Carol's One Stop Shop
Friday, September 3, 2010
Tips For Planning Great Baby Showers
Baby showers can make an expectant mother feel more secure in the fact that her friends are all pulling for her and giving moral and financial support. Usually the baby shower is organized by non-relatives. But today, there is isn't abnormal to find family members, support group members, church friends and pretty much anyone except the expecting mother.
Inviting the Guests Who should you invite? Usually, the guest list will only include those nearest and dearest to the expectant mother. It wouldn't hurt if she gets a first look at the guest list so that she can suggest who should be invited. If you are planning a surprise baby shower, you will have to do a little research on who should be attending instead of running the list through the expectant mother.
If the child is not a firstborn, you may opt to keep the number of guests down to the closest to the mother. Firstborn baby showers tend to have a larger guest list since it is, after all, the mother's first time.
The thing to remember is that the nature of baby showers is intimacy. So, for any baby shower party, try making the gathering one of intimate friends.
You could use informal ways to invite these guests: email, phone and others. Invitation cards and other letters are the best way, however, as they provide a tangible, traceable evidence of invitation. Plus, it is the most sure and formal way to invite a person - and in many cultures - the only way.
What About the Guys The nature of the party is probably going to tend towards the feminine side; if the organizers of the party have a provision for this, then inviting men would be fine. It also depends on the men, since the party may dwell on topics such as pregnancy, children, and other motherly topics, they might not be that excited to join. All in all, it depends on the preference of the organizers.
Venue Anywhere! As long as it can keep with the placid and fun nature of the occasion, any place would be fine. The more usual places on baby shower lists are backyards, formal halls, restaurants, and basically any room that has the amenities to make a baby shower successful. Just make sure the venue is not crowded and stressful to the mother-to-be. It also pays to make sure the venue is set long before the actual baby shower happens.
When to Throw a Baby Shower Usually this is one or two months before her due. The baby shower is the perfect time to get your friend baby needs and stuff she may not have had time to purchase yet. It has to be well-timed though - not too close to the due date, and not to far as to whittle down the excitement.
Baby showers are a pleasant surprise to expecting mothers. It takes a lot of the stress of expecting a child off of their minds and provides a means for friends to show support and concern (and of course, baby gifts) to expecting friends.
A properly coordinated baby shower will be greatly appreciated and forever remembered by mothers long after they have delivered their children.
For many more tips and ideas visit our web site.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Versatile Invitation Design: Baby Shower Footprint
Printed
The first way of using the footprint is to print them on the invitation. You may use a single or both feet as the main design. Immediately, your guests will know that it is a baby shower invitation, just by seeing the footprints. Make the print standout by using a complementary color to the background or the paper color.
As a supplementary to the text of the card, baby footprints can serve as a silhouette background of the text. As a silhouette, footprints are effective as outlines, instead of filled with colors. As an outline, only the marks where the baby’s feet press the ground (balls of the toes and heel and sides of the feet) are highlighted.
For an animated effect use several small footprints in the main design or silhouette background. To make it appear like a baby just walked across the page, reduce the size of the footprints, as the trail moves from the fore to the rear ground.
Embossed
Embossing is a process of creating relief on the paper by using a special tool to engrave the paper. Since this uses a special tool, it is best to leave the manufacturing of this kind of invitation to the professionals.
Embossed footprint invitations convey an elegant mood for the baby shower. Most embossed invitations are monochromatic, that is, they use a single color for the paper and the embossed design. However, some printers have the capability to color the raised portions of the footprint, for an extra fee.
Design and layout can be similar to the printed kind, but it is best to use the footprint sparingly for a dramatic effect.
Stamped
Rubber stamps have been around for ages, and it is widely used in many applications: business, trade, craft and even politics! As the rubber stamp craft is a well-established industry, you can find rubber stamps of baby footprints, of varying sizes and designs. When you have chosen a pattern that suits your intended invitation design, you can then use it to stamp single prints or multiple prints inked in a variety of colors.
For a subdued effect, use the stamp as a seal of approval or a signature of the baby, inviting the guest to the baby shower.
At the party, use the stamps to continue the theme from the invitation. Stamp them on napkins, thank you cards and game prizes for a unified effect.
Cutout
Lastly, use the footprint design as a cutout baby shower invitation. This is a very interesting application as it veers away from the conventional 2” X 4” invitation size. Use the front of the card to announce that there is a baby shower, and the back, for party details and RSVP information.
Carry the cutout theme to your baby shower by placing baby footprint cutouts on pathways, floors and even walls.
Use also footprint cutouts for thank you cards, for a uniformed look.
With such a simple idea, there are many possibilities. Choose the style to fit your mood and use cute baby shower footprint invitation cards today!
Find many more great ideas at our Baby Shower Web Site.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Homemade Baby Shower Party Favor Ideas
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.
Many more helpful tips and ideas at our Baby Shower website
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Baby Shower Gift Baskets Are The Most Practical Gifts
Let's face it, you know nothing about babies. Your presence make babies cry! You can't tell a blanket from a diaper! This is your first time ever to attend one of these so called events. You know you suck at this, and everyone knows it too, but still you have to go, It's a test of friendship! So what do you do?
Well, for starters you wipe that frown off of your face, and you put on your "I'm happy to be an auntie smile!'. Then, you go to a shopping mall, and you grab yourself a baby shower gift basket!
Gift baskets contain everything from soft toys, hats, blankets, undergarments, changing pads, sleeping gowns, teething toy, bears, etc.
The great thing about gift baskets is that they are very useful. The people who put together baby shower gift baskets know what they are doing! The things that are included in a baby shower gift basket are exactly the things that a new mother, and an upcoming baby will need.
So you know you'd be getting your money's worth when you purchase a baby shower gift basket. More importantly, it will make the recipient happy. New mothers need all the help that they could get, especially once the have delivered their babies. The daily expenses of a family always escalates with the addition of a new member. So it is best to give presents that will help to provide for the needs of the new mother, and baby.
Baby shower gift baskets come in different themes. Some of these baskets concentrate on the baby's bath time needs. Items like: towels, washcloths, comb and brush sets; and of course, the quintessential giant rubber duckies are included.
This puts variety, and a fun twist on the baby shower gift basket idea! So you'd actually have quite a selection to choose from.
These baby shower gift baskets vary in prices, depending on the intricacy of the lay out, and items included in the basket. The average price for a baby shower gift basket is around $70.
These baskets are usually divided into girl themes, and boy themes. The girl- themed baskets usually come in pink, and contain items suitable for a baby girl. While the boy-themed gift baskets offer things that a baby boy will need.
These baby shower gift baskets can also be purchased online. So if you don't have any time to shop, you can just always order a gift basket online. The selection of these gift baskets are usually displayed online. Also, the items that are included inside is listed along side the picture of the gift basket.
They come in a nicely gift wrapped packaging that includes a ribbon and a card. This allows you to write a personal greeting, and a dedication to the mother. Don't forget to include well wishes for the baby!
If you've purchased your gift basket online, you can just type in your dedication on the net. This way, your dedication will be included in the gift basket that you've ordered. It will then be delivered to the specified recipient.
Baby shower gift baskets are a wonderful and thoughtful gift idea because they include a little bit of everything. They are also very meaningful because they provide things that will provide for the needs of a newborn baby.
So become a baby shower superstar, and bring a baby shower gift basket to the party. All your friends will be in awe of you!
Our Baby Shower website has plenty of ideas for the new baby and Mother.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
An Essential Checklist for Baby Shower Supplies
To help you plan yours or a friend’s baby shower, use this checklist to ensure you have all the supplies you need for a wonderful baby shower.
Printed cards
The invitation card is the primary element in the baby shower. It should carry the theme of the party to let the guests know what to expect. It will also guide them in buying the baby shower gift. Send the invitations at least a month in advance. Make sure to RSVP so you can plan against the right number of guests.
Depending on your budget, you may choose from a variety of invitations. The Internet offers such a variety, from the free and already printable to the online-purchased customized invitations. If you are computer savvy, you may use your home printer and a desktop publishing software to create-your-own themed baby shower invitation.
While on the subject of invitation cards, prepare the thank you cards at the same time. Ensure that your theme emanates in the layout of the thank you card. Sending out thank you cards provides proper closure to the party and gives your guests a lasting memory of the fun they had.
Games and Activities
While your invitations are being produced, plan for the party activities. Games will enliven each activity and entice participation from the guests. Depending on your theme, choose the games that are suitable to the theme, or customize them to suit. For example, the traditional bring me game can be customized by asking to “bring me” pink colored items, for a baby girl shower theme.
Prizes are as important in making the occasion memorable, so be prepared to give prizes to all game winners and sometimes, even participants.
Prepare or add on to this list as required by the activities that you have planned. Make sure that you have listed all the things needed to make the activity successful and to avoid last-minute paraphernalia substitutes.
Party Venue Set-up
As dictated by the theme, set-up the party place accordingly. If it is a layette party, hang a clothesline all around the room and clip colored paper cutouts of baby clothes and stuffs. For the Hollywood theme, copy the set-up by having a red carpet where guests will walk-in.
Food and Drinks
The other half of a lively party is overflowing food and drinks. Make sure that as you finalize the number of guests, you are able to buy enough food and drink supplies for the headcount. Buy an extra 10% more to make sure that hungry guests get their fill. Like the games and activities list, expand this section to include details on the supplies needed for your specific menu.
Baby Shower Souvenirs
Aside from the game prizes, give your guests a thank you token for attending and participating in the baby shower. Note that this is different from a thank you card, which will be sent to individual guests as a thank you for their gift. Thus, guest who may not have brought gifts can still receive this baby shower souvenir. It does not need to be expensive, especially if there are game prizes given out. Just be sure to have it in-line with your theme to complete the effect.
Celebrate the coming of a newborn in an organized fashion. Use this checklist of baby shower supplies to plan for a successful baby shower.
For more great ideas visit our Baby Shower Website;
Friday, August 6, 2010
Unique Baby Shower Gift Ideas

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.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Planning a Baby Shower
Who doesn’t get excited when a Baby is on its way? Aside from their caring mothers, everyone in the family gets that certain thrill. Welcoming yet another being in this beautiful world comes with a certain joy. So how else can you celebrate a soon-to-be-child arrival? Have a blast with a Baby shower party.
Planning a baby shower can be really fun. You can create your own party as you wish. You can either go traditional or put a little humor to your event. You can choose whatever theme you want. Unleash your creativity. The main goal is simply to have your baby shower unforgettable and fun for everyone.
To get you started, the tips below can absolutely help you with the steps of creating that perfect baby shower party for you.
Be prepared Plan ahead of time. It is best to hold baby showers either on the seventh or eighth month of Pregnancy.
Look for a perfect location. You can opt to have your house or the backyard as your event area. If you have an extravagant budget you can scout for convenient party places which can hold your guests.
Set the right date and time Be sure to check out your guests’ availability, from there schedule where most of your expected guests can be free. Set a date that could easily fit to their other engagements.
Think of the perfect theme There are hundreds of baby shower themes that you can choose from. Popular choices are teddies, cartoon themes, or balloons. The possibilities are endless.
Think of the perfect theme There are hundreds of baby shower themes that you can choose from. Popular choices are teddies, cartoon themes, or balloons. The possibilities are endless.
Surprise her To make the party more momentous, you can make a surprise baby shower for the guest of honor. Consult her close and relatives when preparing your guest list.
Impress with invitations Send out invitations at least three weeks before the event. Match your invitations with the theme of the party itself with the theme of the party itself. Be sure that the invitations contain all vital information like date, time and sketched- up location. Be creative in designing your invitations.
Having fun with Games can give amusement to any party. Your baby shower would definitely be a hit if you have enthusiastic participation from the guests. Remember to buy prices for the winners.
Feast on good food You can either decide to cook food for your guests, order from a nearby fast food or restaurant or hire professional caterers. Take note of the expected number of guests that you will have. You don’t want to end up with one or two guest without a meal.
Jazz up and decorate Make your venues appealing by adding items that go with your baby shower theme like balloons or toys. Just don’t over do it. It is important to have at least one centerpiece at the site. Flowers will make good centerpiece or cute baby accessories that you can purchase on specialty stores.
Coordinate gifts During baby showers, it is a common thing to have cribs or strollers in doubles or in three’s. To avoid this, you can make us of a registry list which a rundown of specified gifts you might use. Don’t you worry; your guests would appreciate it if their gifts would come unique and more usable for you and your baby.
Planning your baby shower should be a lot of fun. The excitement of doing the preparation step by step builds up as the big day comes. And even more fulfillment is yet to come, when your little baby arrives soon!
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