Baby showers have become synonymous with gift giving. In fact, an estimated 95% of baby shower invitees arrive with a wrapped present in hand. While opening gifts is an undeniable highlight for expecting parents, the focus on presents has overshadowed the intention behind baby showers – celebrating parenthood, family, and community.
This article will explore the history and heart behind baby showers. You’ll learn ways to plan a baby shower focused on making memories. Most importantly, we’ll share tips on celebrating in a more present-oriented way.
Traditions Behind Baby Showers
The tradition of baby showers dates back centuries, with early origins tied to helping new families welcome their babies. In the past, baby showers were intended as a celebratory gathering to provide support, advice, and essential supplies for expectant mothers before the arrival of their new baby. They were communal and involved older parents, usually mothers, sharing their wisdom and experiences with labor and delivery.
Making Meaningful Connections
While receiving gifts and presents for your new baby may seem like the focus of a baby shower, this can come with some downsides that take away from the spirit of celebration and community. An over-emphasis on gifts can create financial and emotional stress for the expecting parents as well as the guests. This obligation should not overshadow the joy of celebrating the new life and supporting the expanding family.
Receiving gifts that don’t match the needs or style of the new parents can also create stress. While gifts are given with the best intentions, baby gear and supplies are often a matter of personal preference. Parents may feel ungrateful if they receive items they will not use. This sense of obligation can detract from feelings of genuine care and support surrounding the new baby.
Consider how to make the baby shower an opportunity for meaningful interactions. For instance, plan conversational games or group activities that allow guests to share heartfelt wisdom and advice. Have attendees bring written well-wishes or blessings for the baby that the parents can keep as mementos. Encourage guests to impart cherished stories or lessons that will help the parents as they embark on parenthood.
Be upfront in invitations or announcements about your “presence over presents” theme. Gently suggest contributions to a college fund or favorite charity over wrapped gifts, if desired.
The simple act of loved ones being physically present can make a difference. Their emotional presence through shared stories, supportive words, and sound guidance enables expectant parents to feel uplifted and encouraged. Amidst the transition into parenthood, this sense of community helps create fond memories that will endure beyond any material gifts.
Celebrating Without Presents
Here are some ideas for having a present-light baby shower:
- Ask guests to share wisdom, advice, and well-wishes instead of gifts. Provide cards for them to write heartfelt messages to the parents and baby. This creates a treasured keepsake.
- Plan activities that encourage bonding between guests, like having everyone share their hopes and dreams for the baby. Foster a spirit of community.
- Create opportunities for guests to offer their services to the new parents, such as preparing freezer meals or helping with household chores. Show support through action.
- Organize a group baby item donation drive and deliver items to a local charity after the shower. Give back together.
- Make the shower a potluck. Have everyone contribute their favorite dishes.
- Ask guests to bring children’s books instead of gifts.
- Play games that allow guests to share parenting tips and relive the excitement of their own pregnancies. Bond over experiences.
Words of wisdom offered from the heart are gifts. Showers are often multi-generational, so the new parents can gain perspective by listening to different parenting journeys. Rather than dispensing unsolicited advice, guests can be encouraged to share wise words based on experience. These nuggets of wisdom make cherished keepsakes the parents can hold onto.
