While a hostess gift is not a necessity, but it is certainly a very kind gesture. Even though a baby shower is given out of the goodness of one's heart, a baby shower hostess gift just says, "Thank you." If someone throws you a surprise baby shower, you are not expected to have a hostess gift immediately.
The average baby shower gift spend amount typically ranges from $25 to $200. The range in the average is explained by different closeness levels to the mother-to-be.
Baby Shower Hosting Etiquette
Traditionally, close friends, cousins, aunts, sisters-in-law, and coworkers of the parents-to-be have been the appropriate hosts for baby shower parties.
Most guests will bring a gift to the baby shower, however most people prefer presence over presents. Some attendees may choose to wait until after the baby is born to give something for mum or baby and others may choose not to give at all. It's up to you if you wish to give a gift and how much you want to spend.
The host(s) are then in charge of choosing a location, venue (or home to throw the shower at), creating and sending out invitations, collecting RSVPs, decorating, ordering or preparing food and beverages, and also coordinating any activities that may take place—from optional gift opening to games."
As a fast rule, baby showers are often held at the end of the second trimester or early to midway through the third trimester — usually four to six weeks before the due date.
The classic time to host a baby shower is lunchtime, but recently tradition has given way to several different options. Some women prefer a slightly earlier time to celebrate and enjoy hosting a brunch. Others loved hosting a 'happy hour' shower with plenty of baby-themed mocktails at sunset.
Though a gift is expected if a guest attends, guests should only be invited to help celebrate the upcoming arrival, not for the gift they bring. If a guest is invited to a shower but can't attend, there is no obligation to send a gift, though they certainly may if they want to.
A baby shower is technically a party to honor the mother, so her name goes on the baby shower invitation by default. However, many modern baby showers are co-ed and also include the father. If that's the case, the mother's and father's names can both be included at the top of the card.
A baby shower is a party where family and friends gather to celebrate an upcoming birth. What happens at a baby shower? At a baby shower, people celebrate the pregnancy and celebrate the soon to be the arrival of the baby. The venue is decorated, drinks and food is served and games are played.
Strict rules like “female guests only,” “the parent-to-be or their immediate family can't host the shower” and “you shouldn't have a shower for any baby after your first” were largely indisputable 60 to 80 years ago. Some people love sticking with those traditions, but with new decades come new flexibility.
You should get at least two prizes per game. That way, you can give a prize to the winner and the runner-up or play multiple rounds. When in doubt, have a few extra prizes on hand.
We recommend a budget of $50 to $150 depending on how close you are to the expecting parents. When choosing the gift, it will always go a long way if you opt for buying something unique and/or highly useful. This will show a higher level of appreciation.
Cash gifts for baby showers are never a bad idea. Parents appreciate a cash gift as it helps make for a smoother transition into parenthood. It's also difficult to know what the parents-to-be already have. In some cases, parents may already own supplies from a previous child.
Baby showers are all about the mom-to-be, but they also celebrate all the important people in the new baby's life. Assigned seating is not necessary, but certain people should have reserved seating with the mom-to-be. If this is not her first child, her other children should sit with her.
Men's attendance at baby showers is not something that's seen as taboo anymore. As men are more involved in raising their children than they may have been in past generations, they may want to enjoy baby showers. Coed baby showers are a natural progression.
So, don't be afraid to tell your close friends and family that no one is throwing you a baby shower. Sometimes, your loved ones may assume that someone else is doing it, which is why they haven't offered. If still no one offers, there's no need to worry.
Traditional Baby Shower Length
Games, food, and opening gifts are all part of the fun but can run long. Check with the guests of honor to see what they feel comfortable with and adjust if needed. Parent's magazine recommends a shower last three hours at the most.
Yes, it is totally within etiquette rules for a mom to host a baby shower for her pregnant daughter to be. Etiquette rules have changed quite a bit and as far as etiquette rules go, the only person who is not allowed to host a baby shower is the mom to be. I hope that helps!
Today it is appropriate for anyone to host a baby shower, as long as there's a legitimate reason. For example, some parents-to-be live far from their hometowns, and their mothers and siblings want to host a shower so that long-time friends can attend.
Anyone can be invited to your baby shower. This includes as few or as many of your grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, cousins, friends, neighbors and coworkers as you'd like, as well as those of your partner. (Just make sure to stay safe and follow COVID-19 health guidelines if you're having an in-person event.)
Close friends and family members should be invited to the baby shower. You should always consult with the mom-to-be on the guestlist though, just in case she has any co-workers or friends she wants to add to the list.
What is a baby sprinkle or a baby sprinkle shower? A baby sprinkle is a type of baby shower to celebrate a family's second child. Instead of a traditional shower, the gifts are often diapers, wipes and a few outfits since many families who are expecting their second child already have a lot of the gear they'll need.