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Baby Showers
amjra
member
Non-Traditional Shower Ideas?
amjra
member
in Baby Showers
Hi Ladies,
I will probably have 2 showers, one at home w/ family and one here w/ friends. I am looking for non-tradtional shower ideas, because we don't really want the gifts.
1.I don't want the fam to spend a lot (any) money. Honestly, DH and I are much more well-off than the fam (2 professional careers) and we can afford to buy everything that we need for ourselves. My bro's are a lot younger, one SIL is a full-time student, 2 bros are students, the other bro just got a new job after 4 months of unemployment, and the other SIL is looking for a job and the rest of the relatives are also tight on money. However, I know that Mom is going to try and throw me a shower anyway - only daugher, first gb etc. etc. etc. It's more about her than anything as she is competitive w/ her sisters (who are both younger and yes, have tons of grandkids already and its more like "my sisters have all had showers for there kids / dil's etc. MY turn" I would normally head her off at the pass, but I'm seriously denying her EVERYTHING else that she wants to do. If I can't throw her a non-traditional idea, everyone will end up spending money that they don't have on stuff that we don't need - as my mother will insist that they get us gifts etc, and they will, just cause they are so damn generous w/ what they have, but I just feel badly kwim? These are not they type of ppl to buy off registries anyway - so registering for inexpensive stuff just won't work.
2. Here w/ friends... I don't like the traditional baby shower in general. To me it has always seems little strange to be asking for gifts, especially when you are older, out of school and have a professional career. But my friends will want to do something, my BF here who is throwing it is asking about what we should do, and again, the traditional baby shower just isn't seen as much fun w/i my circle of friends.
Any ideas? I'm all out of them!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Non-Traditional Shower Ideas?
That is nice of you to think of your family in not so great times. I would suggest for the family shower to make a registry that has only lower priced items like $25 or less so this way, people will know you're not asking/expecting much and are thinking of their pocketbooks. There are lots of small items that are needed and when added up, could be an expense, so this will help both you and your partner as well as your family who will have guidance on the little things you need and like for a good price.
As for your friends, just tell the hostess you want it to be small and intimate. Maybe you can think of a theme not so common or babyish... maybe just a tea party in the colors you like.
put "Diaper Shower!!" on the invites and then on the inside explain that everyone is to bring any size pack of diapers they want.. and that they can also bring wipes and other "diaper related" things (like rash cream, powder, etc).
Your heart is in the right place, but here's the thing. People will do what they can and want to do, no matter what kind of a shower you have or even if you have a shower. You have to trust them to spend within their budget, and leave the decision up to them what they can and can't afford. If it makes them happy to be generous and to give to you, the best thing you can do is graciously accept, not try and prevent them from doing something that they want to and that will make them happy to do, KWIM? Like I said, not that it matters anyway, they will give you something if they want even if there is not shower.
You mentioned your mom will 'insist that they get us gifts', and if that is a concern, I'd emphasize to her that you want it to be low key and not to push anyone. You can also suggest that the shower have more of a family get-together/cookout feel, to take the emphasis off the shower/gift aspect, although in the end its up to her as the host. As far as your friends, I'd do the same thing. You don't have to have traditional games/decor/whatever to have a shower: do whatever you want. Take a day at the spa, have a cocktail/dinner party, whatever. My baby shower was co-ed, had beer/wine/snack food, people played cards and hung out, it was more like a Super Bowl or New Years Eve party than a traditional shower.