Comments on: How to Host a Baby Shower

on 6/17/2009 One great idea for a baby shower is making a "Baby Blues Book" I attended a shower recently where this was a part of it. What it is, is a book that each guest writes a special note to the mom to be. The note can be anything, how you feel about her, a special memory, something to make her laugh. When the mom to be is having a down day (and we all know that happens a lot!) she can pull out the book and hopefully that will put her in a little better spirits.

on 4/8/2009 Also... it is called a "shower", meant to "shower" the parents-to-be with gifts... if someone cannot afford a gift, fine, but don't say that someone is soliciting gifts by including a registry because that's the point of a shower, to bring a gift!

on 4/8/2009 I do not agree that it is inappropriate to list the registry on the invite. It is very frustrating when you do not know what to get for someone. Instead of playing the guessing game you can go on the registry to choose a gift. If you do not want to use the registry, that's fine, do what you want, but don't say that it's poor etiquette to do so because times have changed and it's done for most things now.

on 3/28/2009 There is nothing wrong with listing the registry on the invitation. How else would guest know what the couple wants? Registries allow you to know what the couple already has. Who wants 3 car seats and 2 cribs? No one is obligated to buy from the registry. And if you can't afford it...you are not obligated to bring anything. Those that disagree with listing a registry are being over sensitive. With the the direction of the internet this is a wonderful tool. My sister actually put 10 dollar gift cards and donations to the baby's college fund on her registry. Those are 2 excellent ways to give without breaking the bank, especially if you don't have too much.

on 3/23/2009 I disagree about including the registry information on the invitation. The purpose of the shower is for guests to bring the parents to be gifts.

on 3/13/2006 Be sure to prepare extra games. I had planned the toilet paper game and the night before my sisters shower, she fell and ended up on crutches! That was the game that was supposed to take the most time!!

on 1/16/2006 That is poor etiquette, and assumes the guest of honor does not have enough time or desire to address envelopes herself.

on 11/22/2005 In some cultures, baby showers are considered very bad luck. Try to figure out if this is the case if you are thinking of giving a surprise baby shower. I would be horrified if anyone gave me a baby shower, and that is purely cultural. It is a visceral reaction, not a lack of gratitude.

on 11/22/2005 No, don't put the registry info ON the invitation, but yes, do include registry info on a separate card (some stores provide them) with the invitation. It's a baby shower invitation, so it is a solicitation for gifts and any information you provide to guests is helpful. Guests should not feel obligated to buy from the registry if they have another idea in mind (i.e., a handmade gift).

on 11/22/2005 Have the thank you cards at the shower and ask guests to self address envelopes as they arrive. They can be used for a door prize drawing at the shower and make it tons easier for parents-to-be to send out their thank you notes.

on 11/22/2005 When a registry is included on the invite the mother gets more of what she needs and wants for her baby. When it is not listed, guest usually do not ask and the mother usually winds up with lots of doubles or items that are not wanted or are unreturnable. I have been invited to many showers and have never minded when a registry being listed.

on 11/22/2005 Theme: Reading for Baby (or baby's name) Request guests bring a copy of a childhood favorite for the baby's 'growing library'. Can specify "of a boy (or man!) you know" if you know the sex. Print over a book graphic & include invitations.

on 11/22/2005 It helps eliminate duplications and makes it easy to know you are buying a gift needed by parents-to-be. Usually the option of a gift certificate from the store is given - the amount is up to you!

on 11/22/2005 Pass out a roll of toilet paper. Have each guest tear off a piece of it as long or as short as they want to. Then whoever has the piece that fits around the mother-to-be's stomach.... wins.

on 11/22/2005 I agree, this is never appropriate. However, do be sure to know where the parents are registered so that guests may inquire of the host when they call to RSVP.