Adoption Shower...Baby is here

terriedwards

My sister and brother-in-law are adopting their second child, and their first daughter.  The birth mother is due at the end of June.  Just because there is always a bit of a risk involved with adoption, we are waiting until after her arrival to have a shower.  She is due June 25, so I am thinking of having the shower the third week in July...I am just hoping that this will give enough time?!?

 

My sister has all kinds of clothes, bedding, etc., for the baby, so I don't really want to ask guests to bring typical gifts (plus this is their second child so my sister doesn't really want to ask for gifts anyway...she just wants to introduce the baby).  My sister wants more of a low-key "introduction" for the baby, who will be the guest of honor at the shower!  What are some ideas to suggest for gifts instead of the typical gift items?  I just want this to be a fun, laid-back get together, and most of all, I want it to be special.  My sister is very sentimental, and I want to make this great for them!  

MustanGTbaby13

Does she cloth diaper? If not, maybe doing a diaper party would be nice? Typically less expensive than average shower gifts- I totally wouldn't mind buying some diapers to come see the new addition!

OctoberCAPA

Congrats to your sister!  That is exciting!

I don't think you need to (or should) suggest gifts at all.  If she's registering, people can look that up.  Otherwise, just call it a "meet the baby" party.  People will probably bring a gift if they want to, but I don't think you can dictate what that is.  If people ask, you could suggest baby books, or diapers, or food to stock the freezer, but the request for suggestions should come from guests, not be put forth by you.

kimberlymautz

OctoberCAPA:

Congrats to your sister!  That is exciting!

I don't think you need to (or should) suggest gifts at all.  If she's registering, people can look that up.  Otherwise, just call it a "meet the baby" party.  People will probably bring a gift if they want to, but I don't think you can dictate what that is.  If people ask, you could suggest baby books, or diapers, or food to stock the freezer, but the request for suggestions should come from guests, not be put forth by you.

 

I completely agree. I actually went to a "Meet the Baby" party last year when my cousin was adopting. I would definitely stick to sometime near the end of July (incase there is a problem with the adoption or simply to wait until the baby is a bit bigger and a little more able to be around many people) and I would ask your sister what kinds of things she needs. I would leave anything about gifts off of the invite, though I would request everyone RSVP a week or two in advance and then when they call they may ask if there is anything your sister still needs, or anything she'd like. 

terriedwards

Thanks guys!  I am thinking you all are right.  They won't be registering anywhere, so I will probably just leave it as a "Meet the New Addition" party, and let people bring gifts if they choose. 

 

I am actually thinking I am going to buy a bunch of onesies in different sizes and bibs and then buy some things to decorate with, such as puffy paints, iron-ons, etc., and have guests decorate one while they are there.  I know that babies can never have to many bibs or onesies, so I thought this would be a good idea.  What do you guys think? 

OctoberCAPA

terriedwards:

 I am actually thinking I am going to buy a bunch of onesies in different sizes and bibs and then buy some things to decorate with, such as puffy paints, iron-ons, etc., and have guests decorate one while they are there.  I know that babies can never have to many bibs or onesies, so I thought this would be a good idea.  What do you guys think? 

I like that idea.  You said your sister was sentimental, and this will give her a remembrance from each person who was at the party.

Ceridwen21

terriedwards:

Thanks guys!  I am thinking you all are right.  They won't be registering anywhere, so I will probably just leave it as a "Meet the New Addition" party, and let people bring gifts if they choose. 

 

I am actually thinking I am going to buy a bunch of onesies in different sizes and bibs and then buy some things to decorate with, such as puffy paints, iron-ons, etc., and have guests decorate one while they are there.  I know that babies can never have to many bibs or onesies, so I thought this would be a good idea.  What do you guys think? 

Good decision, and nice idea!

Nanner22

I think that sounds like a great option. You could host a "Sip and See" - which is a meet-and-greet.