Halloween Themed Baby Shower

Want to plan a Halloween Baby shower? You can go spooky or more fall/pumpkin. Either way a Halloween baby shower is sure to be a success.

Witch Diaper Cake
by judicakes.com

Baby showers celebrate a new little pumpkin's arrival so I suggest you don't want it to be ghastly. Make it fun and happy.
Here are some tips for planning a terrific Halloween Baby Shower:

First, you must pick the date, place, and start-end times for having the shower. Consult with your Mummy To Be or a family member to pick what will work best.

Next, you need Invitations. The easiest way is to buy pre-printed Halloween party invitations. If you want to make your invitations, a silhouette of a pumpkin, black cat, or witch is an easy cut-out to use for Halloween invitations. 

For Decorations, decorate with Halloween things. Spiders, spider webs, pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, skeletons, ghosts, and black cats are readily available online. There are lots of free halloween decoration ideas on the internet.

To add a baby twist to decorations how about skeletons with diapers on them? Or maybe jack-o-lanterns cut out with baby themes, ghosts with baby rattles, cats with pacifiers. and maybe some baby sized versions?

A pumpkin hollowed out with flowers, rattles, and other baby items arranged in it makes an excellent table centerpiece. A Halloween themed Diaper Cake is also a great decorating idea.

For Food, you can serve any kind of food but it is a good idea to pick foods that go with the time of day for your shower. To give a Halloween theme to your food consider a “witch’s brew” punch, shaped cookies, or pumpkin bread. Pumpkin bread can be sliced and cut with Halloween cookie cutters - could be a nice thank you favor at each plate as well. Put the slice in a plastic bag and tie it off with Halloween ribbon - maybe add a label with the shower information.

Pumpkin Diaper Cake
by judicakes.com

The baby shower cake, or cupcakes, can be shaped like a pumpkin or other Halloween item or just have a Halloween theme on it.

For Halloween type Games: Costumes are always a big part of Halloween. One way to tie into a baby shower is to have guests wear their least favorite maternity dress or outfit as a costume. Games could include racing to dress a scarecrow (use a baby doll); Having each guest or a team carve out a pumpkin; play pumpkin bowling with plastic baby bottles as pins; or a Mummy Wrap race.
For Favors, if you give prizes or favors they can be anything Halloween. Keep it simple – like a bag of Halloween cookies or candies.
The idea is to have fun and celebrate the new arrival with a touch of Halloween.

Unique Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Selecting what to bring for a baby shower party can be a difficult task. Any guest would like to give a gift that can be useful to the baby or the parents. Nobody would like to have his or her gift stashed in a closet or to given away to charity without being used first by the recipient.

Therefore, one has to make sure that he or she has chosen the baby shower gift properly so it will not be wasted. As much as possible, never select a baby shower gift that the parents may already have. Sometimes, the baby shower invitation says what the parents would like to receive.

If it is not on the invitation, you can also call the hostess to ask what the mom would like to receive or what else she would need.

At times when the parents seem to have prepared well for the baby, you can select unique baby shower gifts that would serve as decorative items and remembrance.

Here are some unique baby shower gift suggestions.

* Birth Announcement Plates

These are decorative plates that come in pastel colors and different designs. These can also be personalized with the baby's name. Some companies also offer printing the baby's picture on the plates.

The plates may be used to contain food. However, many chooses to have these plates displayed somewhere in the house.

* Personalized Ornaments

These ornaments are made from ceramic tiles that can be displayed on cabinet or shelves. These can be personalized to contain the baby's name or picture. You may also give a poem to the engraving company so it will be included in the ornament.

* Personalized Baby Blankets

These blankets come in pastel colors with different designs. These can be personalized to include the baby's name. Before deciding to give one, make sure that the parents hadn't bought or will not be receiving several blankets during the baby shower party.

* Pillows

Pillows can also be personalized with the baby's name. These come in several colors and designs.

* Personalized Name Frame

If the baby's name was already chosen, you can choose a personalized name frame. This will contain the baby's name with it's meaning, usually the biblical or historic association of the name. It may also have a poem dedicating the gift to the baby or wishing the baby and the parents well.

* Piggy Bank

The parents can start the baby's savings with a personalized piggy bank. The parents may drop coins each day after the baby is born. When the child is older, he or she can continue saving money with this decorative piggy bank.

* Baby Naming Book

If the parents still hadn't decided what name to give to the baby or if they are not yet sure of the baby's gender, the baby-naming book is a great gift for the baby shower. The book contains name selections from the bible and historical figures. The meanings of the names are also given as well as the variations and origins in different countries and cultures.

You might also like the free baby naming software

* Music CD

Music has been proven to enhance the creativity and eliminate stress. For babies, music can help them have quality sleep and boost their creativity and intelligence. This is a perfect gift for the baby and the parents.

Regardless of the gift that you have chosen, always include a card to express your thoughts and your joys in sharing the celebration with the baby' parents.

Top 10 Inexpensive Baby Shower Gifts

Gifts at $10 and below?  Are you on a tight budget, but have an important baby shower that you dare not miss? Don’t worry…here are ten items that you can give as a gift, without breaking the bank.

1.  Books. Buy baby board books online for less than $5 a pop (shipping included). Get discounted rates when buying a bundle.

2.  Baby Clothes. Any new Mom will appreciate a set of clothes as a baby shower gift. However, if you plan ahead, you can give the Mom-to-be toddler clothes instead of infant sets. She’ll surely appreciate the vision. Another tip is to buy off-season, while the clothes are on clearance. You can surely find more than a piece for under $10.

3.  Engraved Charms. If a silver or gold bracelet is out of your budget, why not give a personalized jewelry charm? Choose from several shapes, with heart being the most popular. It can be used as a pendant or bracelet charm. Have the baby’s name and birth date engraved at the back of the charm.

4.  Basket of Goodies. In dollar stores, purchase an inexpensive woven basket and decorate it with leftover holiday ribbons. Line the basket with pastel confetti and fill the basket with goodies, like purse versions of lotion, cologne, powder, diaper pins, wet tissues, anything that the baby needs. 

5.  Painted Pots. Paint clean clay pots with pastel colors and use stencils to place simple designs. Give a set of three to give the Mom-to-be a handy desktop storage for cotton balls, Qtips, diaper pins, etc.

6.  Hand or footprint kit. These are kits that have materials to imprint the baby’s hands or feet onto framed shadowboxes. Most kits are around $10.

7. Framed Cross-Stitch. For a personal touch, buy cross-stitch materials and sew the baby’s name and birth date on a rectangle piece of cloth. Have it framed for a lasting gift. If you are short of time, give her a short and sweet note written on a copy of the pattern to say, “gift is work-in-progress, will be done in time for his/ her birth.”

8. Plant a Tree. Various government-sponsored companies are promoting tree planting and this is definitely a great gift for a baby shower. Most tree planting gifts come with a certificate complete with the baby’s name and a personalized dedication. Some companies offer a dollar for every tree, so your $10 can buy 10 trees. Now that’s a guarantee of fresh air for the baby’s future.

9. Baby Website. For the tech savvy Mom-to-be, create a free website for the future newborn. This gift will last until the baby grows up and can personally edit his or her website. If you know that the parents already have a web host, why not pay for the domain registration of the baby’s name so the future new born will have his or her own e-niche.

10. Pamper Mom, Too! Who says baby shower gifts are only for babies? Be creative by giving the Mom-to-be a gift, instead of the baby. After all, the occasion is, in fact, a celebration of her strength and dedication in carrying another life for nine months. Dollar stores frequently offer pampering gift baskets or customize your own, similar to the basket of goodies described above.

The importance of baby shower party favors

So you have a venue, a long list of guests and an array of games in mind. But do you have baby shower party favors? It’s is easy to forget or deliberately skip a little detail like preparing party favors when you are caught among the hustle and bustle of planning a baby shower. But giving baby shower party favors are important. They provide a way to thank your guests for attending a very special occasion in your life. A baby shower party favor also gives your guests something to remember the event by. It’s like giving them a little bit of baby love if you may.

Of course you are not obliged to give party favors to your guests when throwing a baby shower party. And your gusts shouldn’t expect to go home with something other than a good time. But still, it would be nice to hand out a memento of the special occasion. And don’t worry. You really wouldn’t have to spend a fortune when you give baby shower party favors.

Preparing baby shower party favors need not be take a lot of money and time. The Internet can be a great source for baby shower party favors. By simply typing “baby shower party favors” in a search engine you would see a return thousands of online resources that sells or provides ideas for excellent baby shower party favors.

Remember to choose a seller that provides high quality and affordable baby shower party favors. When you search on the web you will be surprised that there many websites offering unique baby shower party favors. The items range from the cutesy to the more sophisticated. The items include chocolate bars, bath soaps, picture frames, figurines, stuffed toys, etc. They have an item for every taste and budget.

Of course if you are the creative and crafty type, you always have the option to make the baby shower party favors yourself. You need not be overly talented or skillful, all you need is a little artistic sensibilities, patience and some materials and your ready to make your baby shower party favor masterpiece.

Your project need not be complicated. It could be as simple as making wrappers and decorative boxes for candies, soaps or candles. If you are fond of baking and cooking then you can bake cookies or make chocolate in shapes appropriate for baby showers like rattles, baby bottles, babies and teddy bears. Or if you have a garden at home, you can give away plants and flowers. Or if you know how to paint, then you could create a masterpiece out of baby cloth diapers or bibs by painting cute and colorful designs on them.

The idea is to utilize whatever artistic skills you have to make baby shower party favors. Homemade baby shower ffavors are a very good idea because they add a personal touch to the party favors plus they will definitely save you a lot of money as compared to ready made or store bought baby shower party favors. Again, the web will be very helpful if you decide to make your own baby shower party favors.

Tips on Planning a Baby Shower

What comes to mind after hearing the four magical words, “We’re having a baby?” A baby shower, of course. Organizing a party with the expectant parents’ closest friends and family members is the perfect way of expressing “Congratulations,” or “We’re happy for you,” or “Best wishes.”

Aimed at further boosting the parents-to-be’s excitement for the future member of their family, the baby shower is usually hosted by a close friend or relative, at any time during the last months of the pregnancy.

Just like any other party, a baby shower requires careful planning to ensure that it will go as smoothly as possible, and be memorable for everyone. Although there are no rules cast in stone in preparing for a baby shower, there are some helpful tips to follow to help the host organize every aspect of the event.

1) Decide on the location.

Most baby showers are held at the parent-to-be’s house, since the expectant mother’s health needs to be considered. It is recommended for small, intimate parties, with only the closest friends and family members. Guests also tend to be more comfortable if the party’s setting is at home.

If the expectant parents love the outdoors, a barbecue party at their garden, or a local park may also be an option. Naturally, the weather must be considered – baby shower does not literally mean soaking the guests in the rain.

For less complications, the host may reserve a secluded area in a restaurant or bar. It may be more costly, but at least the decoration, food and drinks, as well as the post-party cleanup will already be taken care of.

2) Choose the party’s theme.

For easier decoration ideas, a theme may be decided upon. Consider the expectant parents’ favorite movies or hangouts. Another option is to decorate the party site by re-creating the place where they had their honeymoon, such as a cruise ship, or Paris-inspired café.

Since the party will also be a celebration of the future baby, a childish atmosphere may also be considered. Choose cartoon characters, bright colors, and other designs depending on the baby’s gender.

3) Finalize the menu.

The party’s menu will depend upon the time of the event. In most baby showers, the host serves finger food, pastries and other baked goods for convenience. However, if the event will be held during lunch or dinner time, heavier meals will naturally be served. Alcoholic drinks may also be prepared, depending on the guests’ preference.

4) Design a fun program.

Contrary to what most people believe, a baby shower is not only limited to mingling around, gift giving, eating and drinking. Fun games may also be included, such as charades, or those which will bring back the guests’ childhood memories. Remember that the main point is to make sure everyone will have a good time, and various games will surely liven up the event.

5) Create the guest list and send out invitations.

Prepare a list of the expectant parents’ closest friends and family members. Make sure to seek their approval before sending out invitations, to avoid any embarrassing mistakes later. Bear in mind that it’s the parents’ event, and not the host’s, so their choice of people should matter the most.

Ready-made baby shower invitations are readily available in gift shops and craft stores. However, homemade invitations may also be used to provide the host’s personal touch.

Send out invitations out two to four weeks before the party to give time for the guests to fix their schedule. Baby shower invitations follow the same format as any other invitation — it indicates the date, time, place, attire preferred, gift registry, if any, the host’s contact numbers for RSVP. Just to be organized, prepare a final list of attendees a few days before the baby shower.

Putting together a Baby Shower?  Know someone who is?  Get your FREE copy of A Quick and Easy Guide to Baby Showers - no purchase necessary - compliments of judicakes.com 

judicakes.com has gifts for your special occasions - specializing in unique Baby diaper cakes and gift baskets for almost any occasion, including a large selection of pet baskets.

Versatile Invitation Design: Baby Shower Footprint

A baby’s footprint says everything: the innocence, tenderness and charm of a newborn. These values come to mind of anyone who sees it. No wonder it is a favorite theme for occasions that call for such, like that of a baby shower. Here is a guide on how to use the baby’s footprint in the baby shower invitation.

Printed

The first way of using the footprint is to print them on the invitation. You may use a single or both feet as the main design. Immediately, your guests will know that it is a baby shower invitation, just by seeing the footprints. Make the print standout by using a complementary color to the background or the paper color.

As a supplementary to the text of the card, baby footprints can serve as a silhouette background of the text. As a silhouette, footprints are effective as outlines, instead of filled with colors. As an outline, only the marks where the baby’s feet press the ground (balls of the toes and heel and sides of the feet) are highlighted.

For an animated effect use several small footprints in the main design or silhouette background. To make it appear like a baby just walked across the page, reduce the size of the footprints, as the trail moves from the fore to the rear ground.

Embossed

Embossing is a process of creating relief on the paper by using a special tool to engrave the paper. Since this uses a special tool, it is best to leave the manufacturing of this kind of invitation to the professionals.

Embossed footprint invitations convey an elegant mood for the baby shower. Most embossed invitations are monochromatic, that is, they use a single color for the paper and the embossed design. However, some printers have the capability to color the raised portions of the footprint, for an extra fee.
Design and layout can be similar to the printed kind, but it is best to use the footprint sparingly for a dramatic effect.

Stamped

Rubber stamps have been around for ages, and it is widely used in many applications: business, trade, craft and even politics! As the rubber stamp craft is a well-established industry, you can find rubber stamps of baby footprints, of varying sizes and designs. When you have chosen a pattern that suits your intended invitation design, you can then use it to stamp single prints or multiple prints inked in a variety of colors.

For a subdued effect, use the stamp as a seal of approval or a signature of the baby, inviting the guest to the baby shower.

At the party, use the stamps to continue the theme from the invitation. Stamp them on napkins, thank you cards and game prizes for a unified effect.

Cutout

Lastly, use the footprint design as a cutout baby shower invitation. This is a very interesting application as it veers away from the conventional 2” X 4” invitation size. Use the front of the card to announce that there is a baby shower, and the back, for party details and RSVP information.

Carry the cutout theme to your baby shower by placing baby footprint cutouts on pathways, floors and even walls.

Also use footprint cutouts for thank you cards, for a uniformed look.

With such a simple idea, there are many possibilities. Choose the style to fit your mood and use cute baby shower footprint invitation cards today!

Baby shower decorations - set the scene for baby shower parties

Baby shower decorations make the perfect background for a baby shower party. Depending on the time and budget of the baby shower party, there are numerous ideas for baby shower decorations available. The host of the baby shower party can get dozens of ideas for baby shower decorations that will certainly liven up the gathering.

Baby shower decorations can be as simple or as elaborate as the host wishes. Baby shower decorations help make every baby shower party extra special for the mom-to-be. There are a number of ways to decorate a baby shower party. The possibilities for baby shower decorations are endless.

Setting up baby shower decorations

When setting up baby shower decorations, the first thing to consider is the theme of the baby shower party. The theme of the baby shower party will have a bearing on the type of baby shower decorations needed to liven up the party area. The baby shower party may have a traditional theme wherein baby shower decorations would include silver and china.

However more and more baby shower parties are adopting modern themes that make use of popular cartoon characters. The baby shower decorations for this type of baby shower party are centered on the specific character used as theme. Many stores that specialize in baby shower decorations have a wide assortment of designs for baby shower decorations.

Ideas for baby shower decorations

Baby shower decorations need not be big and expensive. Imagination and creativity play a big part in the selection and arrangement of baby shower decorations. With a little ingenuity, putting together a baby shower party need not break the bank.

When setting up the area of the baby shower party, it is often best to stick to simple baby shower decorations that will not make the place look too gaudy. Seasonal flowers and a number of party toys for baby shower decorations make for a simple yet cozy gathering for a baby shower party among family and friends.

For a more elaborate baby shower party, baby shower decorations will include a lot more than flowers and a few toys. But fortunately most of these items can be re-used for other occasions like a child's birthday party. Or the host may give the baby shower decorations to the couple after the party as souvenirs or toys for the new baby.

Inexpensive baby shower decorations

Balloons are a great way to perk up the scene of any party. Colorful balloons can be arranged together to create a focal point at the tables of the baby shower party. In addition, to prevent the balloons from flying off, small baby items like baby bottles or soft plush toys can be tied at the end of the string.

Everyday, ordinary baby items also make great baby shower decorations.
A baby bath tub can be used as a punch bowl during the baby shower party. The tub may also be used as a receptacle to hold the different gifts given by guests for the mom-to-be. The tub may be decorated with ribbons and balloons to coincide with the theme of the party.

Umbrellas also make for interesting baby shower decorations. These may be hung upside down from the ceiling with colorful streamers tied to the ends of the umbrellas.

Baby shower decorations can be created from simple items. Resourcefulness is the key to creating wonderful baby shower decorations that don't cost much.

BABY SHOWER CAKE IDEAS: FOR A GREAT CENTERPIECE AND DESSERT

A baby shower is a form of celebration that aims to welcome the newest member in the family. Although baby showers were originally intended only for first-borns, modern practices now allow baby shower parties for every baby that comes in the family.

Baby showers are usually organized and arranged by the relatives and close friends of the parents-to-be. They are a good way to help parents get started with the things that they need for the baby. Note, however, that there are some cultures and religious beliefs that do not consider it proper and that it is considered bad luck to have a party and bring baby things in the house before the baby is born.

Over the years, baby showers have evolved into various names, such as the following:

· "Daddy's shower" - a men-only party for dads-to-be

· "Grandma's shower" - a party where guests bring baby items (such as collapsible cribs and changing pads) that grandparents can keep at their house.

· "Diaper showers" or "baby sprinkles" - a small-scale party that is usually held for succeeding children, and ideal for parents who do not need as many items (or gifts).

It is common for a baby shower to have a theme, to which the entire party centers on. Baby shower essentials typically include games, presents, and food… and a cake!

A party is not complete without a cake, and this also applies to baby showers.

Cakes are one of the great things about baby showers, and they can be made using various basic techniques, such as the following:

1. All-in-together - this is done by placing the dry ingredients in a food processor (together with the shortening) before gradually adding the liquid ingredients.

2. Creaming method - this is done by 'creaming' butter and sugar together before gradually adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Rubbing method - this is done by 'rubbing' the butter into the dry ingredients before adding the liquid ones.

4. Melt-and-mix - this is done by are first mixing the dry ingredients together, adding the melted butter and the other liquid ingredients afterwards to complete the cake.

5. Sponge-making - this is done by whipping the eggs and sugar into a froth, with the flour carefully mixed in. Making a light sponge requires great skill, as it does not use any raising agent or fat.

Finished cakes are usually enhanced with the use of frosting (icing) or toppings (such as sprinkles.

There are different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:

· Angelfood cake

· Butter cake

· Butterfly cake

· Carrot cake

· Cheesecake

· Chocolate cake

· Chiffon cake

· Cupcake

· Devil's food cake

· Fruit cake

· Gingerbread

· Ice cream cake

· Mooncake

· Pineapple upside down cake

· Pound cake

· Spice cake

· Sponge cake

Aside from the cake varieties above, there are also a lot of baby shower cake ideas that can make a baby shower celebration more special:

1. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.

2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like children's toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be further enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.

Of course, you can also experiment and try to come up with creative ideas of your own. Remember that the 'goal' is not only to make a yummy dessert, but also a great centerpiece that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be.