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Throwing Your First Babyshower

If a close friend of yours is getting ready to have her first baby, you may want to think about throwing a baby shower to mark this wonderful special occasion. A babyshower is your gift not only to your friend's baby, but also to your friend and the other people who care about her and her baby, too!

A babyshower could be rather easy to plan, depending on your requirements. Usually it is a small, intimate affair, restricted to the dearest friends and relatives of the family. But if you want it to be a lavish affair, complete with music and dancing and an elaborate venue - it's up to you!

Relatives are not usually expected to put up baby showers. A shower is thrown by the close friends of the mother. As a result, it tends to be a quiet little house party with wholesome treats and a very limited number of guests. However, the birth of a firstborn is an especially joyous occasion, so you may invite anyone whom you believe your friend will want to have around. Feel free to go all out!

Presents are another concern of a person about to throw a shower. Usually guests will show up with baby things, like crib toys and cute clothing for infants. It is also not uncommon for guests to arrive with gifts for mom or dad - like books on parenting, or an autographed sports item.

One question on most guests' minds is: is it all right to give cash gifts? Sometimes people won't know what to give as gifts, and money would be both convenient and useful. You may need to consult the couple in cases of larger cash amounts, but it is usually all right. Couples can often appreciate the good thoughts that come with cash gifts, especially if they are not throwing a baby for their firstborn.

No matter what kind of babyshower you choose to throw, make sure to take the feelings of both the guests and the honored family in consideration. You may decide on a surprise party, but make sure you know the couple well enough to create a gathering they will be comfortable with - especially the expectant mother! Friendly celebrations should be as stress-free as possible... for you as the planner, for the couple who are about to have a baby, and for everyone who will attend.