This weekend, Toby, Anton, and I attended our friend Erika’s baby shower…
Upon entering the restaurant, we quickly recognized that the baby shower would embody the chic yet grounded essence of Erika. Firstly, men were part of the guest list, allowing her husband Christian, her father-in-law, and male friends to socialize with the women, and naturally, I brought along my two boys. They are huge fans of Erika because she’s humorous, approachable, and kind enough to discuss basketball with them; we even attended a Liberty game together a few months back.
Delicious sandwiches, pastries, and a grocery-store sheet cake (from Wegmans! absolutely delightful!) adorned the bar, and we enjoyed iced coffees. A two-tier cake stand displayed their favorite childhood cookies: monster cookies for Erika and linzer tarts for Christian. White balloons floated against the ceiling, and the couple’s baby pictures were creatively framed on the tables.
Sarah (right) alongside their friend Evan
Yet, my favorite highlight? Erika’s sister Sarah crafted an utterly charming scrapbook for the baby.
When I inquired about it, Sarah mentioned it was straightforward: she purchased a Semikolon guest book and adhered self-adhesive library pockets inside. Then, she snapped photos of guests with a mini instant camera and affixed them to each page.
I appreciated that the notecards included prompts, providing immediate inspiration for writing. “I aimed for something resembling a library card,” Sarah shared with me. “So, I created cards on Canva, printed them on cardstock, and cut them out.”
The boys and I filled in our cards. I enjoyed reading their responses — Anton suggested that the baby’s first book should be Brown Bear (his own favorite from his infancy) and Toby raised the bar with The Great Gatsby. As for my answer? cupofjo.com, naturally.
“Christian and I read all the notes last night,” Erika told me today. “Some were silly; some were heartfelt. We both ended up crying.”
Isn’t the scrapbook concept lovely? What other baby shower ideas have you found enjoyable? I cherished my motherhood book. xo
P.S. How my perspective on baby showers changed, Anton’s baby shower, and advice cards during baby showers.
**Inventive and Heartwarming Baby Shower Concepts**
A baby shower is a unique event that honors the imminent arrival of a new life, uniting friends and family to envelop the expectant parents with love and support. To create a memorable occasion, consider integrating inventive and heartwarming concepts that will leave a lasting impression on everyone involved. Here are some distinctive ideas to spark your planning:
**1. Themed Invitations:**
Establish the vibe for the baby shower with themed invitations reflecting the personalities of the parents or the nursery motif. Think designs featuring storybook characters, forest animals, or a maritime theme. Custom invitations add a personal flair and can be saved as mementos.
**2. DIY Decorations:**
Craft a cozy and welcoming ambiance with DIY decorations. Utilize paper lanterns, bunting, and balloons matching the nursery color scheme. Add personal touches like a photo collage of the parents-to-be or a timeline showcasing their journey to parenthood.
**3. Memory-Making Activities:**
Involve guests with activities that generate lasting memories. Create a “Wishes for Baby” station where attendees can pen heartfelt messages or advice on cards. Assemble a joint art project, like a fingerprint tree, where guests can leave their fingerprints as leaves.
**4. Personalized Favors:**
Express gratitude to guests with personalized favors. Think of items like custom candles, tiny succulents, or homemade jams with a thank-you label. These small tokens will remind guests of the special occasion.
**5. Creative Food and Drink Stations:**
Amaze guests with themed food and drink stations. A “Build-Your-Own” taco or salad bar allows customization, while a dessert table brimming with cupcakes, cookies, and a candy bar adds a delightful touch. For beverages, consider a mocktail bar offering refreshing non-alcoholic options.
**6. Interactive Games:**
Incorporate fun and engaging games that everyone can take part in. Classics such as “Guess the Baby Food” or “Diaper Raffle” are always popular. For a creative spin, explore a “Baby Bingo” game where guests mark off items as the parents unwrap gifts.
**7. Storytime Session:**
Add a storytime segment where guests can gather to listen to a beloved children’s book. This could be a cherished tome from the parents’ childhood or a new addition for the baby’s library. It fosters a cozy and intimate atmosphere during the shower.
**8. Virtual Participation:**
For those unable to attend in person, establish a virtual participation option. Utilize video conferencing tools to include them in the celebration, allowing them to engage in games, view gift opening, and extend their well-wishes.
**9. Charity Donations:**
In place of traditional gifts, consider requesting guests to contribute to a charity or cause significant to the parents-to-be. This thoughtful gesture can create a positive impact and mirror the family’s values.
**10. Capture the Moments:**
Hire a photographer or create a DIY photo booth equipped with props and a backdrop to seize candid moments. Encourage guests to capture photos and share them utilizing a unique hashtag, crafting a digital album of memories.
By incorporating these imaginative and heartwarming concepts, you can organize a baby shower that is not only enjoyable but also profoundly meaningful for the expectant parents and their loved ones.
