But still, it would be nice to hand out a memento of the special occasion. Worried that you might spend a fortune buying ready made baby shower party favors? Then why don’t you just make the party favors yourself.

Below are some creative ideas for baby shower party favors.

1.    Buy baby bottles, baby socks or even cloth diapers (if you can still find one) then fill it up with assorted goodies like candies and chocolates. After filling the items, you could tie cute little ribbons around them. The items would prove to be useful. Some of the guests may even give them back after a few weeks.

2.    If you bake then you can prepare cookies (choco chip, butter, sugar, oatmeal, etc.) in the form of baby bottles, baby rattles. Babies and other baby related shapes. You can package the cookies in colorful plastic or paper wrappers.

3.    As you probably already know, candles are a big bit among women. That why they probably would be a big hit for the guests on your baby shower party. Buy scented votive candles. These candles are usually sold in sets to make them cheaper. Then decorate the candles with ribbons. Colors of course will depend on your personal taste or to the theme of your baby shower. Of course it would usually be blue if the baby is a boy and pink if the baby is a girl. The candles smell great and they would even look great when they are wrapped. Candles are an ideal party favor for any occasion since they mix very well with any theme.

4.    If you have a green thumb and likes plants in general then maybe you can give away some of plants in your garden. All you have to do is buy some small seedling pot. Graft a stem on some plant and plant them into the pot. This type of party favor is symbolic since your gusts would be obliged to take care of the plant just as if they have their own babies. You could also buy coffee mugs or wine glasses and a bunch of flowers. Then put a flower in the mug or glass as if they are flower pots. This baby shower party favor would definitely be a big hit. 

5.    Baby bath items like baby soap, baby shampoo, baby oil, baby lotion, etc. can also be a big hit among your guests because they can be either used for their very own babies or for themselves if they are single. You can also include other bath accessories like sponges, loofahs, scrubbers, small towels, etc. You can arrange the items in mini baskets or hampers. Then tie a ribbon in front of it for it to look cute.

6.    You could baby stuff made of fabrics like cloth diapers and bibs then paint them using craft paint. Make colorful designs such flowers, animals, insects, cartoon characters, cars, clowns, candies, etc. The end product can be use as a decoration or as a hanky.

There you are, six creative homemade baby shower party favor ideas that your guests will surely love. Who knows, you might end up making a business out of your masterpieces. Remember, all you need is some creativity and crazy ideas to make these baby shower party favors.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Are you Looking for Free Printable Baby Shower Invitations?

Thinking of throwing a baby shower, but worried about the cost?  Don’t be… now there are free printable baby shower invitations, which you can use without eating up the budget for your baby’s future.  The Internet offers free invitations (in image format of .jpg or .bmp file extension) that you can download to your computer.  Below is a guide on how to use them.

-At the webpage, click the link to download a file or a group of files (zipped) containing the baby shower invitation design.

-With the help of a picture-viewer software, open the file.  If you downloaded a group of files, you may need to unzip them to show the individual files and choose one that is suitable for your baby shower theme.

-The common invitation card size is a fourth of a letter-sized paper.  However, most printable invitations are laid out using the full letter-sized paper for one card. Such is the case because the page is divided into four equal parts, and eventually folded to form a ¼-sized invitation card. 

-Looking at the page, some layouts have a demarcation line to divide the page into the four parts.  If the one you downloaded does not have a dividing line, don’t worry, you can still assemble it easily.

-The upper left portion of the page is the front of the card.  This is where the main design of the card is placed.  You may notice it is inverted as laid out and when printed.  This is normal, as it will become upright after assembly.

-The lower left portion of the page is the left inside of the card and is blank in most cards.

-The lower right portion of the page is the right inside of the card.  In some sites, the free baby shower invitations would have poems printed on this part. Others leave it blank to allow you to add the details of the party.

-The upper right portion of the paper serves as the back of the card, where the website address where the card was downloaded from is printed. 

-To assemble the card, fold the paper crosswise in half and then fold again in half, reducing the paper into a fourth of the original size.  At this point, the inverted printed design has become upright and assumed the front of the card.  For a tidy assembly, glue the edges of the card together. 

If you are more computer-savvy, you can customize what you have downloaded.  In this case, use free photo-editing or desktop publishing software.  With the help of the software, add text to any part of the card or add other pictures in tune with your baby shower theme.  Give the invitations a paid-look by printing the details of your baby shower, instead of writing them by hand.  Just make sure to keep the credits at the back, as this is still mostly the website’s work and not your own.

Here’s one last tip to add zing to your free invitation: use special paper instead of white bond paper.  There are a variety of letter-sized specialty paper of different textures, colors, thicknesses and scents! To complete the custom-look, buy matching envelopes. 

Whether you are holding a formal, elegant dinner or a laid-back, unfussy brunch, add excitement to your baby shower without spending a fortune.  Use free printable baby shower invitations to fascinate your guest while anticipating the arrival of your bundle of joy!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Guide to Free Printable Baby Shower Games

With the advent of the Internet, there are many concepts and ideas that can be retrieved online. In fact, even those who wanted to conduct baby shower can already get free printable baby shower games online.

Basically, these free printable baby shower games refer to the printable materials that can be downloaded from the Internet without any charge.

With these printable materials, the organizers of the party will no longer have to delve more on explaining to the audience the mechanics of the game. Plus, the games will look more presentable instead of getting some pieces of scratch paper with jumbled words and phrases that the guests will find it hard to understand.

Hence, with these printable baby shower games that can be downloaded for free, your activity will appear more coordinated and well-organized than just distributing pieces of paper to the guests to play.

Moreover, the parents would appreciate it more if they see that you take extra effort in getting printable baby shower games, even if it just for free than just get some sloppy baby shower games that can be obtained anywhere.

Free Baby Shower Games versus Free Printable Baby Shower Games
As they say, the best things in life are free. However, not all free things are created equal.

Take for example the free baby shower games and the printable ones but still free of charge. They are both free and without any charge. But the two are distinct items that really differ in a lot of aspects.

In most cases, free baby shower games do not look good in terms of graphics and presentation unlike the printable ones.

What’s more, the baby shower ideas from the list of baby shower games that are given for free are not that innovative, creative, and usually cannot be understood.

Unlike the free printable baby shower games, they really have these colourful designs and easy-to-understand baby shower games.

Actually, free baby shower games are not that superior-looking. But the fact that it looks better than those that are given for free or is more presentable than those that are written in a sheet of torn leaf of a notebook.

Besides, if you are to look at it on the other aspect, free printable baby shower games are not absolutely free. You still have to invest a little on the ink that you will use. Colorful designs would entail many colored inks.

Consequently, when the parents see the effort and the little investment you have made in order to come up with really nice baby shower games, your work will be more appreciated.

What most people do not know is that free printable baby shower games are categorized as free items because you can download them in the Internet without any download charges. But still, it requires some budget for the ink for you to be able to print them.

Moreover, one of the best things about free printable baby shower games is that you can even customized them to suit the personality of the mother or the mood of the occasion before you print them.

In turn, it will give a more personalized look on the baby shower games and no one would ever suspect that you have just downloaded from the Internet.

Free printable baby shower games can be really useful. In fact, it is considered as the greatest ice breaker especially if the guests in the baby shower party do not know each other or are not acquainted with each other.

The bottom line is that the preference of whether to obtain free baby shower games or free printable baby shower games is actually dependent on the situation. This means that if there is no budget for the baby shower games, then, it would be better to acquire baby shower games that are given for free.

But if, there is a little budget even for the ink alone and the paper that will be used, then, it would be best if you will obtain free printable baby shower games.

Therefore, whatever you choose, the key point is that you have to use it in order to make the event livelier and more fun.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

How to Choose Free Baby Shower Invitations that are Still Good

Preparing for a baby can be very costly.  The parents will have to save for the hospital expenses, the baby clothes, the infant formula and the regular medical check-ups.

In this case, if the friends of the parents-to-be and relatives prepare a baby shower party, it can help a lot in minimizing the parents burden in the costs when the baby is delivered.

The baby shower is usually done one or two months before the baby is born.  It is discouraged to schedule the baby shower during the month that the baby will be born.  At times, the baby shower is held after the baby is born so gifts can be more specific for a boy or a girl.

Regardless of the date when the baby shower is held, the reason for it is to celebrate the birth of a child.  The parents’ friends and family share with them the joy of welcoming the child into the family.

During baby showers, the guests may bring baby clothes, toys, cribs and other necessities for the baby.  The parents may also decide on what gifts they would like to receive to eliminate accumulation of the items that they already have.

In as much as the baby shower party is usually done before the baby is delivered, the party’s theme is still directed towards the baby and the mother.  Therefore, the person who is throwing the baby shower should choose the theme very carefully.

Before sending out the baby shower invitations, make sure that you have already decided what will be the baby shower theme.

If you are preparing a baby shower for a member of your family or friend, make sure that you have prepared the guest list ahead of time.  If possible, check with the mom-to-be to see if the guest list and the date are fine, unless you are planning a surprise party. 

Sometimes, several baby showers will be held for the mm and the baby.  The co-workers, the churchwomen, and family members may prepare separate baby shower parties that the person who will organize the baby shower has to be careful about selecting the date of the baby shower party.  It is always better to coordinate with the mom-to-be.

Once you have decided on what will be the theme for the party, you may have invitations printed or search free baby shower invitations on the internet.

Of course, most of the people who organize party prefer the free baby shower invitations that they can customize at home.  This lessens the cost of printing invitation cards.  This also allows the host to edit the invitation according to preference unlike invitations that can be bought or ordered.

What is even better about online invitations is that some companies can work with you in addressing and mailing the baby shower invitations.

When you start preparing the invitations, make sure that you have enough time to send them.  The invitations should be mailed between four to six weeks before the party.  You also have the option of sending a baby shower invitation online, although having a printed and mailed invitation is still recommended.

After preparing the guest list, selecting the date and sending out the invitations, the next thing you need to do is to prepare the program, the games and the food to be served during the party.  Good suggestions can be found online so just search and develop the idea to personalize the party.