Grandparent Shower

ladybug0088 · July 2014

I just got the sweetest call from one of my mom's friends. She and some of their friends want to throw her a "Grandmother Shower." They said it would be gifts for her to keep at her house for when the baby is over there to use.

This is the first grandchild for my parents so they don't have anything. My mom's friends asked me to try to think of a few things that she would for sure need for her house.

I was hoping you all could help give me some ideas of things to recommend. As I mentioned, my parents don't have anything, so I know a pack 'n play and those types of things are a necessity. The baby will just be over there with me visiting (we live 5 minutes apart so it won't be over night or anything for awhile).

Any suggestions? TIA.

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

I apologize in advance, and I might be in the minority, but I think all these showers and parties are getting ridiculous. And, I'm even guilty of throwing a gender-review BBQ.

I'm no help, because if you are 5 minutes away, I don't get why you'd need a second set of things for over there.

Again, I'm sorry, I just can't fathom my MIL or mom going for this.

Emerald27 · July 2014

That's a very sweet idea!

Here are some thoughts:

- Diaper Changing Station and Accessories (table and/or pad, covers, genie, etc.)
- Play mat
- A few baby blankets
- A baby carrier, like an ergo or a ring sling, for grandma to wear LO in
- Babyproofing supplies (outlet covers, etc.)
- Bouncy seat
- Board Books and a few toys

Maggie6424 · July 2014

A basinet, swing, or bouncer I would say is a must. Diapers/wipes. Small soft toys. A few blankets, big enough to swaddle incase your lo likes to be swaddled.

ladybug0088 · July 2014

She won't really need much--just something to sleep in over there if she falls asleep. I didn't plan on hauling her back and forth if she fell asleep so having something to sleep in is really sweet and thoughtful.

The ladies were suggesting books to keep at my mom's house, toys, etc. I think it's a sweet idea since this is just the first grandchild.

Emerald27 · July 2014

@SPurp13‌ I agree that some baby shower stuff can be over the top, but this surprise for a new grandma sounds very sweet. If she doesn't want the stuff at her house, she can just enjoy the party and be super flattered that her friends thought of her, and then she can give the stuff to OP to either use or return/exchange. It's no big deal, it's very thoughtful and sweet, and it's not attention or gift grabby at all.

caranichole · July 2014

With my parents living just 5 minutes away and my kiddos rarely but occasionally being babysat by them it was nice to have just 1 or 2 blankets, 1-2 bottles (just incase), my mom keeps a small basket with diaper changing supplies in a cabinet in her bathroom (a pack of wipes, a small thing pack of diapers, a gift set of travel sized bath stuff - diaper creme, soap, lotion). She keeps a little baby hair brush so she can do their hair. And she now has a basket that holds a small handful of toys for the grand kids to play with so I never have to bring my own. And there are some cute little baby books out there about grandparents. My mom has a few board books she keeps and reads to the girls when they come over! Hope that helps with some ideas.

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

@Emerald27 It just shows how different things are where I live. I've never heard of it. Ever. Do you create a registry for it?

Kendrav4 · July 2014

SPurp13 said:
I apologize in advance, and I might be in the minority, but I think all these showers and parties are getting ridiculous. And, I'm even guilty of throwing a gender-review BBQ.

I'm no help, because if you are 5 minutes away, I don't get why you'd need a second set of things for over there.

Again, I'm sorry, I just can't fathom my MIL or mom going for this.

Smh. Pretty sure she didn't ask for your opinion on the party. Guess its a good thing that this is for her parents and not yours.

OP. I would suggest a couple toys, blankets, and maybe a play mat or something along those lines. Maybe even a small swing

Emerald27 · July 2014

SPurp13 said:
@Emerald27 It just shows how different things are where I live. I've never heard of it. Ever. Do you create a registry for it?

I've never heard of it either! :P But I still think it's thoughtful and that her mom will be really touched.

I'd imagine that her friends will either discuss gifts or maybe they'll make her a registry secretly.

jesslinnn · July 2014

Bouncy seat or swing
Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby wash
Play mat... but blankets work fine too.
PNP
Somewhere to feed LO when they start solids. If they have room, a high chair. Or something simple like a booster type seat with straps that clips onto a chair.
A few bottles

I'm trying to think of what my parents have at their house. We spend a lot of time there and my mom has pretty much anything we'd need. It makes visiting so easy because we don't have to lug a bunch of stuff over.

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

Kendrav4 said:

I apologize in advance, and I might be in the minority, but I think all these showers and parties are getting ridiculous. And, I'm even guilty of throwing a gender-review BBQ.

I'm no help, because if you are 5 minutes away, I don't get why you'd need a second set of things for over there.

Again, I'm sorry, I just can't fathom my MIL or mom going for this.
Smh. Pretty sure she didn't ask for your opinion on the party. Guess its a good thing that this is for her parents and not yours. OP. I would suggest a couple toys, blankets, and maybe a play mat or something along those lines. Maybe even a small swing

Ok, calm down. It's a public forum, so I gave my opinion, which was basically saying I didn't understand why this is necessary, and this is why I couldn't help her with suggestions.

I'm still confused in either case. Do people also have parties for Mother-Of-The-Brides or Mother-Of-The-Grooms? I'm seriously asking.

My confusion comes from the fact that my MIL lives 5 minutes away and would never do this--because her friends would be at two showers. One for me and one for her. If the guest lists don't overlap at all, I guess it's a sweet gesture, just one I have never ever heard of, hence my questions.

ladybug0088 · July 2014

These are her friends that live all over the country. Mostly sorority sisters that she gets together with once a year. They had a reunion back in February and had mentioned having a grandmother shower for her so that she had things at her house for the baby and so I didn't have to haul things back and forth.

My mom is in complete denial about not needing anything at her house for the baby. She will need a place to set her down when she falls asleep over there and I didn't plan on running home just because the LO fell asleep. She won't need much, but she will need some blankets and things and probably a pack 'n play.

She has never had a party for her birthday or anything (on her 6th birthday her grandfather died and her only party ever was cancelled) so I know she will be thrilled that her friends want to celebrate her.

I wasn't asked what I thought...just asked to come up with a wishlist of items that she will need at her house, such as a pack 'n play, bottler warmer, etc. That's all I'm trying to do.

I'm really excited for her!

ladybug0088 · July 2014

@SaraML13 LOL I should've explained that better. It's not really a typical shower...more of a party?

Just her sorority sisters throwing the party for her. There are only about 8-10 of them total. Apparently, they've all already decided to do it, so no invites, cake, etc.

They're all getting together in September for a weekend together and planned to have the "surprise party" then.

MrsTinMKE · July 2014

I think it is a great idea. I would love to do something like this for my MIL. This is her first grandchild and will be helping us with child care a couple of days a week. I have already started purchasing some things for her to keep at her house. I think this is a great idea for a first time grandmother. Also my BIL was recently married and plans to have children in the near future so I know she will get a lot of use out of the stuff.

I envision her to need thing such as:

- Car seat

- Stroller

- Pack and play

- Diapers/Clothing

- Bouncer/Swing

- High Chair

Abjurback · July 2014

Why would someone have a mother-of-the-bride (or groom) party? What would they need for the bride/groom? To me, it makes more sense to have one with the OP living close by because obviously the things will get a lot of use. If they lived further apart, they probably wouldnt be there as often to use the baby things. I think it's an awesome idea. And it's not like the grandmother-to-be is planning it.

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

ladybug0088 said:

@SaraML13 LOL I should've explained that better. It's not really a typical shower...more of a party?

Just her sorority sisters throwing the party for her. There are only about 8-10 of them total. Apparently, they've all already decided to do it, so no invites, cake, etc.

They're all getting together in September for a weekend together and planned to have the "surprise party" then.

Well, this makes more sense to me. I did google it when I was the only person baffled, and it's a thing. That I would never do. But it's a thing. What you describe sounds better. Not so much a shower, just a party with your mom's friends. Which, I do think is sweet. Will you get to go and be in on the surprise?

The shower part for someone who isn't the mother or who will be the sole caregiver was the part that was confusing.

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

Abjurback said:

Why would someone have a mother-of-the-bride (or groom) party? What would they need for the bride/groom? To me, it makes more sense to have one with the OP living close by because obviously the things will get a lot of use. If they lived further apart, they probably wouldnt be there as often to use the baby things. I think it's an awesome idea. And it's not like the grandmother-to-be is planning it.

I guess my thing was, she lives nearby, so to me, it would be the same as the daycare provider. I'd pack up what the baby needs to go to Grandma's just like I'd pack up what the baby needed to go to daycare. And in our case, my MIL is one of our daycare providers. Now I'm thinking I need to buy her duplicates of things to have at her house. This is not even something that was on my radar before.

ladybug0088 · July 2014

@SPurp13 I won't be there--it's about two hours away. I've only met about 1/2 of them--my mom just reconnected with them since they're now all on Facebook. They've been getting together just the past couple of years and trying to meet in central locations since they live all over the place--North Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio, etc.

This time they are meeting back at their former college for Homecoming weekend--football game, etc.

JessAnnJ · July 2014

@SPurp13‌ - I get that everyone gets to voice their opinion and I'm not saying you shouldn't do so, but I'm very surprised the strongest negative shower vibes are coming from someone who is having a 100 person shower and also had a gender reveal.

ladybug0088 · July 2014

SPurp13 said:

Abjurback said:

Why would someone have a mother-of-the-bride (or groom) party? What would they need for the bride/groom? To me, it makes more sense to have one with the OP living close by because obviously the things will get a lot of use. If they lived further apart, they probably wouldnt be there as often to use the baby things. I think it's an awesome idea. And it's not like the grandmother-to-be is planning it.

I guess my thing was, she lives nearby, so to me, it would be the same as the daycare provider. I'd pack up what the baby needs to go to Grandma's just like I'd pack up what the baby needed to go to daycare. And in our case, my MIL is one of our daycare providers. Now I'm thinking I need to buy her duplicates of things to have at her house. This is not even something that was on my radar before.

I would definitely get some things to keep at her house.

My mom and I are really close (we actually work at the same place too!) so I know I'll be over there at least twice a week. Sometimes I just "pop over" for a quick visit too, so having some toys, etc. is probably a great idea. I plan on at least getting the necessities to keep over there so I don't have to haul it back and forth.

Thank you all for these awesome recommendations!

JessAnnJ · July 2014

My ILs live 10 minutes away but it's nice to have some things there when we visit or when they babysit. They have a PNP, extra clothes, toys, books, bumbo style chair, diapers, and wipes. Now that she is older they have cups and eating utensils. They bought it all themselves. Other than major holidays, they don't buy her toys or clothes to keep at her house, they just buy things to keep there and DD has fun exploring her new things when she goes there.

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

TicketTuesday said:

Abjurback said:

Why would someone have a mother-of-the-bride (or groom) party? What would they need for the bride/groom? To me, it makes more sense to have one with the OP living close by because obviously the things will get a lot of use. If they lived further apart, they probably wouldnt be there as often to use the baby things. I think it's an awesome idea. And it's not like the grandmother-to-be is planning it.

I guess my thing was, she lives nearby, so to me, it would be the same as the daycare provider. I'd pack up what the baby needs to go to Grandma's just like I'd pack up what the baby needed to go to daycare. And in our case, my MIL is one of our daycare providers. Now I'm thinking I need to buy her duplicates of things to have at her house. This is not even something that was on my radar before.
Just put two of everything on your registry. That solves your mom's "you need to add more things to your registry" dilemma too. Two birds, one stone! I'm kidding though

Oh, I'm not even telling my mom this exists!

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

@JessAnnJ You are correct. And I've also said I hate the idea, and I think it's ridiculous and I don't want to do it. Over and over. So, I've got negative shower vibes for myself as well. The OP also clarified what this party is, and I don't have a huge issue with it. I just have NEVER heard of it.

And we always have a BBQ in the summer. We just revealed the sex of the baby at our annual BBQ by biting into a cupcake. So. That was the gender-reveal BBQ. It wasn't a huge deal, I swear.

MollyC20 · July 2014

I think baby safety stuff is a good idea if your LO will be over there quite a bit. I know we visit my in laws a few times a month, and I wish they'd get outlet covers and little stuff like that! Then again MIL still lights candles within reach so I doubt she's thinking about safety!

jcsumm0 · July 2014

You have lots of good ideas, I just wanted to emphasize toys and books again. Especially open-ended type toys that LO can play with for a long time. My daughter loves playing with the "new" toys at her grandparents' houses, and it is nice not having to haul toys there every time we go. Both our parents live 2-3 hrs away though.

hippohat · July 2014

What a sweet idea - I love it! Inviting random family and friends would be weird, but a small group of friends sounds like a fun party. Baby care stuff - yes, but I'd try to think ahead to older kids toys, feeding stuff, books, etc too.

savicke2009 · July 2014

My mom watches my kids 3-4 x a week while im at work so she literally has everything at her house.. but back when it was just our oldest son and she watched him, she had a bouncer, a pnp, a couple blankets and some bottles.. she would take everything else back and forth from our house

this sounds like a really sweet idea and I hope she has a good time!

DaniGrace89 · July 2014

Cute idea.

My mom is in the same boat...first grandbaby for her too.

Big things she is looking to buy:

-A pack n play with built in changing table, and storage built in for diapers.

-A stroller

-A crib

-highchair

Smaller things:

-Toys

-Books

- cups/plates/silverware

-baby proofing stuff.

BreandMikewedding · July 2014

I think pp gift ideas are great. I think grandmother showers are pretty new. It's kind of a way of celebrating becoming a grandmother since it is a huge deal for a lot of grandmas. I know my mil is more excited for us to have our third than we are. She's already pushing for a fourth! Everything I have seen about them is it's basically a group of the new grandma's friends that get together and give the grandma cute baby stuff. All the guests are typically grandma aged women. Some of the gifts I've heard of are grandma themed picture frames, clothes, blankets, ect.

[Deleted User] · July 2014

That is really sweet of your mom's friends. I honestly hadn't thought of this, but I'm glad this thread is here. My mom will be watching LO when I go back to work and I never really thought about getting duplicates of things for her house. I better update my registry!

Saragoeswest · July 2014

I hope my MIL does not hear of this but I love the idea of her and my mom having some of the basics and toys at their houses so we don't have to bring it all on our long visits.

bumpuser10309732 · July 2014

This is my MIL's first grand baby and she's actually retiring and going to be our main childcare. She already has most of her stuff. Lol she wasted NO TIME! The carrier was a good suggestion, I didn't even think about that. I've also told her she needs to get her a car seat base that DH will install for her and she just needs to leave it in the back seat all the time.

Want a personalized experience?

Grandparent Shower

Re: Grandparent Shower

Choose Another Board

Search Boards