For many modern mums-to-be, the traditional baby shower looms as an uncomfortable event that has to be endured. It’s quite an evil tradition really: take a woman who is heavily pregnant, maybe feeling swollen and tired, and put her in a room with twenty or so women who aren’t pregnant and expect her to enjoy it. Half the women are perhaps thinner than she can ever imagine being again, and the other half want to regale her with their pregnancy and birth horror stories.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s no rule that states that baby showers must involve sandwiches, tea, elderly relations and horrible games involving chocolate bars and baby nappies! Here are eight alternative baby shower ideas which are out-of-the-box and way more appealing:
Take Good Care of my Baby
A pamper party with the girls is a fun way to get together with a smaller group. You could keep it to just girlfriends or invite older generations to share the fun. Homemade spa treatments like oatmeal masks are fun to make as a group and then apply, or you could splash out and hire a masseur or nail artist.
A Star is Born
Baby-Que!
If you’re expecting your partner to change his share of nappies, then why shouldn’t he and his friends be part of the fun. A low-key baby shower barbecue at home, or in a local park, is a great relaxed way to celebrate the upcoming arrival.
Bless This Child
This Native American tradition has been gaining popularity as some mothers-to-be feel they want to move away from the gift giving associated with traditional showers. Usually taking place in a garden or park, women come together to pass on their blessings to the mother and child. Sometimes guests are asked to bring a bead which is then strung onto a necklace for the mother to wear in labour, as they speak their blessings. Follow with peaceful music and a low-key picnic.
A Little Ray of Sunshine
For the beach-loving mama, especially the one who’s confident in her pregnant shape and happy rocking the bump in a bikini, a beach party can be a hoot. It’s the last time the mum-to-be will ever get to sit peacefully on the beach for a while, so bring out the beach umbrellas and deckchairs, and meet for cold drinks and fruit platters in the sunshine.
Tea for Two
A high tea is a popular option. Many upmarket hotels offer affordable afternoon options for a sophisticated event which won’t require games.
Make a Memory
Crafting baby showers are very popular and also provide a great way to get your guests mingling. A lovely opinion is a large table where guests can gather and make something for the mother or the upcoming arrival. Ideas for crafts might be scrapbook pages (take a photo of each of the guests with the mum-to-be and prepare a page of advice or blessings), hand painted baby clothes, picture frames for bub’s room or even quilting squares.
Happy Hour Alternative Baby Shower
A chance for a last swish night out! Make sure the mum-to-be is up for dressing the part and hire a private room at a cocktail venue. Be sure the bar staff knows to have some great mocktail recipes for the guest-of-honour and enjoy toasting the upcoming addition.
Whatever you choose, remember that your friend may be facing a huge life change but she’s still the same person she was before she started this journey. So match your choice to her life, her likes and her friends and you’re sure to have a perfect day.
For the traditionalists we have plenty of baby shower themes, baby shower games and more.
