Creative Baby Shower Ideas

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Cleveland, Ohio (July 2007) – When it comes to welcoming baby, today, it’s all about creativity and personalization. With the summer being a prime time for bringing new members into the family, American Greetings trend spotter Angela Thompson offers these tips for tailoring baby showers to the personalities of the expectant couple.

Couples Showers

Skip the pastels and stuffed animals and opt for a more neutral setting for mixed gatherings. A shower barbecue, picnic or brunch would be a good choice for showers where men will be invited.

Theme the decorations around important life stages of the young couple. Borrow a few comical baby, childhood, high school, college and wedding photos of the mom-and dad-to-be from their families and make color copies to create fun centerpieces, invitations and mobiles.

For a much-appreciated surprise gift, consider having everyone chip in on a “babymoon” for the expectant parents so they can relax and enjoy some time for themselves before the new baby arrives. Depending on budget, this can be as simple as a one-day spa getaway or as lavish as a week-long resort trip. (Consider creating “vouchers” redeemable for the babymoon so the couple can determine the best time to get away.)

Second and Third Babies

Traditional etiquette says baby showers are for first babies only – to help new parents stock up on all the necessities. However, the impending arrival of any baby still deserves to be celebrated! For “repeat parents,” consider having each guest prepare and freeze a special meal, so that after the baby is born, the couple will have more time to spend with their expanding family.

Parents with more than one child will be exceptionally busy. While they might not need more “things,” they would certainly appreciate the gift of extra time. Host an informal gathering and ask each guest to create a coupon redeemable for a personal service, like a free babysitting session, or an “errand afternoon” to drop off dry cleaning and pick up groceries.

First Babies

If the expectant mom or couple is into crafting, a scrapbooking shower can be fun and helpful at the same time. Chip in on a blank scrapbook, and ask each guest to bring a supply of papers, trims, appliqués and embellishments for creating a baby scrapbook.

In today’s digital age, make sure Mom and Dad-to-be are prepared with the latest equipment for capturing every early moment by throwing a tech-themed shower. Divide up the cost of a high-quality digital camera or camcorder among the guests, but hold off giving it to the couple until the end. As they unwrap the accessories, like a carrying case, memory cards, discs and photo or video editing software, be sure to capture all of the action on the camera or camcorder as the photos or video from the shower are an extra special gift. Not only will you be sure the couple can record everything that happens with their new family, but you’ll also know that the photos or video from the shower are a permanent reminder of their excitement at this special time.

American Greetings cards, wrap and accessories for baby showers and new babies can be found at participating drug chains, grocery stores and super centers nationwide, as well as American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. Visit www.americangreetings.com/retailers for store locations.

About American Greetings Corporation
American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of social expression products. Along with greeting cards, its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, stationery, calendars, ornaments and electronic greetings. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $1.7 billion. For more information on the Company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.