Who plans and hosts a baby shower? According to tradition, baby showers should be hosted by a friend or distant relative (like a cousin or an aunt) instead of a close family member. This custom is believed to have developed in order to avoid the appearance that the family was simply on a mission to collect gifts.
Tradition states that a friend or close family member should be the one who plans the baby shower. Hundred-year-old rules aside, we say you should ask someone that you feel comfortable with. Someone you know will do a great job and has the time to plan — even if this person isn't a “traditional” choice.
Typically, a close friend or family member will throw your shower, but coworkers or another loved one can all host the party. While every baby shower is unique, the host usually takes care of organizing everything — so you can sit back and enjoy being celebrated.
The hostess traditionally pays for the baby shower and its associated costs. However, the hostess can divide up the responsibility and costs by asking a few close family members or friends to co-host.
Find a host
Traditionally, a close friend or relative of the mum-to-be is responsible for organising the baby shower, so you can relax and enjoy the event.
Although they're traditionally hosted by friends or family, there's nothing wrong with organising your own baby shower. It can be a lovely idea if your closest friends and family are long-distance and will need to travel to you, or you don't have a local bestie close by.
While traditional baby showers consist of women only, co-ed baby showers are becoming more and more common. However, if you're looking to throw a traditional baby shower and still have the dad-to-be attend, this is completely acceptable and appropriate as most dad-to-be's will want to thank guests before they leave.
For coworkers or acquaintances, people tend to spend around $30 to $50. For friends or distant relatives, many people spend between $50 and $100. For close friends or family members, most people spend between $100 and $200 or more.
TL;DR: The closer you are to the expecting parents, the more you'll spend on a baby shower gift. Typical gifts range from $25-$200 and more.
As this user demonstrates, it's ok to ask for what you want. 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.
Who plans and hosts a baby shower? According to tradition, baby showers should be hosted by a friend or distant relative (like a cousin or an aunt) instead of a close family member. This custom is believed to have developed in order to avoid the appearance that the family was simply on a mission to collect gifts.
If you don't have anyone close to you that can or will throw your baby shower for you, you can always throw your own. It's a little against tradition, but no one is stopping you. Some circumstances you might find yourself in if you have to throw your own baby shower: You don't have any female family members.
Traditional Baby 100 Days Celebration Gift: ang baos
The amount given should end with an even number while favouring the auspicious number eight. Giving new parents an ang bao with $88 or an amount with “88” in it signifies wishing double fortune and blessings.
Baby Shower Seating Etiquette
If this is not her first child, her other children should sit with her. Any woman who will be closely involved in the baby's life, such as Great-Grandma, Grandma, and the mom-to-be's mother-in-law, should be seated with the guest of honor.
Should you open gifts at the baby shower? Tradition would have you open all the gifts in front of the guests. But, times have changed and it's more common not to.
Giving the host a gift isn't required, but it is a nice gesture and the host would appreciate it. A bottle of wine, a gift card, or something personalized make great host gifts!
The Benefits of Monetary Gifts for a Baby Shower
As the parents, you know what your baby needs best. Cash gifts provide endless possibilities and allow you to use the funds in the best way possible. Gift cards can also be nice, but even they miss the mark.
Average gifts from family members range from $50 to $200. A cousin might spend $50, while a grandma or close Aunt might aim for a higher priced gift. If it's a really close friend, your budget might hover around $100.
You can easily fill the basket or diaper bag with useful baby shower gifts including diapers, wipes, diaper creams, lotions, changing pads, and more. 38. Toiletries gift basket. Fill a cute storage basket or even a baby bathtub with practical baby shower gifts featuring a bath-time theme.
What Do Guys Do During a Baby Shower? Guys do the same things when they go to baby showers that women do! That is, they celebrate the mom or couple, bring gifts, and enjoy the food and entertainment.
Every baby shower is different, but most ladies agree that 15 to 30 is the perfect number of ladies at a typical baby shower or about 30-40 for a coed. These numbers change depending on the size of the family, number of friends, and even work colleagues involved.
However, the focus tends to be more on allowing the expectant father to have fun before the arrival of the baby. The party usually consists of gift-giving and drinking as well as other hobbies that the future father enjoys, and may be organised by the father himself or his friends.