Celebrate... REGISTERING & RECEIVING A Baby Shower or Sprinkle

We were blessed to have several showers thrown for us while we were expecting our first child. 

Selecting a registry is an exciting process and here are some details that I learned during my experiences that might help you...

1. Compare which store provides biggest percentage off for "completing your registry." This will save a lot of money if you do not receive all of your registered gifts, and you will purchase the remaining items with your money/giftcards.
2. Some stores provide incentives or gift bags. For example, Target gave us a tote bag with generous coupons, samples, etc. 
3. Review the easiness of the registry system's technology in the store and at home. In our case, Burlington Coat Factory's Baby Depot offered stellar prices overall, yet had broken/archaically slow computers in their store so it was difficult to update registry in person.

Remember to think proactively when registering and requesting gifts such as...

1. Night light
2. Poddy chair
3. Step stool
4. Baby gate
5. Outlet covers/safety kit
6. Teething toys
7. Sippy cups
8. Utensils & plate wear
9. Infant to toddler car seat
10. Strollers
11. Baby baths
12. Tub faucet covers
13. Pacifiers
14. Toiletries (q-tips, bath soap, lotion, Orajel, etc.)
15. Storage trays for food or breast milk
16. Baby gates
17. Teething Feeder 
18. High chair
19. Slings
20. Nursing wear, accessories
21. Teething necklace
22. Reflective mirror (used within automobiles)
23. Bicycle trailer
24. Jogging stroller

Share your favorite shower gifts, registry tips, and more...

Celebrate... HOSTING & ATTENDING Baby Sprinkle/Shower

In hosting or organizing a celebration, remember to:

1. Include the registry stores on the printed invitation or E-vite
2. Document gifts while being opened at the party, then give organized list to expecting mother (to help with thank you notes)

Think of these SHOWER ALTERNATIVES...

1. Someone I know attended a shower where instead of giving a greeting card with gift, the mother-to-be requested a children's book! This is a great way to begin or expand the children's library.
2. If the expecting mother/couple already has children then host a sprinkle, instead! One Baby Sprinkle I attended had a theme of diapers/wipes. Even if the family will use green diapers, some brands can be pricey to purchase the starter set or diaper service... consider this!

Fun ideas for DECORATIONS include:

1. Baby's Breath Flowers
2. Balloons
3. Stuffed Animals (which turn become more gifts for the baby... make sure they are machine washable)
4. Toys (thinking again of baby gifts after the party!)

Ideas for FAVORS..

1. Candy
2. Candles
3. Cookies
4. Cookie Cutter shapes
5. Toiletries
6. Bottle of bubbles
7. Copies of CDs with personalized lullabies or children's songs
8. Baked goods... cinnamon buns, miniature loaves (idea of a "bun in the oven")

Here is a list of ideas for GAMES:

Paper diapers made from Construction Paper

1. Pinning The Diaper 



Yummy!

2. Guessing candy with similar names as pregnancy events/milestones (such as "to conceive a child" = SKOR Candy Bar
3. Guessing Waist Measurements with Cut Ribbon
4. Tasting then Guessing Baby Foods (cover flavor labels)
5. Gathering guesses in a Baby Pool (date, weight, name, eye color, etc.)
6. Sniffing out Baby Stool in diapers using smeared chocolates like : )

Giving GIFTS like these, can always be used...

1. Unscented Laundry detergent
2. Diapers
3. Wipes
4. Kleenex
5. Burp cloths
6. Bibs
7. Bubbles
8. Coupons for diapers, wipes, baby toiletries, etc.
9. Hand sanitizer

What other alternatives, decorations, favors and/or games do you recommend; did you enjoy receiving?