Your guide to the perfect baby shower!
What is a Baby Shower?
It's a celebration! A baby shower is a wonderful informal gathering for mum-to-be, her friends and/or family before the baby is born. Baby Showers are an established tradition in America and are now becoming very popular in New Zealand. One of the nicest things about expecting a baby is the chance to celebrate, both before and after the birth!
What happens at a baby shower?
Essentially, a baby shower is a pre-birth party designed to give an expectant mum a relaxed gathering to enjoy the love and support of her family and friends. It’s also customary for guests to give appropriate gifts that mum will need for when baby arrives, see Gifts Suggestions for more info. Typically, simple food is served and baby themed games are played for a festive party atmosphere. Check out our topic page on baby shower games for some great fun ideas…
Who should host the baby shower?
Anyone can host a baby shower, although traditionally a friend, sister, mum, or work colleague will throw the event because it needs a certain amount of
planning and organizing. It’s also fun for a group of friends to pitch in and share in the excitement and responsibility too. Kiwi mums-to-be however, like to hold their own parties, but either way, a baby shower should be planned and organized with the expectant mums’ input as she will help decide on the date, venue, theme, gifts and guest lists. This special event is a great opportunity to come together and share the excitement and fun!
When should the baby shower be held?
Typically, a baby shower is held before the baby is born, about 1-2 months before mums due date. Sometimes, people prefer to hold a “welcome baby shower” after the baby is born and when relatives are available to attend one event rather than having to attend two (pre and post birth) events. It’s best to consult with mum-to-be on when the best date should be and when all her guests are available to attend.
How long should the event be?
Normally, about 2 to 3 hours is sufficient. Early to mid afternoon is a good time or even mid-morning. But it’s best to consult with mum-to-be what time is most convenient for her. See How to
Plan & Host a baby shower for more info.
Where should the baby shower be held?
A baby shower can be held anywhere and depending on what type of event you are aiming for, the venue should be chosen to suit. If you are looking for a more elegant event, maybe a restaurant or favourite café would be suitable. But make sure you book your table if you have a lot of guests arriving so you’re not turned away if the venue is busy. For more informal gatherings, holding the baby shower at a friend or relative’s house or garden is ideal or even at the expectant mum’s home, but make sure that mum-to-be doesn’t get lumbered with the cleaning up! Be sure to ask a couple of friends to help with clearing up afterwards.
Who should be invited?
Usually close friends and family, but the expectant mum may just want an informal girly occasion with some of her closest friends, so the guest list is best decided upon with the mum-to-be. Once the date and venue is decided, it is customary (and sensible) to send out written invitations and request RSVP’s. And make sure to follow up with an email or phone call a few days before the event to make sure that people are attending as it will help with your preparations for
food and
games.
What about gifts?
The fun part of any party is giving
gifts to the guest of honour. And an expectant mum needs many things for the imminent arrival of her baby! The baby shower is traditionally the event where mum-to-be receives what she needs. Ideally, the choice of gifts should cover the first year of the baby’s life and can range from items as simple as baby shampoo to a pram or car seat! It’s best to consult with mum-to-be about what she needs and compile a gift list. You can also include the gift list as
“suggestions” in your invitations to help guests on their buying if they need help deciding. Obviously, it’s not always possible for friends and family to be able to afford expensive items so make sure there are lots of affordable items they can purchase. A new mum can never have too many nappies and newborn clothes, and these are very affordable. See our
Gift Suggestions page for a great selection and go to our
online shop to view our full baby gift range.
What are baby shower favours?
Similar to wedding favours, baby shower favours serve the same purpose and are small tokens of appreciation given to guests on behalf of the host or guest of honour. They are ideally themed but can be any small and nice gift and are traditionally given to guests at the end of the party.
Show your appreciation by giving each guest a small baby themed gift and our Rose Bud Baby Socks are a perfect token of the celebration. Makes a great party centrepiece in the themed box and guests can pick a bud to take home at end of party...
