That Woman Deserves a Baby Shower

If you're reluctant to host a baby shower because you think they're corny or hokey, think again. Baby showers make great memories and can be celebrated in many different ways. If you're not into the traditional, all-women's baby shower on a Sunday afternoon, there are plenty of other options you might consider.

Host a Couple's Shower

Hold this one on a Saturday night. This could be a small sit down dinner or a full-blown party with a laundry list of friends. There's no rule that baby showers need to "look" a certain way. The idea is to celebrate the upcoming new arrival and let the future mom and dad know you care.

Have a Themed Party

For example, if the mother-to-be is from France, have a Parisian party, complete with fine pastries, cheeses, café-au-laits and music by Edith Piaf.

Go Bowling - In the Yard!

In warmer weather you can even play a round of Petanque (lawn bowling) in the backyard. Other themes might include a Hollywood party, a 50's, 60's or 70's party, or an old-fashioned rodeo (a good time to present the child's first rocking horse!).

Get Crafty

Organize a craft party. This can take many shapes, from making the baby's birth announcement cards to creating a quilt to decorating the nursery. Imagine how appreciative the guest of honor would be to have furniture painted to match the baby's room or a plaque mounted with her infant's name. Or, with everyone pitching in, your guests could decorate the nursery with decals or a wallpaper border, then add glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling.

Complete Her Collection

If your friend is a collector, ask each guest to bring a gift that complements her existing set. This could include anything from Beanie Babies to silver spoons to Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. You may even want to start a new type of collection for the baby, perhaps something meaningful from the year she was born.

Or - Have a Traditional Party!

Getting together with all of her female friends and relatives may end up being the most meaningful event of all. Laugh, play games, trade pregnancy stories and spend an afternoon bonding. Having a baby is a monumental event that should be celebrated. So, don't be shy. Pamper the mother-to-be - she deserves it!