I recently heard a story about a woman who got an interesting discount, just because she was pregnant. She went into a sandwich shop for lunch one day, ordered her food and then was told that she got 10% off. She thought maybe the sandwich was on special and sat down to eat. Before she left the owner came over and told her that because of her being pregnant, she got a discount every time she came in and that in the future just sit down, tell him what she wanted and he would handle the rest.

While this special treatment was incredibly nice and thoughtful, and pregnant women all around the world probably think that more places should do this, it is not common to find places offering women special treatment just because they are pregnant. Most restaurants do not have discounts for pregnant women, neither do most stores you will find in your local town. Sometimes you can get lucky though.

One type of special treatment that many pregnant women in their third trimester would appreciate is a parking spot or spots reserved close to doors of shopping centers and grocery stores. By the time you are ready to deliver, walking a mile to buy some milk because you can’t find a close spot does not sound too exciting. Especially in the heat of the summer, or if it is cold, snowy, icy or raining outside. However, you can occasionally find these special spots at local grocery stores and chains. If you do you generally have to get a “pass” from the store that you hang in your window letting them know that you are in fact pregnant and they are only good in the third trimester and for the first couple of months after your baby is born.

It would also be nice if places like big amusement parks, where you are told you can not ride the rides, would offer discounts to pregnant women. Instead at most of them pregnant women are forced to pay the full price of $40 or $50 so that they can go in and walk around for hours while their family gets to enjoy the rides that they paid for. We are not aware of any amusement park that offers this type of discount, but if you are, please let us know so that we can tell all pregnant women to go there!

If you can not find a place in your neighborhood that offers special treatment to pregnant women, bring up the idea yourself. Mention it to the owners of your favorite restaurants, and to the manager at your local grocery store. Make them see that offering parking spots or discounts on food would help bring in the pregnant women who want to walk only 20 feet, instead of a mile, and those that don’t feel like cooking, but would rather just grab a quick bite to eat. Many times it is not done just because it isn’t thought of. After all, not everyone can be as smart as a pregnant woman.

by: Adriana Copaceanu

A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant mother’s pregnancy. Planning a baby shower requires some thought and consideration for the expectant mother’s special event. Baby shower favors are among the items that must be considered when planning a shower.

Baby shower favors do not have to be complicated to make an impressionable impact on visitors. Most people are happy enough to come to the shower just to visit the mom to be in all her pregnant glory. Baby shower favors however can provide a memento of the unique event and offer a simple way to thank guests for visiting and celebrating the mother’s time of joy.

Baby shower favors come in every size, shape and form. Some simple gift ideas include the following:

• Candles
• Miniature boxes of chocolates or candy
• Bath and body items
• Pictures
• Gift baskets
• Lotto tickets
• Movie tickets

Keep in mind that to make any party even more fun and eventful, baby shower favors that coincide with the “theme” of the party are even more fun to pass out. For example, if the expectant mother is carrying twins, and the theme of the shower revolves around multiples, it might be possible to offer baby shower gifts that coincide with this idea. Some ideas in this situation might involve the following:

• Double Bubble
• “Twix” Candy Bars
• 2 pairs of anything
• Identical picture frames
• Manicure and pedicure set
• Pair of coffee spoons

One neat idea for baby shower favors is to have each guest bring a “white elephant gift”. The idea of white elephant gifts typically surfaces during Christmas time, when guests are invited to bring a “mock” gift to a party for exchange. This may include silly items such as used household appliances, a roll of toilet paper or an open box of Oreo cookies. Guests are encouraged to wrap the gifts, then each member of the party can select a number and draw gifts. Using white elephant gifts as party favors is a great way to share laughter and joy in a shower situation.

About The Author
Corporate gift strategist Adriana Copaceanu specializes in helping entrepreneurs increase their referrals through the strategic use of gifts. She offers a customized worry free gift giving service to fit the budget of any size business to assist them in standing out from the crowd. See her gift basket gallery here: www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/.

If you are going to have a shower choosing the theme is an important step in the planning process. You don’t have to have a theme however having one will make the party entertaining, fun, and a memorable experience.

If you choose to have a theme, ask yourself what your baby shower guests would find enjoyable. Once you have a theme you can build your shower around that. It will help you determine the location, whom to invite, what kind of baby shower decorations, games, food, beverages, and favors you need to buy. You can even use your nursery theme to build your shower plans around.

You also need to determine if the baby shower will be before the baby arrives or after. If you choose to have it after you can make it a “Welcome Baby” party, vs. a shower for the mother, and you get to show off your baby.

Some examples of baby shower themes include:

• Baby girl shower theme
• Baby boy shower theme
• Baby Diaper Cake shower theme
• Teddy Bear shower theme
• Gift Basket shower theme
• Stork shower theme
• Nursery Rhyme shower theme
• Winnie the pooh baby shower theme
• Christmas baby shower theme
• Baby game shower theme
• Noah’s ark shower theme
• Sports shower theme
• Teddy bear shower theme
• Snoopy shower theme
• Princess shower theme
• Angel shower theme
• Cowboy shower theme
• Precious moments shower theme

There are many more theme choices out there, after all the sky is the limit when it comes to your baby! Use your imagination and make it the best party you can.

1. A bit of advice – Contributed by: Phyllis C.
   Have ink pens and index cards near the exit of the party. Ask each person to write down some thoughts or advice for the mom-to-be!
2. Comforter Creation – Contributed by: Talina J.
   Purchase a light, solid color comforter and get a laundry marker. Have everyone that attends the shower sign the blanket! It’s a great keepsake and looks so cute in the baby’s room hanging on the wall.
3. Educational Party – Contributed by: Rhiana W.
   Ask everyone to bring a book to start a library for the baby, or an educational toy.
4. Helium Balloon Party – Contributed by: Jennifer
   Each guest is asked to bring a helium balloon to the party. During the party a note is attached to the balloon with the mom-to-be’s post office box address and a request for a letter from the person that finds the balloon. At the end of the party, the balloons are set loose. The letters received by the mom-to-be can be saved in the baby book.
5. Party Favors – Contributed by: Beverly B. of Oklahoma
   Purchase about 1/2 yard of flannel suitable for a baby in either a pink or blue pattern. Cut squares approximately 4 inches square. Fold in half diagonally to form a triangle and then form a tiny 3 cornered “diaper” and then pin it with a little pin. Spray with spray starch and allow to dry. Inside each little diaper, insert a paper mini baking and party cup (made by Wilton and found at craft stores and discount stores). These can then be used to hold nuts and/or mints, such as after dinner mints in the pastel colors and given to each guest at the shower.
6. Thank You Notes – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
   Hand out envelopes (the ones for the thank you notes) and ask each person to fill in their name and address. They can get a small gift or prize for doing so if you choose, bit it certainly helps the mother to be.
7. What’s My Name? - Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
   Have everyone write down their favorite baby names on a piece of paper. This gives mom and dad a nice list to think about, and you can give a gift to the person who’s name they choose!

Do you have a baby shower game or idea you’d like to list here?
Please let us know!

by Criss White

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby shower. Below are some important topics to consider when planning:

1) Who will host the shower?
The person that plans and hosts the shower can be anyone, but is usually someone who is close to the new or expecting mother. Normally, a close friend or family member will do all the preparations, but sometimes the new mother will help as well, particularly with the guest list. Sometimes a small group of friends can plan the event together.

In the event of a surprise baby shower, planning must occur more carefully and invitations should be sent out in secret. In this circumstance, people who are not as close to the new mother will be involved in acquiring supplies and getting the word out.

2) Who should be invited?
Be sure to invite all the mother’s friends and family to the event. If planning a surprise party, make sure that everyone you tell helps spread the word. A close friend or family member may know most of the mother’s friends, but it can also be helpful to ask co-workers and other friends to make sure that no one is left out.

Also, men are increasingly being included in these parties. An all women’s shower can be different than a shower with both men and women, so the planner should consider these things as well.

If other young children will be in attendance, then make sure to plan events for them too. Not planning for children is a common oversight that adults make when planning parties of this nature. Baby shower games are a fun way for both children and adults to celebrate.

3) Where and when should the shower occur?
The party should be held at a location that is comfortable to the new mother. Oftentimes, the most common place to host a party is at a friend’s or family member’s home. In this case, the mother will not have to worry about cleaning up afterwards.

Sometimes, the party is hosted at the mother’s place. This can be convenient as well because the mother doesn’t have to go anywhere. Friends of the mother can help with the clean up afterwards.

For larger baby showers, banquet halls or other locations can be rented. Other places include parks, restaurants, catered dining rooms, or anywhere else that might be appropriate. It is okay to plan things differently as long as the mother and everyone else has a good time.

Most baby showers occur several weeks before the baby is due. Sometimes showers occur after the baby is born, which allows the guest to see the new baby. When to have the baby shower is entirely based on the preferences of the host and the mother.

Most showers occur on the weekends. Saturday is a popular day for these parties. They can occur in the afternoon or evening, depending on various factors, like people’s schedules and how much you want to spend. Generally, dinner parties are more expensive than hosting lunch.

4) What activities should be planned?
There are many games and activities that can be planned in advance to make a baby shower memorable. Baby themed games are a fun way for everyone to celebrate a new baby. Do a search for “baby shower games” on the internet and you will find many games, some of which you can purchase and some that are free.

A short speech of congratulations is also a nice surprise for the new mother. If such a speech occurs, it is usually from a close friend or family member. A good time for congratulations is before eating lunch or dinner.

Finally, make some time before, between, and after events for everyone to mingle with the new or expecting mom.

5) What kind of food is appropriate?
The food at the party does not necessarily have to be baby-themed, although that can be a nice touch. The most common baby-themed food is baby shower diaper cake. Your local bakery can also make other items like cookies and pastries in the shape of baby blocks, pacifiers, rubber ducks, and other baby items. Or you can make them yourself. Most importantly, make sure to pick food that everyone will enjoy.

If you are hiring a caterer, then be sure to ask them about their ideas and experiences with baby showers. They may have some creative ideas that you may not have thought about.

6) Decorations and party favors.
Your local party supply store will probably have plenty of decorations for your baby shower. Specifically themed decorations can also be purchased online.

Buying party favors for your guests is always a nice way to say thank you for coming. These gifts for your guests can range from themed candies to more expensive keepsakes, including personalized items. Special prizes can also be given out for game winners or other people who have been important in the mother’s life and during the pregnancy.

7) During the party.
Greet the guests when they arrive and have others help out if necessary to make sure everything runs smoothly. And finally, don’t forget to have fun after all the planning and preparation.

About the Author:
Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more articles on baby showers, check out our Baby Shower Ideas and more baby articles at Baby Lullaby.

With so many different aspects of a shower to plan, coming up with a baby shower favor idea is often the last consideration on a long list of planning.

There are several unique, exciting and interesting baby shower favor ideas that will work well for almost any shower. Whether traditional or alternative in nature, the following are popular baby shower favor ideas:

• Bath and Body Items

• Notepads

• Pictures

• Gift Certificates

• Coupons

• Gift Baskets

• Designer Candles

• Baby Bottles with Candy

No matter what baby shower favor idea you come up with, keep in mind that the majority of your guests are coming with one intention in mind, and that is to spoil and entertain the mom to be. Some important considerations when planning a shower include the food items, cake and games that will be played by visitors.

The mom to be or any friends of the family is likely to take an active interest in your planning efforts. If you are uncertain what favors might be well received, go over the guest list with your mom-to-be and try to get a feel for the personality of the ladies attending. You might find for example that a large majority of the moms that will be attending have children of their own. If this is the case don’t hesitate to include helpful childcare or baby items that any mom would be appreciative of.

Some baby shower favor ideas are generated from the party theme itself. For example, if the motif of a shower is a color, such as green, you might consider acquiring some melon, lime or pear flavored hand soaps and lotions (that will of course, be green in color). You might even consider some “gag” gift items as party favors including stickers (which are sure to be well received from the children of guests).

Planning a baby shower requires an investment in time and energy. There is no reason to spend the majority of your planning time attempting to find appropriate party favors. There is a vast selection of products available, and ideas are easily discovered when one takes a moment to consider the shower theme, guests and mom-to-be’s expectations.

About the Author
Corporate gift strategist Adriana Copaceanu specializes in helping entrepreneurs increase their referrals through the strategic use of gifts. She offers a customized worry free gift giving service to fit the budget of any size business to assist them in standing out from the crowd. See her gift basket gallery here: www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com

By Sara Haese

A baby’s christening or baptism is a very special occasion. It is the very first step in their spiritual life so there should be as many keepsakes of the day as possible. Since the baby won’t have any first-hand memories of this special day, it’s up to the parents, godparents and family members to create lasting memories for them.

There are always the popular items that make treasured keepsakes, but there are many other ideas that might get overlooked. For instance, are the invitations just for inviting guests to the celebration and providing all the important details? That is their main purpose, but saving just one of them to be framed or placed in a memory album/scrapbook will create a lasting souvenir of the occasion.

Here is a list of some more obvious and not-so-obvious items that make great baptism or christening keepsakes creating lifetime memories for the baby.