Is there anything sweeter than watching your friend or family member become a parent? Help celebrate this special time in their lives by throwing a bash to remember. These tips are guaranteed to make the new family feel showered with love.
Play non-cheesy games
I think we can all agree that there’s nothing cringier than traditional baby shower games. Skip the belly measurements and the dreaded candy-in-the-diaper guessing games. Here are a few fun alternatives:
- Choose a handful of celebrities and see who can name all of their kids (Angelina Jolie is perfect for this one!).
- Set a timer for one minute and have guests write as many songs as they can with the word “baby” in the title.
- Put a bunch of candies in a baby bottle and have guests guess the number. Winner gets to take the candy as their prize.
- Play a trivia game with questions about the expecting parents (examples: pregnancy cravings, due date, number of siblings in each parent’s family).
- If you decide to forego the games altogether, there are still plenty of ways to keep guests entertained. Set up a baby headband or bib decorating station, have friends write their best advice for the parents-to-be or jot down messages to the baby in a guest book.
Keep decor simple
Thanks to Pinterest and other social media sites, there’s more pressure than ever to have over-the-top, picture-perfect decor at every function we host. While glitter, flower arches and mason jars have their place, practical decor is much less stressful (not to mention eco-friendly) for an intimate baby shower. Grab some succulents from your local garden center to use as centerpieces, and guests can also take the plants home as party favors. Frame black and white photos of the parents-to-be as babies for a sentimental touch (that also makes a sweet gift for them). Hang different sizes of onesies on twine for decor, then send them home as a gift to the parents.
Serve a signature mocktail
If the expecting mom has been missing her margaritas over the last few months, whip up one of these tasty mocktails to help ease her pain:
- Apple & Pomegranate Mocktail (via Desert Chica)
- Mom-garita (via Babble)
- Lavender Lemonade (via The Cookie Rookie)
- Non-alcoholic Moscow Mules (via Sweet C’s Designs)
- Shirley Temple (via Damn Delicious)
Go untraditional
Who says a baby shower has to be a formal affair? Treat the mom-to-be and close friends to a relaxing spa day. Between the aching back, swollen feet and constant, middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom, it’s no secret that expecting mamas could use some pampering. Break with tradition and host a mani/pedi bash at your favorite nail salon, complete with chair back massages, foot rubs and good conversation. Many salons will book large groups on the weekends and some will even allow you to bring your own snacks and drinks. Follow up the spa time with lunch, where the mom-to-be can open gifts.
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