5 Alternatives to a Traditional Baby Shower
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Having a baby can come with so many added to-do tasks. As a Maternity Concierge, a large part of my job is to take care of these time consuming tasks for expecting parents. From designing nurseries to planning baby showers, Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge Services does it all. In the last 12-18 months, we have seen a drastic shift from traditional baby showers to more of a relaxed gathering in honor of celebrating your little one’s arrival.
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Here are some ideas for the mom-to-be who does not want the traditional baby shower:
Stocking the Nursery Party
This can be a really fun way to stock up on things that wouldn’t otherwise be on your baby registry. A stocking the nursery party is all about the “little things” that new parents will need, but wouldn’t think to purchase for themselves. My favorite gifts for a stock the nursery party are any of the FridaBaby products, reusable nursing pads, and the ol’ faithful that never disappoints, diapers! You might also consider giving a gift certificate for postpartum support like overnight care so the new parents can catch some quality sleep.
Jack and Jill Baby Shower
This is a fun way to include both parents (vs. just the birthing parent) in the festivities. So many times, a shower is hosted in honor of the gestational parent and the non-gestational parent is left to simply pick up the goodies and help unpack them at home. Also, traditionally, only women attend showers. For a Jack and Jill baby shower, both males and females are invited and both parents are gifted to. My favorite gifts to bring to a Jack and Jill shower are a unisex baby carrier or diaper bag! Again, diapers are always a fool-proof way to give a great gift!
Baby Sprinkle
This is much like a traditional baby shower, but perfect for the mom-to-be that doesn’t love to be the center of attention. There is no heavy ambiance that gifts need to be opened at the front of the room while everyone stares on with blank smiles wondering what’s for dinner. There’s no high expectation that food will be served with the art appeal of something that Giada De Laurentiis whipped up. Instead, this is a much more casual get-together. Finger foods and simple hors d'oeuvres are served. Fun and light games like designing onesies or 'Name that (Baby) Tune!' are played.
Honey Bee Shower
Babies are sweet as honey and once baby gets here people will swarm—see what I did there?! For a Honey Bee Shower, all decorations and themes are based around honey and bumble bees. Guests have the chance to create “Honey-Do” lists of advice for the expecting parents. My favorite gift for a Honey Bee Shower is anything that reminds the expecting mama (and her partner) to take some time for themselves like a gift certificate for a massage or a Llama Mama Hospital Bag for their birth experience!;
Books for Baby Shower
It’s never too early to start reading to your baby. Reading to tiny humans is supportive of their language development (both receptive and expressive), it begins to build their attention span, and provides a perfect time for parent-child bonding. Zero to Three states, “Though your baby may seem too little to understand, she enjoys your company and the sounds of your voice and words. At this age, babies may come to recognize the book-sharing routine as calming, widening their eyes, or smiling and kicking to show excitement.”
When considering books to give for a book shower, think along the lines of chunky board books, soft fabric books, or vinyl books that babies can chew on and explore themselves.
Most parents will have spent the time to create a registry created for you to make choosing a gift easy as pie! If you are at a loss for what to take to a baby shower, remember the essentials: diapers, wipes, and swaddles. If all else fails, you can purchase the family a one-year membership to Amazon Prime or gifts cards to restaurants near their home for take-out on nights that they are exhausted.
Having a baby takes a village! Being in someone’s village as they welcome a new baby into their lives is no light responsibility. Giving gifts that will make life simpler for the new parents is the goal!
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