Unique and fun themes for a baby shower

If you’ve been chosen to throw a baby shower for a friend or family member, your first thought is how it’s an honor to hold the first official celebration for the new baby, your second thought is, “what the heck was I thinking?” Planning games, food, party favors and decorations, this got out of hand before it began. Before you ask the mom-to-be to hold the baby in for a couple more weeks while you get your act together, take a look at some ideas for throwing a memorable shower.

She’s nearing the end of her pregnancy, and what better way to make the new mom feel special than to pamper her with a spa day? Celebrate the baby, and spoil the guest of honor by having a spa-themed baby shower. Here are some ideas to set the theme of luxurious relaxation:

Colors: White, aqua, soft pink

Decor: Flowers, flower petals, stones, white candles

Food: Finger sandwiches, water with fruit slices, fresh fruit, vegetables

Party favors: Bath salts, body lotions, skin care samples

Games: Games? Too stressful! Have friends and family chip in for a massage therapist to come and give everyone a nice neck-rub, or set up apedicure or facial station.

If your mom-to-be isn’t the “spa” type, there’s also a baby shower with a book theme. This is a great theme for a party when the baby’s gender isn’t known yet. You have more choices for colors, or can use the mom-to-be’s favorites. Using children’s books, decorate with a lot of nursery rhymes and images from favorite stories scrolled everywhere. Everyone will be sharing fond memories of favorite childhood books.

Decor: “Books” made out of construction paper, pendant banners, wreathes and pinwheels made of pages from books (use photocopied pages if you don’t want to tear a book up)

Food: Apples, or any nursery-themed food (i.e. Humpty Dumpty deviled eggs, Three Little Pigs (in a blanket, Little Boy Blueberry muffins), for extra points, serve on little chalkboards

Party favors: Bookmarks, notepads, and mini-books

Games: Win, Lose or Draw with titles of children’s books, board games

If mom is willing, you can make guessing the gender of the baby the theme for the baby shower. This is a great way for the parents to learn the news of their baby’s sex, along with family and friends. It requires a lot of secrecy, and two future parents who are very good sports, but if they’re up for it, it can be a story the baby will hear about for the rest of her life. Or his.

Colors: Pink and blue of course!

Décor: Something to represent a little girl, and something for a little boy. You’re creating two camps for the guest to choose from; Team Pink and Team Blue

Food: Something with surprise fillings; cakes, cake pops, or cupcakes with pink or blue whip inside

Party favors: Fortune cookies with the “reveal”, mustache or female lip-shaped lollipops

Games: The only one that matters is the reveal! Does a big box open with balloons with the color of the gender? Whatever the idea,there should be a prize for those baby shower guests that guessed correctly!

Having a memorable baby shower is a challenge, but once you have a theme, planning becomes easier. If you’re still overwhelmed, don’t forget to ask for help; there’s certain to be a lot of friends and family who want to help make it an unforgettable day for the new family.