Great Baby Shower Ideas and Recipes

All-Time Favorite Ideas

Bill Geddes

A color scheme and theme help pull a baby shower together. Cindy's friends chose creamy tones for the invitation, luncheon table, and favors; children's books and keepsakes were the unifying themes. Other popular concepts:

Couples' buffet dinner. An evening party for both parents-to-be and their friends. Unisex gifts might include diaper bags for both Mom and Dad, coupons for future babysitting, and gear such as a carrier and baby monitor.

Baby's bed and bath shower. A great way to provide the basics every new parent needs: layette items, an infant tub, linens, changing-table gear, and more.

Salon party. A pampering outing in which each guest gets a beauty treatment, including a pedicure for the mom-to-be. The festivities continue with dessert and the presentation of gifts at a nearby restaurant.

Picture-perfect shower. A nice theme for second-time parents or those who have the basic gear. Friends can pool their resources to purchase a digital camera or camcorder plus albums, frames, and other photo-related gifts.

Sleepytime tea party. Tea sandwiches and herbal teas are on the menu at this relaxing shower. Gifts might include a nursing pillow, a cozy throw, or a robe to take to the hospital. Guests take home a vintage teacup and a tea sampler.