gift

43. Sports

Throwing a shower for dad? Why not center the theme around his favorite sport, or sports team?

44. Fill Her Freezer

What new mom has time to cook? In addition to, or in lieu of gifts, have guests bring a tasty dish that mom can stick in her freezer and serve on those days she's just too tired to prepare a meal.

New parents so rarely get any good entertainment. Use a hollywood/broadway style when planning your shower. Play a game of "who am I?" "guess the famous mom" "movies with baby" and "TV/movie family trivia". As decorations, nothing is more fitting than stars! Gifts and prizes may include movie theatre/rental gift certificates.

Especially popular for daddy showers, have guests come bearing a package of pampers (or whatever brand the parents-to-be wish to use). Diaper cakes, diaper nut cups, and cloth diapers as placemats or painted and hung up make great decorations. There are tons of great games that include diapers to play as well!

Make your favorite storybook/fairytale characters come alive when planning this theme. For added effect, have guests come dressed as their favorite storybook character. Menu may include - 3 Little Pigs in a Blanket; Snow White's Apple Crumb Cake; Jack's Bean Salad; Princess and the Pea's Chickpea Spread; and of course, candies and sweets courtesy of Hansel and Gretel!

Who needs games when you can put your guests to work making great crafts such as scrapbooks, time capsules and decorated clothing at the shower?

Mom not picky about having brand new designer gifts for her baby? Let guests bring previously used, but still in good condition, items as gifts.

Parents already know its going to be a bouncing baby boy? Blue decorations, blue foods, cars and trucks and all sorts of boy stuff can be used in this theme. And don't let the parents-to-be leave without a game of "Pin the diaper on the baby BOY!"

Think pink, and lots of it. Lots of lace, ribbons and bows will add girly charm to your shower. If you have spare baby dolls and other stereotypical girl stuff, bring it out!

Have a favorite children’s character in mind? Well, invite Pooh, Mickey, Spongebob, Strawberry Shortcake or whoever you choose to be the focal point of your shower! You should have no problems finding decorations to match your theme in any party store (children’s birthday party goods work just as well, just make sure they don’t say "happy birthday" on them!)

Already know how mom-to-be wants to decorate the baby's nursery? Expand on her ideas and decorate using the nursery theme.

Have guests bring something that was a favorite of theirs from their childhood for the new baby. Books, movies, security blanket and etc make great gifts with added special meaning.

Similar to the theme above, have guests bring something special that reminds them of their childhood, or of the expecting parents. Decorate using old photos of the new parents (and baby's siblings if applicable). Have guests share their special childhood memories at the shower (have them write it on paper if you wish to save for the baby's scrapbook).