Written by Debbie Panell

I spent half of my day Saturday at a baby shower for a friend. It’s her first baby- a girl and she and her husband are really exited!

But sitting amidst the pink bows and ribbons, pink cake, silly baby shower games (I was supposed to write down as many things as the mom to be was wearing after she had left the room – I can barely remember what I’M wearing most days)! I began to think about how baby showers could be improved upon.

I’ve been to more Baby Showers than I really care to remember. Mainly because they all run together in a big baby blur! Making a shower stand out in the eyes of the guests and the mom to be is easier and more affordable than you may think! Especially if you have someone to split the cost with you!

Having a theme is cute, but not necessary! By the time I left Saturday, if I had been subject to looking at another “Precious Moments” figurine or picture, I would have thrown it across the room! Fun patterns and bright colors make the mood seem much more lively then the pale pink and blue that we usually see! Think big dots and swirls and stripes! Plus, with this “theme” it’s easy to mix and match things from different stores (and catch them on sale)!

For a centerpiece- one of the trendiest (and fun!) gifts is a “Diaper Cake”, and they are so much fun to decorate – you can use baby toys, bibs, blankets, onesies…pretty much anything! The “topper” to the cake can be a stuffed animal or anything you can get to balance on top! Do an internet search for the term “How to make a diaper cake” and you’ll be bombarded with ideas!

Some of the best Baby Shower “games” are things you may have never considered! When I was pregnant with my second child, we took several packs of plain white onesies in sizes up to nine months and permanent marker and paint pens. Each guest got to “decorate” a onesie for the baby! Just make sure to prewash all of them before the shower! And do NOT use puffy paint – I lost a lot of cute designs that way! The puffy paint will wash off (even though it says its washable)!

A guest book with the name of the person and the gift! This makes sending thank you notes super easy and is a terrific memory of the shower!

“Advice Books”- This can be a nice journal style notebook in a design mom to be would like! All the guests get to write tips and tricks for the new mom! They can also add their personal thoughts and prayers and hopes for the new family!

Scrapbook Kits: It's all the rage! Scrapbook kits are available (usually matching your baby shower theme) and are a great way to preserve this special day. By adding photos, scraps of gift-wrap, ribbon, a copy of the invitation and advice cards to name just a few, it's a wonderful way to personalize and preserve this special day for a memorable keepsake.

Gift Giving Time!

I had about 50 receiving blankets. I only used two. Since mom will get plenty at the hospital, and no doubt someone will give her more, spare her! Give her things that are unique and stand out (and they can cost as much or as little as you want to spend)! Here are some of my all time favorites (to give and receive)!

A gift bag filled with safety items like bath faucet covers and bath thermometers, cabinet locks and outlet covers! Toilet locks are good too (I found the DVD remote in the toilet one morning)!

Books to read to baby

A Baby Monitor

A playmat or floor gym

A diaper bag prefilled with some onesies, diapers, rash creme, a formula dispenser (if mom will be formula feeding or supplementing with formula), small blanket and a couple of toys (I always liked the “sassy” brand toys!)

A Boppy Pillow or new cover if mom already has one

Small gift bag or duffle bag of goodies for mom to take to the hospital! Snacks, bottled water, warm soft socks, a lightweight nursing gown and bathrobe and shower gel and lotion!

There are so many possibilities for hosting a shower and giving gifts! The only limit is your imagination! Thinking of what mom really needs and enjoys will make the shower enjoyable and memorable for mom to be and the guests!

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Debbie Panell is a full time freelance writer who lives near Raleigh, North Carolina with her two children, German Shepherd and multiple cats.