70. Ages and Stages

Assign a random age or developmental stage from newborn - 5 years inside invitations, and have your guests bring a gift appropriate for that age group.

Do you find it hard to plan your baby shower because your guests have completely different time schedules? A drop-in shower might be perfect for you. Set up a set time period, say between noon-7pm, and tell guests they are free to pop in between those times. Guests can stay as long or short as they'd like. Have appetizers and drinks on hand, as well as goody bags, for your visitors.

Experts now say that playing music for baby from pregnancy until after birth can increase the child's brain capabilities. Having guests bring musical gifts could result in a brighter baby! "Baby song name that tune", "baby song musical chairs" and "Songs with Baby" would be great games to play for this theme.

When mom has a second child many years after her first, this is sometimes referred to as a "caboose" baby. I can't think of a more fitting theme than trains to celebrate mama's little caboose!

Almost nothing is more important to new parents than a good nights sleep. Have guests bring gifts that promote peaceful slumber for either the new parents or their little one.

75. Costume

Have guests arrive dressed as their favorite children’s character.

What better way to celebrate a birth than a birthday party? Don't forget the birthday cake!

Have guests bring gifts that will help mom out during the childbirth.

This is especially fun and easy for showers close to Valentines day. Decorate with heart shaped items of all sorts, and serve all sorts of sugary sweet foods.

Mom-to-be is all grown up now, and about to bring a new life into this world. Why not celebrate mom's life by sharing memories from her past, old photographs and even home movie clips from her childhood. Bring out any items the guest of honor's parents might've kept from her youth, and maybe even track down some of her long lost loved ones for a little reunion!

Great for a teacher's baby shower! Decorate with alphabet blocks and letters. Serve foods for each (or most) letters of the alphabet. Assign guests a random letter and have them buy a gift starting with that letter.

Each guest has a theme for her gift basket. It's fun to see what everybody comes up with, and of course the basket should be part of the gift! (Guests could use baby bathtubs, toy bins, or even little laundry hampers for baskets -- be creative!) Some ideas for themes include meal/nursing basket, a nursery basket, bath basket, diaper basket, and toy basket. We're sure you can come up with even more!

Ask that all gifts are books for the baby. Let guests know this in the invitation. Possibly ask them to bring their favorite childhood book and sign it inside as a keepsake. Great for second baby showers!

Also, a fun party to plan - invitations in the shape of a book and bookmarks for the party favors! Get creative!  =)