How to Contribute to and Have Fun at a Baby Shower

The first time I heard of the term "baby shower" I took it literally. I thought it was a new American invention that would do away with the traditional baby bath! I'm so glad that I now know what a baby shower really means, a party to help celebrate the approaching birth of a baby! The first baby shower I attended was a lot of fun. There were no men in sight. I found out later that there are not usually men present, not even the expectant father. If you have been invited along to a baby shower, you can help to make it a fun event by contributing to the special event.

How to contribute to and have fun at a baby shower #1 Offer to make the cake

Having a cake at the baby shower can add a really lovely touch to the event. If you are creative, you can decorate the cake in neutral colours if you do not know the sex of the baby, or in specific colours when you do know the sex of the baby. Some expectant mothers already have a name picked out for their baby. You can make it extra special by adding the baby's name onto the cake. For the average person who does not know how to create a beautiful cake, you can always order one at your local bakery. Just let them know of your preferences and let them take the hard work out of it for you as you show up with the cake.

How to contribute to and have fun at a baby shower #2 Bring along a dish

Some expectant mothers will take care of the catering themselves. But not all women can afford to do this. If that is the case, you may be asked to bring along a dish. Some well organized women have a list of food they would like and they then assign each person who is coming to bring along a different dish. It makes sense to go along with this arrangement. Do you really want 15 dishes of potato salad? This will help you avoid all of that altogether.

How to contribute to and have fun at a baby shower #3 Pick out an appropriate gift for the mother and/ or baby

This can be hard for some women, especially for women like me who do not have any children. Your best bet is to talk to the expectant mother and ask her if there is anything in particular that she would like. If you would rather keep your gift a secret, then team up with a friend who has more experience in buying baby items and get their advice. It is a maze out there when it comes to buying gifts for babies! The baby shower does not just have to be about buying gifts for the baby. What about the expectant mother? You might prefer to buy her a gift instead. A lot of the focus will be on her baby, but I'm sure she would be surprised but still appreciative of a gift just for her. I know that at some baby showers, gifts are opened in front of everyone and the person who gave the gift is identified. I am not a big fan of this, as it can be embarrassing for some people. So if you want to remain anonymous, then do not include your name! Simple as that. You do not have to provide an expensive gift to feel that you have made a contribution. A gift card or even just a card can be sufficient. Some expectant mothers even tell their guests not to include gifts, just cards.

How to contribute to and have fun at a baby shower #4 Socialize with the other guests

This is a party just like any other, except for one minor detail. The guest of honour has not been born yet! So try to mingle with the other guests. You may or may not know them. That doesn't matter. You may end up becoming good friends with people you meet at the baby shower. So put forth the effort. The only thing you may have in common is your mutual friend, the expectant mother. So build on that. Before long, you should feel more relaxed. The more effort you put forth, the more you will enjoy yourself at the baby shower.

How to contribute to and have fun at a baby shower #5 Take photos and create a collage

Most expectant mothers would be thrilled to have someone take photos during their baby shower and to then make a collage out of the photos once they have been developed. This is a gift that will be treasured long after the baby has been born. Do not just take photos that people have posed for. Take natural poses too.

How to contribute to and have fun at a baby shower #6 Just have fun!

Baby showers are relaxed and informal, so learn to have fun. If you do not have a particular interest in babies, then develop an interest just for the day! Coo over all the baby blankets, booties and toys. Look at ultra sound images of the baby and try to picture what the baby will look like. If you go along to the baby shower just because you were asked to and you did not want to give offence by refusing you can still end up enjoying yourself. The key is to actually go there with the right attitude. If you go there thinking " I can't wait to leave", then you will not enjoy yourself. This is an event that celebrates the life of the unborn baby and you can help make the day special by sharing in the joy of the expectant parents. So if you are able to attend a baby shower, you can contribute to that happiness by being in attendance and congratulating the happy couple.