Baby Shower On A Budget
ON A BUDGETJust because people are on a tight budget does not mean the baby shower cannot be fun. For this, the guests would all be asked to pick up unique gifts from thrift stores, garage sales, antique stores, estate sales, or consignment shops. Not only are the gifts affordable but the expectant mother will end up with some very eclectic items. PURE PAMPERINGWhen a woman reaches about the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, the cute maternity clothes are no longer "cute". The rounded stomach is in the way, sleeping and getting comfortable is nearly impossible, and all the woman can think of is "getting the pregnancy over with."Obviously, nature has an amazing way of preparing women to give birth but while in that stage of pregnancy, she feels miserable.

Instead of or in addition to throwing a standard baby shower, why not throw a "pamper party" for the soon-to-be mom. For this shower, have everyone bring something just for the expectant mother. This might include some comfortable lounge clothing, chocolate covered cherries, takeout Chinese food, you name it, do it. She will feel so much better about herself and gain a much better outlook about the hard work of labor ahead of her. PREGNANT GUESTSWhen hosting a baby shower, to create a ton of laughs while also making the expectant mom feel good about her situation, have every guest come "pregnant" – men and women.

A simple bed pillow rolled up and tied around the waist with an oversized shirt will do the job. While this is fun for an all-girl shower, it is even a better theme for a coed shower. BABY TOYSRather than baby clothing, have each guests bring a special baby toy that could be used in the child's first three years of life. The variety will be wonderful and the cost savings to the parents huge. Not only is this theme excellent for a first baby but it also works very well for a second or third baby, as well as adopted children.

MEMORIESFor a special baby shower, create one filled with memories. In this case, each guest would bring a gift made in or representing the year the baby is born. For example, one guest might create a scrapbook with newspaper and magazine articles, another guest might bring a new toy developed that year, and another guest a picture frame with the year as part of the design. BABY'S FIRSTWith this theme, each family member or friend would choose something to represent the baby's first. As an example, a pewter fork and spoon for the first solid food, a pair of baby shoes for the first attempts of walking, a tooth fairy box for the first lost tooth, a silk or satin case for a lock of hair from the first haircut, or perhaps a cake gift certificate for his or her first birthday.

NURSERY TIMEIf the theme of the baby's nursery is known, the shower could be specific to the decorations of that room. For instance, if the nursery were done in Walt Disney, then lamps, blankets, sheet, bibs,