Hello Ladies!
I am throwing a baby shower for a close friend who is having her third baby. One and two are both boys, and number 3 is a girl! After talking with her it is obvious that while she would love a shower (and why not...every child is a blessing), she would really love to make sure that everyone brings either diapers or formula (or a gift card to get them). She understands that people will want to buy girly clothes, but she really doesn't need tons of them.
So my question is, is there any way that I can word nicely in the invitation, that she has all of the "big" things that she needs and would really just like diapers and/or formula? We are also going to ask that everyone brings a recipe that has 5 ingredients or less in it so she has some quick and easy meals for after baby Emma comes. (We asked if she wanted pre-made meals, but she doesn't have an extra freezer, so she said a recipe would be best.)
Thanks in advance for all of your help!
I LOVE the "In and Out" shower and think that is probably the way we are going to go. Thank you to all of the mamas that gave such great advice...we are also going to ask people to sign up for meals at the shower instead of just bringing a recipe, that way she has food for awhile, but doesn't have to worry about where she will store it! Thank you all for helping me out!
How about calling it an "In and Out" shower? LOL (Either something that goes IN-formula, or something for it coming out --diapers!)
I think I would just invite people to a "diaper shower" rather than tell them what to bring. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I think including to much detail about what you want them to buy or not buy is tacky. Sounds like fun!!!
You are such a good friend to throw a shower for baby #3! I personally have always been of the belief that it is in very poor taste to "ask" for what gifts you want, regardless of the circumstances.
To accommodate your friend, I would put the wording to the effect of "to participate in the group gift, call M. at ###-###-####." Then use the funds to buy what diapers and formula. This way, if they decide they don't want to do it, you can sneak into the conversation about what she really wants.
The other option is to have her register at Target with a few token baby items and have the rest of the registery be diapers and formula. People will hopefully get the hint!! All you have to do is put the registery on her invitation and that's it.
Hope your shower goes well!
Well my advice is to have a diaper shower. I have two girls only 15 months apart so when I found out I was pregnant with my second girl, we just put down that we were having a diaper and wipes shower. I mean some people brought a few little extra things because they wanted to but the majority of the people brought much needed diapers and wipes. So I would just word the invitation a diaper and wipes shower and also say that as a way to help your friend out bring your favorite easy to make recipe so your friend doesn't have to spend too much time away from her precious bundle of joy. Some people will probably still bring what they want but I bet most will be relieved to have those simple and specific items to bring. Good luck and have fun!
I think the "in and out" shower is totally cute! Do that one!
I went to a shower last year and they did something that I thought was neat. On the invitations they put that everyone that brought in a pack of diapers would get an entry into a drawing for a $50 WalMart gift card. If you could get a prize you could do the same thing for the formula and diapers. Then the guests would also have the option of bringing in another more personal gift as well but they would have a "reason" to bring in diapers and formula. As far as the recipes go, I would say it would be a great idea to do a recipe swap. I am sure there are other mothers that will be there that would love to receive resipes as well so that can be a "ticket" to come to the shower and everyone (not just the hostess) can swap recipes.
I like the in and out idea too or the supply shower. I had a little girl in August after having 2 boys and diapers, wipes, and formula were the best gifts we received. I just wanted to add that you actually can return formula. Someone gave me some as a gift after my son had switched to milk and Walmart gave me a refund. They aren't allowed to resell it, but they will refund you for it.
My church family had me a diaper/wipe shower when I was pregnant with my 2nd boy. They considered a diaper/formula shower, but stores will not let you return/exchange formula. So what if she gets alot of formula that she cannot use and cannot exchange. If nothing else, call it a gift card shower. That way they can get gift cards and she can get what she needs as she needs it.
I would say "diaper/formula shower". My sister just had a "diaper shower", so I think that is appropriate. People will ask what exactly you mean (like it isn't clearly stated).
I knew someone who had a baby shower and on the invitation they called it a supply shower or something to that effect and everyone brought them diapers, wipes, shampoo, diaper cream, etc.
We are actually having a shower for a fourth time mama with her first girl. As it is a church shower, the invitation is issued in the bulletin. Our wording specifically reads,"Join us as we celebrate with the {} family. Mark you calendars for the couples baby shower and come ready for some fun! The family is requesting girl clothes and diapers!!"
Obviously you could change this to "...requesting diapers, formula, or a gift card to purchase them!" Just make it sound exciting and positive and I think only the really judgmental, bitter people would have a problem with it.
Side note: as a third time mom, I'm sure she's aware, but not every child can have every formula. She may want to consider not asking for formula in case her newborn needs soy formula or alimentum or another special blend....
Also, our church, Sunday school class, and MOPs group all provide daily delivered meals for two weeks for new moms and their families.....have you considered doing so for your friend? If she's out of town, obviously that wouldn't work but if it's a possibility that would be so much easier as she heals and they transition into third time parents than simple recipes....tho that's a GREAT idea too! (I'm actually gonna suggest that for my shower - thanks! LOL)
Have fun!!! :)
have her register somewhere and only register for the things she needs
M.,
You can simply call it a diaper shower - they are pretty popular - you can google diaper showers and get a long list of sites to visit - here are 2 of hundreds that I have found. This will get you started.
http://baby-shower.yeahbaby.com/theme.php?page=153
http://www.parents.com/baby/shower/themes/diaper-baby-sho...
Have a great time blessing your friend!
T.
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For my second son who came 13 months after my first son, we had all the "big" stuff too and mainly wanted/needed pampers, wipes and formula. So the theme for the second shower was "Pampers, Wipes and Formula...Oh My!! These are the items need for baby Jai." It was also noted on the invitation Pamper sizes: Newborn, 1, 2 and the type of Formula.
Because mostly everyone that was invited knew the 2nd was coming so close to the first, they pretty much adhered to the request. We did get a few outfits and other small items too.
I would google baby shower invitations and see if any cute poems or rhymes come up. At the end you can say, "the blessed family does not need any clothing or gear so in lieu of gifts, please consider diapers or gift cards for formula". you can re-word that however you like.
I would call it a baby sprinkle! And say something like to get ready for her first little girl ... or name is having number three ... let's help her get ready. She has the stuff from her little boys so let's bring her some girlie toys!
Good luck!
