Hello everyone, welcome to the second day of baby week! Today is all about helping the mom-to-be prepare for the arrival of her sweet baby. I don't know about you, but attending a baby showers. As friends and family of the expectant mother we do our very best to shower them with gifts and love in preparation for their new bundle of joy.
As scrapbookers, I think it is safe to say that in general, we are crafty people, and planning a baby showers definitely falls into the crafty category. Let's pull out our supplies and put them to use for a baby shower and baby gift.
Themed Showers
It is easy to create a beautiful shower by carrying a common theme through the invitations, decor, food, party favors and gifts. Lisa Kish, created an elegant shower by using a pastel green and yellow color scheme and banner design element through the decor.
You could take the words "baby shower" quite literally and use pastel colors, soft clouds and rain drops throughout the party theme, like this example from Le Frufru blog.
If the mom-to-be is expecting a little cowboy, throw a shindig that she and her guests will never forget, as shown on the Thoughtfully Simple blog.
Baby Gifts
I don't know about you, but I love giving gifts that have special meaning for the recipient and presenting them in unique ways. Of course, the baby essentials are always needed and appreciated but you can make the ordinary gift extraordinary with creative packaging and displays.
You can begin with a unique gift table like this one from the anna with love blog. I love how she hung clothes, bibs and stuffed toys from a clothes line behind the gift table. Absolutely adorable!
Another cute idea for giving essentials, like onesies and receiving blankets, is to roll them into cupcakes and package them in a bakery box. Little Birdie Secrets has a great tutorial on how to do this.
Are you a good with your sewing machine. Make a baby quilt, like this one by Amy Sorensen, for a gift that will be treasured for years to come. Visit Amy's blog for a tutorial for creating this baby quilt.
Subway art is so popular right now. Using your computer, type baby phrases in various fonts and print in your color of choice, and frame it, like Marnie Flores did with this beautiful subway art she made.
Customize a wooden display, like this one by Francine Clouden for a keepsake in baby's room. You can personalize the display with the baby's birth date, photo and name once he/she is born. Francine has completed a tutorial giving step-by-step instructions for making this gift.
Do you have an abundance of ribbon in your stash? Use an assortment of ribbon in varying colors and patterns to create a plush toy, like this one from mmmcrafts.
Gifts for the mom-to-be
In the excitement of a new baby, don't overlook the mom-to-be. Now, more than ever, she'll need some things to help keep her organized and some pampering too.
The busy mom on-the-go will love this gift basket filled with individual bags that hold a diaper and wipes or baby food and a bib like these on the Procrastination Station blog.
For the scrapbooking mom, put together a collection of monthly index cards and put them in a tin that can be placed in the kitchen or other easily accessible location for recording special dates or memories during baby's first year. Follow the lead from the Northern Cottage blog, but substitute the embellishments with a baby theme.
Don't forget to shower the mom-to-be with something just for her. An ensemble of special spa and bath products will be appreciated after a long tiring day.
Parting Gifts for the Guests
At the end of the party send each guest home with a small gift to show your appreciation for their gift and attendance.
A simple treat in a paper crafted bootie, baby carriage or cleverly wrapped bag of popcorn is a great parting gift.
Give the mom-to-be enough thank you cards for all the attendees. During the party, have each guest address an envelope to themself. After the party the mom-to-be can simply sign the card, insert it into the envelope and place in the mail. Create customized cards, like this one made by Jenny Chesnick, in the shape of a onesie.
Are you still with me? I know this post is long, but I tried to keep it easy to read with little text and lots of pictures. I hope you have found something that will inspire you the next time you plan or attend a baby shower. For more ideas, visit my Oh, Baby! Pinterest board.
