Ideas for a Hand-Me-Down Baby Shower
Some expectant moms want a twist on a traditional baby shower. Throwing a hand-me-down shower can be a way to incorporate this idea while also saving party guests money. With this baby shower, people arrive to the event with a hand-me-down baby gift from their own child or an heirloom item they wish to give. The simple shower theme can provide the mom-to-be with an abundance of gifts and treasured memories or funny stories from the guests. Does this Spark an idea?
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Receptive Mom and Benefits
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Check that the mom-to-be is receptive to the idea of a hand-me-down baby shower. Many moms having a second or third baby may be more open to the idea over a first-time mom. Some women prefer the reduce, recycle and reuse method to living life, and having a hand-me-down shower can support that lifestyle. In addition, having a baby shower where people bring used items will result in the expecting mother getting more gifts than showers where people have to purchase new baby items. When giving the hand-me-down item, the treasure sometimes comes in the story or history of the item that the giver shares.
Invitations and Needs
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Indicate on the invitation that the shower is for previously owned items. Have the mom make a list of baby items she needs and would like receiving as a hand-me-down shower gift. In addition, coordinate with the shower guests what the expecting mom needs so she doesn’t get several of the same item. Some items are not appropriate to use again for new babies. Baby equipment, such as a crib or car seat, may have been recalled or not provide enough safety compared to a newer item. Check the restrictions on your exact item by looking it up on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website. As long as the items are within the expiration date and not on a recall list, they are fine to give. Items gifted should be clean, unstained and in like-new condition. Avoid giving items, such as teething rings, washcloths and cloth diapers, which are not sanitary to re-gift.
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Decoration Ideas
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Make the gifts the star of the party. Set out minimal decor for the event, and use the gifts to decorate. Many people may choose to leave their gift unwrapped because they are not new. Others may decide to place their item in a gift bag or wrapped in a baby blanket. Use the unwrapped items to help decorate the party. For example, string fishing line on the wall to hang up the adorable baby outfits for everyone to see. Another decoration idea that serves double-duty is a diaper cake. Instead of a traditional tiered cake, make or purchase one made from new disposable diapers. Decorate the cake with items such as small toys, rolled-up washcloths and ribbon.
Considerations
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Some people invited to the hand-me-down shower may not have a baby item they wish to give away. Several alternative gift ideas can help to stay in the spirit of the shower and not include purchasing new clothing or equipment for the baby. Suggestions for these gifts include providing gift certificates for babysitting services, volunteering to run errands or bringing over a frozen meal for the family to eat after coming home from the hospital. You can also help the expectant mother re-cover hand-me-down baby gear to fit her style better.
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References
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