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Baby Shower Hostess Etiquette

by: Randy Wilson

Does baby shower hostess etiquette allow for gift suggestions, if yes, how? Here you will find numerous ways how the baby shower host can provide the baby shower gift suggestions to everyone invited in a most systematic way.

Although, gift giving is something very personal based upon the individual liking and disliking along with the affordability. But these days baby showers are becoming more trendy and generally geared towards convenience and suitability.

These days people are more understanding. Most of the time they are willing to give suitable gifts (that can be utilized by the recipient). Theme parties are invading the
old den of great traditions. Now the baby shower guests can be given gift ideas by the hostess according to proper baby shower hostess etiquette.

There is nothing wrong with giving gift suggestions according to proper baby shower hostess etiquette, provided everything is done in a systematic manner. If you are giving a long distance baby shower, then instead of attending these parties physically, people are able to send their wishes and baby shower gifts online too.

Obviously, your baby shower hosting duties can include providing gift suggestions to the baby shower guests. It is useful, especially if it is a long distance baby shower. Knowing the type of gift, baby shower guests would find it more convenient to send the suggested baby shower gifts.

But remember, if you are providing the gift suggestions, then you need to stick to the main party theme, if you have any. The baby shower guests would be thankful to you, for your baby shower hostess etiquette, and they will welcome your suggestions.

Before you send out baby shower invitations, find out the guest of honor’s gift preferences. In many cases it is advisable to consult the mom-to-be and her other family members regarding their specific needs for proper baby shower hostess etiquette. Like what would be the most suitable gifts for the baby. Just in case someone contacts you to ask what the new baby needs.

Gift suggestions become more important for the subsequent showers as mom already may have some of the items. Remember the stores at which the new mom is registered. Then keep a list of baby shower gift ideas that coordinate with the baby shower theme.

For guests planning to give baby clothes, suggest sizes other than just newborn to three-months (the size of many babies’ wardrobes shrinks at six months!).

Also be prepared to host or delegate a gift pool for those who want to contribute to a larger gift for the baby.

Best idea is to include a sheet with each baby shower invitation that lists the vital information like name, telephone number, customer id, location of the store etc. This way the baby shower gift reaches the right hands at the right time.

However, in case mom is not registered, include a note in the baby shower invitation that if gift ideas are wanted you can contact the following person. You could also include your telephone number and email address.

So, if you are following proper baby shower hostess etiquette, then it would be much appreciated if you can provide gift ideas to the baby shower guests well in advance. This can be done in different ways, depending on what are more comfortable with.

A second mailing of gift ideas or
registry cards can follow the baby shower invitations, or baby shower guests can call you with questions. Gift ideas are not generally given with baby shower invitations. Although baby registry cards or information are common. Again, it depends on how intimate the group of baby shower guests are.

Like in certain groups you can inform them using just a simple phone call. The key here is to know what the mom-to-be needs and wants. Then to be able to get that information out to the baby shower guests to make it easier for everyone.

Definitely, baby shower hostess etiquette provides that you want to help the mom-to-be and wish to share her happiness in the best possible manner. While the mom-to-be awaits the arrival of her new baby, the baby shower is a great diversion and honors her as her pregnancy comes to an end.

Organization is the key to an entertaining, successful baby shower. And knowing how to plan this special event can help make it fun for everyone involved.

Planning a baby shower should be fun for the baby shower hostess, not a chore. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to organize this special event.

Most importantly, remember that your positive attitude and caring spirit while baby shower hosting will set the stage for a memorable shower for your honored guest. If you feel short of ideas then discuss, discuss and discuss with your friends. A little homework will pay you in multifolds.

Last but not the least, baby shower hostess etiquette means thay you know that selecting a baby shower gift is a very personal thing. Only you will know mom-to-be better to decide on what is the right gift for her. Try to think about what interests
them. Or maybe a luxury item or experience they would like but would never buy for themselves.

Choosing a suitable baby shower gift will also depend on your individual budget, willingness to give and how much you can afford at the time.

Whenever you get responsibility to suggest gift suggestions always be moderate and be practical (put yourself in the shoes of others to understand them). It should be something that suits everyone involved.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

About the Author

Randy is owner of http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com where you will find further tips on baby showers and baby shower games.