Making Baby Showers Memorable with Personalized Detail

A new family member is a big cause for celebration! Throwing a baby shower is such a fun, meaningful, and special way to honor this little one coming into the world and to congratulate the parents-to-be. 

 

Traditionally, a baby shower is planned by a very close friend or family member. Though, props to you if you’re a parent who is eager to jump into the planning yourself. In any case, there is a lot to consider. From themes to budget to food and games–we’ll cover the basics with you and offer extra tips on personalizing your shower with custom made goodies for that extra special touch. 

Where to start

 

The very first steps to consider are when, where, and budget. 

 

When: If the baby is coming into this world through a birthing plan–either by the parents-to-be or carried by a surrogate, the typical baby shower will usually fall around the middle of the third trimester. If the little bundle of joy is arriving through an adoption process, this timeframe may differ. It’s always advised to speak to the parents-to-be about what time works best for them, all factors considered. 

 

Where: What kind of vibe do you envision for the shower? Lavish? Relaxed? Bohemian? Traditional? Do you prefer to be inside or outside? Everything from a park, to a family member’s home, to a favorite restaurant can make for the perfect venue. 

 

Budget: Traditionally, the host of the shower will cover the costs of the event, however, there are no strict rules. Friends and family members of the parents-to-be are often willing and wanting to pitch in. Open a dialogue to come up with a realistic budget so that you can start planning. 

What comes next?

After you nail down the time, location, and budget, it’s time to dive into the fun stuff. We suggest checking out what to expect for additional expert advice on:

 

  • Guest list and invitations
  • Themes
  • Menu
  • Decorations
  • Games/activities
  • Music
  • Party favors

Personalized details

For our take on how to make the shower extra special, read on. We love getting creative with customizable decorations, gifts, and favors. 

Photos

Decorate the shower with photos of the pregnancy, photos of the family and especially baby photos of the parents-to-be, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. This is a great way to remind us of the circle of life and will probably generate a few laughs along the way.

Party favors

Thoughtful party favors are a great way to thank your guests and leave them with a meaningful reminder of your celebration. From playful keepsakes to practical items, customizable products add a personal touch that makes everyone feel appreciated and part of the moment. These ideas blend style, sentiment, and creativity to create the perfect finishing touch for your event:

 

  • A wooden candle holder is a party favor that can be used again and again and may offer even more space for a tailored message such as “ Thank you for celebrating baby [name] with us on [date of shower]!”
  • Handmade soap is a lovely party favor for pretty much any style of shower. From earthy and rustic to chic and cosmopolitan, every shower guest will appreciate a pleasantly scented soap. Creating your own design on the wrapping will make for the most charming touch. 
  • Potted plants allow your guests to bring a new life into their home as well. You can add a specific message to the pot or consider setting up a painting station at the shower so that everyone can design their own. 
  • Personalized soft enamel pins make for the sweetest mementos that your guests will surely cherish. You may be surprised with just how much color, texture, and glee these cute enamel pins can provide. Everything from shower themes to baby names to meaningful expressions can be incorporated into the design. 

 

Custom treats

Sweet treats are a must-have at any baby shower, and desserts bring both flavor and a personal touch to your celebration. Whether you're going for playful, elegant, or something in between, personalized goodies can help set the tone and delight your guests. From beautifully designed cookies to adorable themed candies, here are a few favorites that can be customized to fit your baby shower perfectly:

 

  • Macarons come in a variety of flavors and colors. Pink, yellow, and blue are perfect for baby showers. They offer an elegant aesthetic and can be customized with writing to include the baby’s name or a cute phrase such as “Welcome baby [insert family name]!”
  • A variety of vendors offer customizable Hershey’s kisses. These adorable candies can be made with graphics, photos, or text on the bottom of the wrapper for an even more delightful kiss. Place them in bowls around the shower for easy access and added decoration.  
  • Cookies are always a crowd pleaser. Work with your favorite bakery to create cookies in baby themed shapes such as a baby carriage, a onesie, or a rattle. Consider adding celebratory text with the frosting for even more fun.

 

Gifts made custom for baby

For anyone who may be stumped on how to take their gift giving to the next level, we encourage you to personalize the baby’s presents as well. These are the types of gifts that keep on giving. An appreciation for these thoughtful gems will likely take new shape as the baby matures into a child and beyond. 

  • Wooden blocks
  • Story books
  • Rattle
  • Keepsake box
  • Pacifier clip

The finishing touch

After you’ve created your custom accessories and taste-tested the macarons, designing a set of thank you cards will make for the cherry on top. Consider gifting the parents-to-be a customized set of thank you cards with printed photos from the event. 

Baby showers are often full of warmth, happiness, and love. Relish in the fun and show the new baby what life is all about!