Why not theme the baby shower party? Here are some ideas to base the shower décor, games and gifts around.

Memories

Guests bring something special, a photograph for example, that reminds them of their childhood, or that of the expectant mum/parents. Make a scrap book. Gifts can also be based on something memorable from their early days.

Mummy Shower

This one is all about Mum! Advise guests to bring presents for her rather than the baby. Perhaps massage vouchers, beauty products or a stylish maternity top.

Boy Shower

Do the parents already know it’s 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 as well as in the games, prizes and gifts

Girl shower

As above, but think pink, and lots of it. And sugar and spice and all things nice…….

Famous Firsts

Have guests bring gifts centred around baby's firsts (ie: baby's first outing, baby's first bath, baby's first book)

Mother Earth

We obviously think this is the perfect shower, but then we think this theme should be integrated into every shower mentioned! Fair Trade and natural gifts with organic foods and wines. What better way to celebrate a new life, than in using products which protect the world in which they will grow in. Light hearted eco trivia games can be played and a wonderful wish list can be made from the Natural Baby Shower shop.

Motherly advice or “Clueless Mummy” Shower

Only for first time showers and particularly suited to the less well informed mum-to-be. Have guests add into their cards on a separate sheet of paper, a piece of parental or postnatal advice for the Mum-to-be. These can range from tips on avoiding sore nipples to coping with the troublesome twos! Baby trivia is a great game for this shower.

Knowledge is Power Shower

Have guest bring educational gifts, and/or a book in leiu of a card. Trivia/knowledge type games are the perfect type to play.

Noahs Ark

As the name suggests - everything in twos! Especially for a twins shower!

Meals on wheels shower

New mums just do not have time to cook. But you can help by asking guests in addition, or in lieu of gifts, to bring a homemade dish that Mum can stick in her freezer until the little one arrives! May sound odd, but believe me she will be really glad of them when the time comes!

Good as New

If Mum is not picky about having brand new designer gifts for her baby, let guests bring good condition, previously used items as gifts. Mums may like to bring their own child’s used items. Non-mums can visit a kid’s nearly new shop or sale.

Nursery Theme

If Mum-to-be has already started decorating the nursery; you can expand on her theme for gifts as well as the décor for the shower. A wish list would work well here.

Back to the Future

What will baby's future hold? No one knows, but wouldn’t it be fun to speculate? Play the “I predict” game and others based around the future. Décor can be futuristic and guests could bring gifts that baby will be able to use further down the road or ones that will help capture memories for his future. For example photo albums, baby journals, height charts, toddler rather than baby clothes and toys, older books or saving bonds. You could even hire a psychic or palm reader for purely entertainment purposes.

Good Old fashioned Girlie get together

No props, no décor and no games. So basically no theme – just a good old fashioned girlie get together with Mum as guest of honour. Food, drinks, chat and joviality – with lots of gifts for Baby or Mum.

Garden Shower

Perfect for the summer time if the host has a suitable garden. Serve light foods such as bits and dips and fresh salads and fruits. Guests could buy out door style gifts, or pool together to buy garden swings or slides.

Bump, 2, 3

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

Musical Shower

Playing music for babies in the womb is meant to increase their mental capabilities. So maybe having a musical shower will help too. Gifts could all be centred around something musical and games can include, “Baby name that tune”. It is a slightly ominous theme as mum may end up with a load of musical toys which will drive her crazy – something to consider when buying the present!

The Slumber Shower

Almost nothing is more important to new parents than getting some sleep. Ask guests to bring gifts which will help promote peaceful sleep for baby - and consequently Mum and Dad! Lullaby Cd’s, musical mobiles, a hanging cradle, a friendly teddy. Decorate with all things sleepy!

This is your life

Mum-to-be is all grown up now, and about to bring a new life into the world. Why not celebrate mum's life by sharing memories from her past. Childhood photos, home movie clips and stories. Old toys and teddies are but a few of the items her parents and siblings may dig out. You could hold the shower like the TV show, asking guests to stand up and share their memories of the Mum-to-be. And top it off by presenting Mum with an authentic looking “this is your life” red journal at the end. Surprise guests and long lost friends are also an option.

Baby Sprinkle

As the name suggests this is a more low-key version of a shower. It is well suited for second or third babies.

Bump for a day

Ask guests to come to the shower dressed in their ugliest ‘comfy’ clothes (tracky bottoms and baggy t-shirts) in empathy for a growing Mum’s situation. Serve "stuffed" foods, and have a group session of pelvic floor exercises. Why not play musical bumps while you’re at it?

You can always combine any of the above ideas of make up your own. If you have come up with an innovative theme, or have a fun baby shower story to tell us, drop a line...