In this growing world of internet assessiblity, more and more friendships are being formed online. The internet has also become a popular, inexpensive way for families to stay in close contact. It’s only natural that the next step would be Internet Showers!

Planning an internet shower for your expectant friend or relative is just a little bit different from planning one in your home. For starters, no one will notice if you didn’t finish vacuuming! LOL

There are two types of showers you can plan. The first would be for a friend or relative. This shower would basically work the same as one in your home. The second would be for a group of women due in the same month or in the same time frame. In this type of shower instead of everyone sending a gift to everyone, the shower cooordinator would take everyone’s name and address and assign each present swap partners. Each person would send their gift out in time to reach the recipient before the party.

You will need to set up a chat room for everyone to meet in on the designated day. Talk City has free, easy to use chat rooms. Talk City is also webTV compatitble which can be a nice advantage if you have webTV users attending your party. Be sure to include the url and chat room name in your invitations.

Speaking of invitations, you will want to do those next. There are several sites you can send invitaions from, far to many to list. Here are a couple of my favorites.

When planning a baby shower, you may invite as many people as you wish, depending on how much you can reasonably manage and depending on the location and how many it will accommodate. Determining just how many people are invited to the baby shower will help you with the rest of your planning, from how much food to buy to which games to play. The key is to keep the atmosphere light and intimate. The guests will want to spend time with the mother, but with proper planning and interactive baby shower games this can be pulled off even if you have a rather large number of people in attendance. If you have in excess of 25 people that have confirmed their attendance, make sure you have enlisted the help of a couple of your friends to help you pull it all together when the event takes place. It is wise to have one person in charge of greeting, taking their coats, and directing them to the baby gift table. It is fun at this point; to go ahead and have a game begin from the moment a guest arrives, such as pinning a baby pin on them, and telling them, not to say the word baby. Advise them they can take someone else’s pin if they hear them say the word baby. This starts the baby shower out on a very fun note. If possible have another person that will be in charge of offering a beverage to the guests and introducing them to other guests they might not know. During this time, you will be mingling with the guest and making sure everyone is having a good time.

Once you have determined the guest list, you can get started with the baby shower invitations. These should be sent out 4-6 weeks before the shower so that your guests have plenty of time to R.S.V.P. as well as buy a gift. The baby shower invitation wording should include all the particulars about the event, including what the theme are and gift registry information. Etiquette dictates however, at the very least, registry information should be on a separate slip of paper, not on the invitation itself. Another option regarding the registry, is to not include it at all with the invitation, but instead let guest know when they R.S.V.P. The neat thing about a registry is that for a large shower, it assures the parents-to-be are getting items they need, without getting several duplicates.

Small intimate showers can also be a lot of fun and allow for each person to spend more time with the mom-to-be. Regardless of the size of the baby shower, making it fun, welcoming each guest and making each one feel special, and having a well organized baby shower will certainly make a memorable occasion for everyone including mom-to-be.

Most showers are held in the last trimester, usually 4 to 6 weeks before the baby’s due date. Planning the baby shower too close to the due date can be risky in the event the baby comes early. On the other hand, it is fun when the mom-to-be has a large belly. Most showers occur on the weekends, but they can also happen in the afternoon or evening depending on people’s schedules. Check with the mom-to-be to see what works best for her.

Another aspect to take into consideration is the desired location of the baby shower. You will need to determine if it is available during the time you wish to hold the baby shower. Depending upon the number of guest that is invited, will of course help you decide upon the location. If it is a small group, the home of the hostess might be a good choice. For larger baby showers, consider a larger location such as a church facility, restaurant or rental location.

If you are planning on hosting a baby shower, there are no certain rules or guidelines that one needs to follow. Anything can happen at a baby shower as long as everyone enjoys it. Baby showers are a great way to congratulate the new mom and her family and shower her with lots of gifts and blessings. Typically baby showers are given to a mom who is having her first baby, or if she has had a long time between children.

Generally at the baby shower, there will be light refreshments served, games to be played, and laughter abound. Baby Shower Games are lots especially good to play if guests do not know each other well. In that case games act as a big icebreaker. Typically, three to five games are played at a baby shower, depending on how much time each baby shower game takes. Most of these can even be free baby shower games by using items from around your home. For example, you can take a roll of toilet paper with you to the party. Each guest is asked to tear off how much they need. (They do not know what the need is…which is really funny). Once everyone has how much they need…They are to try see who can got the closest amount to circle the mother-to-be’s tummy. Certain games, such as ‘caught ya saying baby’ can be ongoing and really doesn’t take up any time…other than the laughter of getting caught for instance when saying the word baby, and having your baby pin stolen. Other games might be a thought provoking game such as naming the baby, and guessing the weight and arrival. Having small gifts for the winners is another great idea…such as candles, picture frames, bath soaps, coffee mugs, etc.

During the shower, make sure mom-to-be can participate from a comfy chair. Traditionally, baby showers were “women only” celebrations but you will find that these days men are also being included and loving it! The baby shower is generally held about 4-6 weeks before or after the birth. Whether to have the shower prior to the birth of the baby, or after the arrival would be up to the parents-to-be. It is thought helpful to have the shower before the baby arrives, so that the parents are prepared with all the tiny things baby needs…and given far enough in advance, they have the opportunity to really prepare the nursery for the baby.

Often it is tempting to want to throw a surprise party, but this should be thought of very carefully. Sometimes, the mom-to-be just would prefer to be put on alert. More importantly, wouldn’t it be terrible to plan an event, only to find out the parents-to-be couldn’t not be in attendance? Think very carefully on whether a surprise party would be a good idea.

To assure a well planned and organized baby shower, perhaps try using the following pointers:

Prior to the Shower:

• You should consult with the parents-to-be as to who you should invite. Often times, the parent-to-be will have more than one baby shower. The church group may give one, co-workers may give one, and perhaps you are in charge of family and close friends.
• Send the invitations 4-6 weeks in advance.
• Is the mother-to-be registered anywhere? If so, include this on the invitation. Likewise, if there is a special theme you can also include this on the invitation.
• Prepare baby shower decorations. An awesome useful centerpiece is a diaper cake…a cake which is created using rolled diapers and held together with a beautiful ribbon and bow. Craft stores are a great source to find decorations and ideas.
• If you are serving food, decide on what will be served. Contact the caterer well in advance.

During the shower activities:

• Upon arrival, greet the shower guests, put the gifts on the gift table, give them a name tag and offer them a beverage.
• Provide a gift table near where the mom-to-be will be seated to open them. As guests arrive, ensure their envelope or gift tag is securely attached to their gift before putting it on the table.
• Introduce them to other guests.
• When everyone has arrived, start with an icebreaker game to get things started.
• Now is the time to serve light beverages to everyone.
• If serving a meal, let the guests know when to help themselves.
• While guests are enjoying their desserts, the mom can open her gifts.
• Play one last game and pass out any gifts for the shower guests to gently bring the shower to a close.

As these are one-time events for many couples, try to capture every single moment on video camera. It’s also a lot of fun to have disposable camera’s sitting at each table, so that guest can feel free to pick it up and take pictures during the shower. With careful planning your shower will be a very fun and memorable event. The guest of honor is sure to feel happy and loved!

As a general rule of thumb, a baby shower can be hosted by anyone except the expectant couple themselves. This could be a close friend or group of friends, co-workers, church groups. In the past it was thought that only non-relatives should host a baby shower out of fear that it seemed the family was asking for presents. This thought should be thrown out the window, because throwing a baby shower is much more than presents.

A baby shower is a party for the pregnant mom herself. It is a time in her life where she can share one of the most important, exciting milestones in her life with her family and friends. Baby showers are a way for friends & family to share in that joy and make the mom and dad feel very special. Throwing a baby shower begins the first pages of memories that the mom can share with her child of all the preparation that was put into his/her most awaited arrival.

Therefore, it has become much more common for mothers and sisters of the expectant parents to throw the shower. The most important thing is that someone takes the honor of hosting the shower and sharing with the family. And what an honor it is to be a part of the celebration for the new bundle of joy!

Are you planning a baby shower for yourself, a relative, or a friend? Here are some unique ideas for games, gifts, favors and food sure to guarantee a terrific party for everyone!

Most baby showers are held before the baby is born usually toward the end of pregnancy to celebrate the welcoming of the new baby.

When selecting a date for the party, first make sure the time is convenient for the parents to be. Additionally, you may wish to try accommodate those folks that are important to the parents to be such as grandparets for example. After the date as been selected, its time to put together the invitation list. This is also the time to start considering the theme of the shower, so that invitations can be purchased that will compliment the shower theme. If you’re hosting the shower, you may have some ideas about who to invite, but its also important to consult with the guest or guests of honor before finalizing your list. That way you avoid leaving out someone important or inviting someone the mom (or dad) would rather not include.

What about hosting a shower for the expectant mom and dad? Although many baby showers still follow the “for women only” tradition, coed parties are growing in popularity. It all depends on what sort of gathering you’re planning. If the shower is for a second or subsequent baby (these babies deserve a celebration, too!), the guest list is usually made up of close friends and family and anyone who was, for whatever reason, not invited to the first shower.

Should you throw a surprise baby shower? As yourself if your guest of honor doesn’t like surprises, you may be putting her in an awkward position. If you let the future parents in on the arrangements, you can be confident that they’ll be pleased with the outcome.

On the baby shower invitations while including the basic who, what, where, when, and RSVP information on the invitation, this is a good time to let the guests know the theme of the shower inside and if and where the expectant parents are registered for baby gear. This tends to be a bit more tasteful than offering the registry when the guests call to RSVP. Plan to send invitations out early enough to give the guests at least a few weeks’ notice: This allows them enough time to work the shower into their schedules and shop for the perfect gift.

Planning a baby shower is a lot of work and a whole lot of fun. Have a plan in your mind of how things should go at the shower. This way all the activities at a baby shower go accordingly to your plan and they happen in a timely manner. It is your job as the hostess to make sure the games, present opening, and picture taking all get done and done right.

Around the seventh or eighth month of a pregnancy, a plan for a baby shower should be in the works. Once a time, date, and place have been decided upon, the work for the party does not end. Your guests have begun to arrive and you must keep them busy. Have the food ready to be served so that your guests can show up, greet the mom to be, and nibble on some tasty treats. Once everyone has had time to taste all the goodies that you have prepared, have everyone take seats and begin playing the games you have decided upon. This gets everyone actively involved in the party. Not every mom to be is going to want to play games at her baby shower. Discuss this part of the shower beforehand and if games are not wanted, maybe the mom to be can sit back, relax, and have a good laugh while everyone else plays.

After all the games are played and the prizes have been won, it is time to open up the baby gifts. Have the new mom sit in a comfy chair and start handing the gifts to her. This is her time to be in the spotlight. Do not make her get up or lift anyone of her gifts. Treat her as if she is a princess on this special day. As all of the events are taking place, take pictures. At a later date, these baby day photos can be added to a baby book or put into frames and given to each one of the baby shower guests that attended the party.

The events of a baby shower are to be maintained by the hostess. The order of events that I have listed above is pretty general, but they can be toggled around to fit your baby shower needs. Whatever the order, the new mom will love the party and the fact that the people closet to her were there to help celebrate the new bundle of joy that is about to enter her life.

The food served at a baby shower is equally as important as having the guests. Everyone will love snack foods that they can carry around while they talk to other party guests. With a new mom to be, little snack foods are a must have. She will appreciate a snack to nibble on between the hugs and pictures.

Your food at a baby shower should revolve around the party’s theme. Say your baby shower theme is under the sea: baby and me. Have the cake made to resemble the ocean. It can have a chocolate baby on top floating along with waves of the ocean. Use blue food coloring in the ice cubes and add these to ordinary glasses of water. Anchors away as your guests munch on fish shaped chocolates. As for snacks, you can have seashell shaped cookies colored pink or blue, of course. Color-code the rest of the food to accompany your theme. With the baby under the sea theme, have blue colored foods with white side dishes. Mashed potatoes work well here.

Have bite sized party foods available. Finger foods, chips, and dip are great foods that allow your guests to walk around, talk to other guests, and still be able to eat. There is no need to make an entire meal for this great event for the new mom to be. In addition, chocolate candies or cookies in the shapes of bottles, safety pins, or rattles are also popular favorites for baby showers. Do not forget to color the snacks accordingly. Pink for girls, blue for boys, and yellow or green for the unknowns. This color-coding also applies to the plates, utensils, and the tablecloth.

Consider the new mom’s favorite dishes as you prepare more hearty selections for the guests. You may also have a potluck baby shower where each guest brings a dish they love. This allows for less stress on your part and also involves each and every guest. Make sure you have enough selections for everyone, so that each guest feels like there is something at the party for them. Fruit and vegetable trays are also an option for the party if you are looking for a healthy alternative to cookies and candies. Whatever you choose to serve at a baby shower, make sure you have plenty. With all the game playing and present opening, it is a great idea to have snacks for the new mom to be and the guests to nibble on.

Baby showers are all about the presents for the new mom to be and her baby that has yet to arrive. Presents can be the practical ones that include strollers, diapers, clothes, and bottles. You can also opt for more of a personal gift that may include one or two gifts that are just for the mom to be. Give that new mom a coupon for a night out with you as the babysitter. This will make the mom feel like she is having a mother to be shower and not just a baby shower.

When it comes to wrapping the baby gifts, your creative side may come into play. A diaper cake is a popular item for a baby shower. These cakes can be bought online or you can try doing one up yourself. Get together with a couple of the new mom’s closet friends and plan all that should be added to that diaper cake. Besides the diapers, put receiving blankets, bottles, bibs, or even stuffed animals in the cake arrangement. All of the baby items can be used over and over again. This is a feature that any new mom to be will love. You can have your diaper cake decorated to fit a new baby girl or a new little boy or just a baby friendly one for those moms who chose to wait until delivery to find out what they are having.

Other presents can be wrapped in various ways. Consider buying wrapping paper with rattles or bottles on it and have all of the baby shower guests write a personal note to the new mom to be. All of the gifts can either have all the guests’ notes on them (which will require a get together before the big day) or each guest can wrap their own gift and personalize it alone. Wrap your gifts according to the party theme. If it is a Disney theme, then buy that type of wrapping paper or that particular type of bow and wrap your gift. You can also attach a baby item to your gift including a rattle or a teething ring.

Any new mom to be loves to get presents for her new bundle of joy. It makes it an even more special occasion if those gifts are personalized. Get all of the baby shower guests involved with the gift-wrapping to ensure that the new mom you are celebrating has an unforgettable time at her baby shower.

Baby showers can be very successful as long as they are met with a great theme. We all know that a baby shower is a celebration of a new bundle of joy. There are many different ideas for a theme. These can include cartoon characters, the season in which the baby will be born, or utilizing a holiday that the baby will be born around. Be creative when choosing a theme. All the decorations are centered on the corresponding theme, so plan well.

Consider having an ABC’s baby shower party theme. Invite close friends and relatives of the mother to be to her big party. Divide up the alphabet between the guests. If you are having a large get together, then each guest can take one letter and buy a gift pertaining to that specific letter. If it is more of an intimate baby shower, then each guest can take a few letters and begin shopping from there. For example, for the letter “A” aspirin (baby aspirin, of course) can be purchased as a gift. For the letter “B” booties can be bought and so on down the alphabet. Decorate the place where the baby shower takes place with balloons shaped as letters and cookies in those shapes as well.

Any thing can be used for a theme for a baby shower. The most important thing to keep in mind is the mother to be. If she loves teddy bears, decorate with plenty of those and have stuffed teddy bears all around. The way the mom to be has decorated her new little one’s nursery is a good start to planning a theme for her baby shower. If the nursery is modeled around precious moments, celestial, or trucks and trains on the go, then decorate the party accordingly. When the gender is known of the baby that does make it easier to decorate. You cannot go wrong with soft pinks and blues.

You, as the hostess, want your baby shower to be special for that certain mother to be. The decorations and theme are very important for the success of the party. It is easy plan around a new mom when you know what she loves and the look that she wants for her new bundle of joy. Talk with her and view her baby registry to become familiar with her desires in motherhood. If you are planning a surprise baby shower, speak with her closet friends and family to gain a clear perspective of her wishes.