Well look who is in charge of throwing a baby shower! Only … it's not for the mom's first child. So while a gal may want to celebrate, pulling out all the stops for a full-blown baby shower may feel like overkill. If so, consider throwing a "baby sprinkle" instead — a smaller shower for second, third, or even later pregnancy. Yep, it's true — this is a real, growing trend for moms who are having their second kid and beyond and still want to do something special to celebrate the new baby.
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Every baby that a couple has is special, of course — it just seems like a shame that there is a great big, hoopla for the first baby and then after that? Well, let's just say it's not the same thing. That's why a sprinkle is genius. The general gist of baby sprinkles is that they're low-key; while guests may bring gifts, they're usually smaller (think onesies rather than car seats). Sometimes there may be no gifts at all, just close friends and family gathering for a few snacks to toast the great news. For plenty of inspiration on how to put together a baby sprinkle with panache, check out these creative ideas.
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Number four is perfect for moms who already have kids! Has anyone seen anything like it at a shower?
Image via mycreativevision.com
Sprinkle Invitation
First things first: in order for people to get that this is a "sprinkle" rather than a shower, it really helps to state that on your invitation! A short and sweet rhyming poem works just fine, like this one from Bolling with 5: "This is only a 'sprinkle' to show that we care. We welcome your presence and all of your prayers."
Sprinkle Letters
The more common decorating theme at sprinkles? You guessed it: sprinkles! That's why these sprinkle-covered cardboard letters spelling "baby" were such a hit at one recent sprinkle; for instructions check out the blog sift & whisk. You can also spell the baby's name or anything else that suits.
Sprinkle Punch Cups
You can punch up your punch cups with sprinkles, too! All you need is a sticky syrup to brush around the top; for instructions head to Leslie Reese.
Toddler Table
Since the expectant mom probably has an older child (as do many of her friends), it's a great idea to set up some entertainment for them. This toddler table to decorate onesies keeps them occupied.
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Sprinkle-Themed Table Decor
You can also use the "sprinkle" theme to dress up the table area with polka dot banners and ceiling hangings, which also have a festive raindrop-type feel.
Cake Batter Puppy Chow
For a downscale snack that's still impressive and sprinkle themed, look no further than cake batter puppy chow. The main ingredients: Chex, cake batter and (of course) sprinkles.
Fruit Salad Cradle
For baby sprinkles, a full-on cake may feel like too much…only if you still need a clever centerpiece for people to ooh and ahh at, consider a fruit salad baby cradle which uses oranges, grapes and other fruit to create a baby. So cute!
Sprinkle Shakers
Whether you set out these homemade "Sprinkled With Love" shakers so people can decorate their ice cream sundaes or take them home as party favors, they're a clever way to incorporate the "sprinkle" theme.
Sprinkle Flowers
Even your flower arrangement can have a sprinkle theme: the trick is to have a small thin vase that fits inside a larger glass one — that way your flowers are sitting in water rather than sugar.
Baby Sprinkle Game: Whose Water Broke?
Sprinkles may not feature a full pantheon of baby shower games, but if you're looking for a low-key option, consider freezing plastic babies in ice cubes and playing Who's Water Broke? Whoever's ice cube melts and frees baby fastest wins.
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Sprinkle Votives
Here's another fun and unexpected place to add the sprinkle theme: in tiny jars underneath votive candles. So simple, so cute!
'Ready To Pop' Bags
If you don't want to make a big to-do over gift bags, consider these clever "ready to pop" bags of popcorn to send people on their way with a smile. Fill with homemade kettle corn; you can even add sprinkles!
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