Baby Shower Favors 101What is a baby shower?

Let us start with the basics. In order to understand what baby shower favors should be, it makes sense to understand exactly what kind of occasion we are throwing. This is a party thrown for the parents of an unborn child. Actually, it was traditionally thrown particularly for the mother, and had only female guests. However, in recent years, we have also started to see showers for both parents, or a separate shower for the father and male friends. Baby showers for a first child tend to be bigger, not necessarily because the first child is the most important, but because the parents are expected to have fewer things of their own for the baby, and can do with more gifts. The following children will be able to use some old things from elder siblings.

Furthermore, a baby shower is not traditionally organized by either of the parents, though they may have a “behind the scenes” involvement in it. Rather, their friends organize one for them. These are usually the bridesmaids from the couple’s wedding.

Now that we know what a baby shower is…

We can now make deductions about the party favors. As has been said, the party is organized by the parents’ friends, not the parents themselves. Baby shower favors, therefore, are technically the responsibility of the organizers, not the parents of the unborn child.

Usually, the favors are baby-themed, since the occasion is all about impending parenthood. The favors need not be baby-related goods, but should probably at least represent baby-related goods. In other words, you do not need to give away baby bottles in order to keep with the theme (after all, not many of your guests will be about to have babies of their own), but you might give away candles or soap cakes shaped like baby bottles.

How to get baby shower favors

You could definitely make a great start by searching online, especially if your taste runs toward novelty items such as baby-shaped candles or candies. It is easier to find exactly what you are looking for with a search engine, instead of calling or visiting shops in your area on the off-chance that they might have unique items for your baby shower.

If you want to save money, of if the stores do not have exactly what you want, try to meet the store owners halfway. By this, we man that you can purchase the type of object you like elsewhere (plain cups, pillows, handkerchiefs, etc.), and have the party favor store put an appropriately-themed design on it. Of course, you should contact the store before you go

out and buy the objects you would like decorated. Otherwise, you might end up buying things, only to find that the store will not use them.

Having a way with words

Ordinary items can be made appropriate baby shower favors just by the addition of a message. For instance, a search online might turn up teabags which you can order as party favors. At first, it seems as if tea has absolutely nothing to do with babies. What, then, makes teabags appropriate party favors for a baby shower? Well, it turns out that the little paper pouches have the date of the baby shower, plus a message for guests. Just these words printed on the packaging can turn a seemingly irrelevant product into something you can use.

In that case, you do not have to narrow your search down to party or party favor shops, if you do not want to. Any shop that prints things might be able to help you. Think of some items you would like to turn into messages or souvenirs, and ask the print shop if they have the equipment necessary to write a message on the items or on their packaging.

Are party favors obligatory at a baby shower?

No, not necessarily, especially if you can count on the guests not to feel offended, and if you happen to be a bit short of cash. Still, it does make sense to give your guests a little something, especially if they will be bringing expensive presents for the parents. If you wish, you can put more effort into the food that will be served, which will go some ways towards making up for the lack of party favors. Actually, if you cook enough food, the leftovers can be brought home, and end up being party favors themselves.

Inappropriate party favors

Notions of what constitutes an appropriate party favor for a baby shower can be quite liberal, given that the occasions are often rather informal affairs. However, there are some items that you should definitely think twice about giving. Here are some examples.

Avoid giving away something that seems too “adult.” Kiddie or cutesy presents seem more appropriate. For instance, cookies are more appropriate than wine. Also, avoid over-sharing. The parents may want to share every detail about the upcoming delivery, but giving away copies of ultrasound pictures might be going a little overboard.

© Mire Emirowski (DIYsigner.com)

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