Not every family is the same — and not every baby shower needs to be either. All types of families bring babies into this world and not every mother- or father-to-be loves the idea of a ladies-only frilly, frou-frou to-do. Sometimes, families adopt or use surrogates. Older parents may have different goals for their baby shower than younger parents do. Some babies will born to same-sex or transgender parents and some families are multiracial or multi-ethnic, and want to honor that in their celebrations.
There are a lot of different reasons for a family to choose a non-traditional baby shower, and every one of them is valid. So we’re sharing some fun ideas to help all different types of parents — and their friends — start planning for their baby shower. Whether you want to go with a party or something entirely different altogether, we have lots of ideas to consider when hosting a baby shower.
Book Baby Shower
Jack-and-Jill Baby Shower
If both parents-to-be want to get to enjoy the baby shower and celebrate the baby’s upcoming arrival together, these days it’s totally acceptable to have a couples’ baby shower. The shower can be less structured and more like a casual get-together, or you can still opt to do a theme and have baby shower games and giveaways.
Blessingway
A “blessingway” is a way to honor expectant moms ahead of their baby’s arrival that’s rooted in Indigenous American tradition. Instead of the celebration being about gifts for the baby, it’s all about helping the mother mentally prepare for childbirth and motherhood. Guests offer advice and usually a small ceremony is performed. The atmosphere should be calming and relaxing.
Baby Sprinkle
A baby sprinkle is generally a more casual affair to celebrate a second or subsequent baby, when most parents already have the big baby items at home. The guest list is usually pared down and only includes close family and friends. Sometimes guests bring gifts, but it’s also totally acceptable not to, and instead use the event as a time to celebrate the expectant parents and baby.
Virtual Baby Shower
In this day and age, many of us have grown accustomed to attending virtual events. If the expectant parents have friends and family across the country — or even the globe — a virtual baby shower is a wonderful way to include everyone. You can still register for gifts and have them shipped to their home, or not — it’s their choice. The point is to celebrate the new life they’re welcoming into their family.
Sip & See
If you don’t want to deal with the stress of a baby shower when you’re heavily pregnant or if your baby happens to arrive early — or if perhaps you are having a baby via surrogate or adoption — a “sip and see” is a great option. It’s essentially a casual cocktail party during which your family and friends get to meet your little one for the first time.
Adoption Shower
If you’re adopting a child, you can always opt to have a shower after your child comes home. An adoption shower is totally acceptable regardless of the age of your child, so it’s a wonderful option for families who are adopting an older child or even a teen and want to celebrate and introduce their child to family and friends.
