Baby showers are certainly an old tradition but one which has evolved over the years - especially in the western world.
Originally a baby shower was held only prior to the arrival of the first born child.
These days, in the western world and in particular in the States, they are held for each baby and sometimes you will find that there is more than one! A mum to be may hold one for friends, one for family and perhaps one for co-workers.
Throughout the world the traditions will vary.
Baby showers in India for example are very popular and are a long standing cultural event.
The name and the form that the gathering takes varies from area to area but the general idea remains the same.
They are also to be found in China and Latin America.
The original idea was very much to pass on words of wisdom to the mother to be and to give her pieces of baby equipment which was handed from family to family to help out with the new arrival.
Also the passing on of family baby heirlooms would take place.
These days, in western society, the baby shower has taken on a much more commercial feel and often the parents will be given a large range of new and lovely gifts to help out and to celebrate the imminent arrival.
Baby showers remain very much a female based event, but that is not to say that the menfolk are forbidden to attend.
More and more the work of childcare is being shared and as such, the presence of men at a baby shower is becoming more accepted - although not always a popular evenings entertainment with them! So - you are invited to a baby shower - What are you expected to give as a gift? The buying of baby gifts can be a very costly experience but this should not put you off going to your friends baby shower.
Remember that you are being asked to attend as the mum to be counts you as a friend and is not going to be relying on you to buy expensive gifts.
It is more that she will be relying on you for some support and friendship through her new experience.
Be there for her in that respect and that will be as valuable as any costly gift.
There are many practical and inexpensive gifts that you can purchase.
Some little item of clothing or perhaps a photo frame would be well accepted.
Putting some time and thought into a gift will also be as valuable to your friend as the cost.
It is possible to buy some lower priced items but then have them personalised.
This way you will have given a unique gift which will be part of the child's personal life as they grow up.
Personalising a small gift turns it into something very special.
Another nice idea is to pass on an item which has been used and loved by your family.
Obviously not something which is a family heirloom of yours - unless you are handing it on to the next in line in your own family - but something which you have found useful and is still in good and functional condition.
If you are a close friend of the mum to be and wish to spend more money then you will have a great time looking at items.
It is not always easy to decide just which to choose as the choice is vast - but try to be practical.
This is not always easy as you will find some amazingly cute items which will catch your eye! You could always consider buying a hamper of baby gifts and accessories which will save you having to make decisions about which single item to buy.
You may be one amongst a group of friends who have decided to club together and pool your resources so that you can give a larger gift.
This is always a good idea as long as you manage to agree on the item that you are buying and you have someone responsible for the collection of funds etc.
On the day of the baby shower, your host will probably feel obliged to offer some refreshments.
Remember that this lady is no doubt in the latter stages of pregnancy, so, anything that you can do as a friend will surely be appreciated! Try not to take over though, unless your host is happy for you to do so! Perhaps she may suggest a supper where everyone brings something to share in the way of light refreshments.
This is a practical idea as long as you don't all arrive with the same thing - a bit of communication may be a good way forward on this one.
If the mum to be is in great health and full of life and energy, she may have opted for a more elaborate style of party and may even have opted for a theme for the afternoon or evening.
Such get togethers can be great fun and you should do your best to comply to the theme and get fully involved.
If the mum to be has the energy to arrange and organise it then you certainly should have the energy to play along and make the most of it.
There are many online companies that specialise in baby goods and gifts and some which will even offer hampers of goodies for those who cannot decide what to go for.
If you want some more ideas, take a visit to see us at I Have Very Tired Parents - a new website which specialises in all things to do with childcare and parenting.
Originally a baby shower was held only prior to the arrival of the first born child.
These days, in the western world and in particular in the States, they are held for each baby and sometimes you will find that there is more than one! A mum to be may hold one for friends, one for family and perhaps one for co-workers.
Throughout the world the traditions will vary.
Baby showers in India for example are very popular and are a long standing cultural event.
The name and the form that the gathering takes varies from area to area but the general idea remains the same.
They are also to be found in China and Latin America.
The original idea was very much to pass on words of wisdom to the mother to be and to give her pieces of baby equipment which was handed from family to family to help out with the new arrival.
Also the passing on of family baby heirlooms would take place.
These days, in western society, the baby shower has taken on a much more commercial feel and often the parents will be given a large range of new and lovely gifts to help out and to celebrate the imminent arrival.
Baby showers remain very much a female based event, but that is not to say that the menfolk are forbidden to attend.
More and more the work of childcare is being shared and as such, the presence of men at a baby shower is becoming more accepted - although not always a popular evenings entertainment with them! So - you are invited to a baby shower - What are you expected to give as a gift? The buying of baby gifts can be a very costly experience but this should not put you off going to your friends baby shower.
Remember that you are being asked to attend as the mum to be counts you as a friend and is not going to be relying on you to buy expensive gifts.
It is more that she will be relying on you for some support and friendship through her new experience.
Be there for her in that respect and that will be as valuable as any costly gift.
There are many practical and inexpensive gifts that you can purchase.
Some little item of clothing or perhaps a photo frame would be well accepted.
Putting some time and thought into a gift will also be as valuable to your friend as the cost.
It is possible to buy some lower priced items but then have them personalised.
This way you will have given a unique gift which will be part of the child's personal life as they grow up.
Personalising a small gift turns it into something very special.
Another nice idea is to pass on an item which has been used and loved by your family.
Obviously not something which is a family heirloom of yours - unless you are handing it on to the next in line in your own family - but something which you have found useful and is still in good and functional condition.
If you are a close friend of the mum to be and wish to spend more money then you will have a great time looking at items.
It is not always easy to decide just which to choose as the choice is vast - but try to be practical.
This is not always easy as you will find some amazingly cute items which will catch your eye! You could always consider buying a hamper of baby gifts and accessories which will save you having to make decisions about which single item to buy.
You may be one amongst a group of friends who have decided to club together and pool your resources so that you can give a larger gift.
This is always a good idea as long as you manage to agree on the item that you are buying and you have someone responsible for the collection of funds etc.
On the day of the baby shower, your host will probably feel obliged to offer some refreshments.
Remember that this lady is no doubt in the latter stages of pregnancy, so, anything that you can do as a friend will surely be appreciated! Try not to take over though, unless your host is happy for you to do so! Perhaps she may suggest a supper where everyone brings something to share in the way of light refreshments.
This is a practical idea as long as you don't all arrive with the same thing - a bit of communication may be a good way forward on this one.
If the mum to be is in great health and full of life and energy, she may have opted for a more elaborate style of party and may even have opted for a theme for the afternoon or evening.
Such get togethers can be great fun and you should do your best to comply to the theme and get fully involved.
If the mum to be has the energy to arrange and organise it then you certainly should have the energy to play along and make the most of it.
There are many online companies that specialise in baby goods and gifts and some which will even offer hampers of goodies for those who cannot decide what to go for.
If you want some more ideas, take a visit to see us at I Have Very Tired Parents - a new website which specialises in all things to do with childcare and parenting.
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