The Baby Shower Quandary
Having a theme is cute, but not necessary! Fun patterns and bright colors make the mood seem much more lively then the pale pink and blue that we usually see! Think big dots and swirls and stripes! Plus, with this âthemeâ itâs easy to mix and match things from different stores (and catch them on sale)!
For a centerpiece- one of the trendiest (and fun!) gifts is a âDiaper Cakeâ. Directions for making them are just below, and they are so much fun to decorate â you can use baby toys, bibs, blankets, onesiesâ¦pretty much anything! The âtopperâ to the cake can be a stuffed animal or anything you can get to balance on top!
How to make a diaper cake you will need:
⢠16" disposable cardboard platter (you can buy one from a craft store like Michaels or cut your own from a larger box)
⢠Baby bottle or empty cardboard towel roll
⢠8 feet of 1â wide ribbon
⢠Rubber bands of different sizes
⢠Clear adhesive tape
⢠Approximately 50 newborn diapers
⢠Decorative baby items (bibs, socks, toys)
⢠Cake Topper (candy filled baby bottle or stuffed animal)
The number of diapers you will require depends on the size and number of tiers you would like your cake to have. On average 50 newborn diapers will create a standard sized 3-layered cake.
⢠20 diapers for the bottom layer
⢠10 to 15 diapers for the middle layer
⢠5 diapers for the top layer
To assemble your cake:
⢠Use a cardboard paper towel roll or a baby bottle to roll your diapers
⢠When rolling your diapers, have them opened lengthwise with tabs tucked in
⢠Secure your diapers with a rubber band whenever necessary
⢠Fold and wrap a receiving blanket around each tier using tape to hold in place
⢠Use a ribbon to cover and hide the rubber band and as a decorative touch.
⢠Assemble your tiers on top of your cake platter, using adhesive tape
⢠Tuck your baby items in the ribbons as decorations
⢠Top your cake off with something fitting the theme of your party. Whether it be a small stuffed toy, a baby bottle or rattle
Some of the best Baby Shower âactivitiesâ are things you may have never considered! When I was pregnant with my second child, we took several packs of plain white onesies in sizes up to nine months and permanent marker and paint pens. Each guest got to âdecorateâ a onesie for the baby! Just make sure to prewash all of them before the shower! And do NOT use puffy paint â I lost a lot of cute designs that way! The puffy paint will wash off (even though it says its washable)!
A guest book with the name of the person and the gift! This makes sending thank you notes super easy and is a terrific memory of the shower!
âAdvice Booksâ- This can be a nice journal style notebook in a design mom to be would like! All the guests get to write tips and tricks for the new mom! They can also add their personal thoughts and prayers and hopes for the new family!
Scrapbook Kits: It's all the rage! Scrapbook kits are available (usually matching your baby shower theme) and are a great way to preserve this special day. By adding photos, scraps of gift-wrap, ribbon, a copy of the invitation and advice cards to name just a few, it's a wonderful way to personalize and preserve this special day for a memorable keepsake.
Gift Giving Time!
I had about 50 receiving blankets. I only used two. Since mom will get plenty at the hospital, and no doubt someone will give her more, spare her! Give her a baby shower gift that is unique and stand out (and they can cost as much or as little as you want to spend)! Here are some of my all time favorite baby shower gifts (to give and receive)!
A gift bag filled with safety items like bath faucet covers and bath thermometers, cabinet locks and outlet covers! Toilet locks are good too (I found the DVD remote in the toilet this morning)! Books to read to baby
A Baby Monitor
A play mat or floor gym
A designer diaper bag pre filled with some onesies, diapers, rash creme, a formula dispenser (if mom will be formula feeding or supplementing with formula), small blanket and a couple of toys (I always liked the âsassyâ brand toys!)
A Boppy Pillow or new cover if mom already has one
Small gift bag or duffle bag of goodies for mom to take to the hospital! Snacks, bottled water, warm soft socks, a lightweight nursing gown and bathrobe and shower gel and lotion!
There are so many possibilities for hosting a shower and baby shower gifts! The only limit is your imagination! Thinking of what mom really needs and enjoys will make the baby shower enjoyable and memorable for mom to be and the guests! For a great selection of baby shower gifts and gifts for mom visit http://www.kates-boutique.com
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