Don't Leave Dad & the Kids out of the Baby Shower Festivities

Some men may not wish to be part of the Baby Shower, and that's okay. But what about those men who really wish to be part of the fun? Why should they be deprived of the fun based on an implied custom that men aren't invited?

There are many, many places to get specific baby shower invitations, as well as places where the new moms and dads can enroll for gifts. Yes, enroll for gifts. Doesn't that make perfect logic? Sign up at baby websites or have your shower hostess track who is bring what, so you don't get swamped with same present or gifts repeatedly.

Make your occasion a surprise for the new parents. Hold the occasion at your home or another friend's. Keep everything on the QT and get all the friends and neighbors involved in keeping it secret. Just remember to make sure your invitations indicate that you are giving a surprise affair, or someone will be bound to spill the beans by accident.

If the parents already have children, holding a co-ed or family baby shower with other children present will make them part of the celebrations. You might even consider having a special present just for the new big brother and/or big sister. Making them feel special will help lessen any potential jealousy over the newborn getting a lot of gifts and make the new parents very appreciative for your consideration.

Be inventive with your entertainment. Remember to include the little ones in the games if they are attending. Hold races for the kids, bob for apples, have a scavenger hunt. For adults have word games, pictionary or charades. As hostess you can even get several couples to go together and get specific gifts for the new addition.

With a co-ed baby shower you just need to keep in mind to keep it guy-and-kid-friendly; so maybe use less frilly decorations even if the newborn is going to be a girl. Don't turn the guys off; you want them to be thrilled about the big party. The same goes for the kids as well.

A ideal present for baby showers are the newest thing in baby shower party decorations - a baby shower diaper cake and/or a baby shower gift baskets. You can even theme the diaper cake and gift basket to match whether you are using a jungle, safari, animal, Mother Goose, or just about theme imaginable.

Having a co-ed baby shower brings a whole new level of expectation to the party. You can host a dinner, a barbecue, and backyard party not only for the parents but their kids. Whether the new parent(s) is single mom, adopting or already has children, a family or co-ed party can be just the ticket to having a truly memorable event.

We do suggest however, that as guys and kids will be attending, that you actually have a REAL cake too!

Kathy Barto, owner of www.FairyliciousDiaperCakes.com, where you can find adorable custom made diaper cakes and matching baby gift baskets in many Baby Shower themes at affordable prices.