Think of a baby shower, and you think of a haggling of women laughing and joking as the mother-to-be opens her presents. That’s how traditional baby showers are, but there’s no rule that says this is exactly how they have to be. Adventurous girls these days go off the beaten path to search for party ideas for their shower. If you think the whole laugh-out-loud women scenario is a bit cheesy, you’ll enjoy these ideas for a different kind of baby shower complete with baby shower favors, food, and decorations.
There has always been an unwritten rule that baby showers are strictly women’s territory, and men are not allowed in. But just like the bridal shower, these conventions are getting lost by modern moms who want to celebrate the arrival of their baby boy with male friends, relatives, and husband in tow. If she’s looking to throw a nice party for her sister or friends, invite her male friends and make sure her husband has a prominent place to play in the proceedings.
A co-ed shower will require some changes in the type of activities you plan for the shower. Games will need to be developed to include male guests and baby shower favors will need to include items that men like. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about favors: you’ll easily find plenty of gifts for the guys.
Or plan a couples shower. Ditch the traditional shower tables and plan a formal dinner for the parents-to-be and their friends. If you are hosting the party for your friends, remember to ask the guests to bring baby gifts of their choice or make suggestions based on what the mom needs. You want to have a few elements of the shower to set it apart from just another party. Baby gift baskets, baby bouquets, and other sundry collections are always a great option.
If sitting down for dinner isn’t your style, invite a couple of the parents’ friends over for a casual brunch at your house. If it’s summer, maybe a night outdoors, grilling steaks… the only rule is, there are no rules. Smaller intimate dinners like these give mom a chance to relax with her closest friends and are perfect, especially if she knows mom has been having a hard time with her pregnancy and might be overwhelmed by a traditional baby shower. .