This is the third and final article in the series, The Recession and Our Family.
Your sister or best friend is expecting her first child. You’re responsible for throwing the baby shower but are strapped for cash in this economy. How do you throw an affordable baby shower while still keeping it special? Here are some ideas on how to host a baby shower on the cheap:
Invitations
The invitations are an easy area to cut back on when planning a baby shower. Almost everyone has email these days – even Grammy. Send an E-Vite or for anyone who isn’t web savvy on the guest list, invite them over the phone.
Have a Potluck
Divvy up the cost of food by having a potluck. Be sure to coordinate with guests about who is bringing what so you don’t end up with five different variations of Seven Layer Dip. Set a theme for the food, either by region (Italian, Mediterranean) or find out what the mom or couple to be’s (if you are having a co-ed baby shower) favorite family and friend’s recipes are. Set a budget per dish so no one spends too much.
Skip the Favors
Guests can do without that baby carriage candle or chocolate bar. Show your appreciation of their presence at the shower with some thoughtfully prepared words during the celebration or a thank you email a few days later. Your gratitude will shine through, probably even more than with a traditional baby shower favor.
Choose Free Games
There are plenty of free baby shower games to keep the crowd entertained. Here are two of our favorites:
- Guess The Baby: Ask each guest to bring a photograph of themselves as a baby. Hang the photos on a string and then give everyone a scrap piece of paper and something to write their guess of who is in each photo.
- Baby Features: Moms or Dads? Before the party, make a list of different features the baby could inherit from their parents, from physical characteristics to personality traits: eyes, cheeks, ears, toes, sense of humor, work ethic, etc. During the shower, have each guest guess which features the mom-to-be will hope the baby will inherit from mom or dad. After everyone has “voted,” have mom read aloud her answers.
Cheap Baby Shower Gifts
Gifts can be one of the biggest expenses at a baby shower. Shop our affordable baby gifts section for baby gifts that are economical but will still stand out from the crowd. Our best sellers: baby sock bouquets, cupcake baby onesies and baby pajamas, all priced under $20.
Have additional cheap baby shower ideas? Do tell!
