Host A Long Distance Baby Shower
A How-To Guide On Throwing A Baby Shower For A Miles Away Mom-To-Be
Jun 25, 2008
With over 4 million births annually across the United States, thousands of families spread out across the nation, wonder how to honor their cherished mother to be. A handful of websites have tried to address this need but are often cumbersome, costly and too high tech for many intergenerational family members.
Throwing a long distance baby shower can be effortlessly achieved with a little innovation, creativity and pre party organization.
Collect Information For Invitations
Begin by speaking to the father-to-be and collect the following:
- Inquire about family “showering” customs by both sides of the family (many cultures vary in gift giving prior to versus post the actual birth).
- Gather gift ideas and ask if the mom to be has registered on the web (findgift.com is a wonderful website providing gift registry service targeted to the individuals specific needs) or at any local stores. Call favorite boutiques and gather information on website addresses, shipping practices and gift card availability.
- Record family names and addresses of those that should be included in the guest list.
- Ask the father-to-be if pertinent baby information is “public” (sex of the baby, due date, etc..) or should be kept private.
Create Family Questionnaires Or Scrapbook Pages
Create questionnaires (to be included in your invitation packet) on high quality paper to gather family advice from the attendees :
- Develop a questionnaire with simple but leading questions followed with ample "fill in the blank lines". For example: The best way to quiet a fussy baby is___.
- Include questions regarding baby and child care, pregnancy and labor advice, or favorite childhood memories to be passed down through the generations (be creative but limit the questionnaire to one page).
- Consider leaving space for photos that the family may wish to pass down to the mom to be.
- Consider creating a “secret family recipe” page for family favorites, simple freezable casseroles and/or traditional family feasts that older generations may want to share.
- Instruct the guests to complete the questionnaire and send directly to the expectant mom by a stated deadline (including an stamped addressed envelope with the expectant mothers address aids this process).
Create, Collate And Send Invitations
- Create a one page invitation on coordinating high quality paper.
- Include a gift list page specifying the nursery colors and/or style. Include information on specific wants and needs as well as favorite stores and gift registries.
- Prompt for gifts to be sent to the mom to be directly by a specified deadline. Consider asking guests to either attach the “questionnaire” directly to the gift if possible.
- Don't forget to include the questionnaire (or scrapbook page) and the stamped addressed envelope.
Announce The Baby Shower To The Expectant Mom
Close to the gift deadline, send the recipient a blank, high quality scrapbook with a card stating “you’ve been showered”. Include the invitation and a blank questionnaire in the first pages of the scrapbook adding your completed questionnaire.
Not only will baby gifts shower the mother-to-be each time she opens her mailbox, but family memories and written advice will long be cherished.
