Shower Invitations for a New Kind of Baby Shower

My best friend and her husband are expecting their first child this winter. I really wanted to host a baby shower for them. They were not so keen about the whole thing when I approached them. They are pretty non traditional and did not want to obligate people to buy them a lot of stuff. "I do not want our friends to think we are opportunists, just because we give them all baby shower invitations," they said. I understood their sentiment, as I too do not like the concept of the 5 bridal showers some brides throw that always seem to make guests fork out more than they are comfortable with. I also know that baby showers represent something altogether more fulfilling emotionally than the average greedy bridal shower. A good number of newlyweds are older than their counterparts of 20 years prior. They have jobs and are usually combining the belongings of two households when they get hitched. In the old days, young couples did not have much for their households and bridal showers helped fill that void. Guests receiving bridal shower invitations should be asked to help celebrate, not reach into their pocketbooks. People love to buy presents and they will anyway, just do not make them feel like they are expected to.
That brings us back to the baby shower for my friends. I told them that sending out baby shower invitations would evoke joy and a desire to help celebrate in their friends and family. Expectant first time parents do not have diapers, cribs and baby clothes hanging around the house, regardless of how much money they make. When you are expecting your first child, you have no idea what you need and where to start. By getting your friends and family together for a baby shower, you allow them to offer advice and give you items that will make your life so much easier. The only thing that kept our first baby sleeping happily at night was a sleep sack, yet we would have never even tried such a thing if someone had not given it to us as a shower gift. A good number of other guests who will be sent shower invitations may not know the first thing about being pregnant or bringing a baby home. You have now given them an excuse to buy something adorably printed with little doggies from Baby Gap.
I came up with an idea that was well received by my friends. I sent out shower invitations for a "Wisdom and Wives Tales" party. Attendees were to bring a baby proofing item and a supply (diapers, wipes, baby thermometer). I also asked the people who were given shower invitations for the best piece of knowledge they received before they had a baby, and the most ridiculous thing masquerading as advice they had received. I took all the tidbits, had them professionally printed and bound, and gave them to the expectant couple. The books were a big hit and my friends adored that everyone shared such helpful information and entertaining tales. And they were very grateful for all the practical items and supplies that will make their life easier when the baby comes home. The baby shower invitations did not set forth any expectation of gifts beyond the scope of the theme. I think all the guests, however, happily brought additional baby gifts. But everyone seemed to enjoy offering support, advice and humor to the expectant couple. And that is what it is all about.

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