Statistically speaking, the U.S. is in the midst of a baby boom, the natural result of a large uptick in marriages over the last decade. During the housing boom, when so many people were able to tap into the swollen equity in their homes, baby showers became more elaborate affairs than ever before - and they weren't exactly modest endeavors to begin with. With home values sagging, the expectations have yet to subside, as baby showers are still forces to be reckoned with by both the expecting mother and her guests.
Cards and Cakes
It starts with the invitation. A simple card is only acceptable if it is engraved, embossed or otherwise made more expensive. Die-cut cards (depicting, for example, the silhouette of a pregnant woman) are more in keeping with fashion these days. The other item at the forefront of a chic baby shower is the cake. Originality is wonderful, but there are so many pre-fab cake designs as to make such effort appear unnecessary. Rubber Ducky cakes, Baby's Bottom cakes, Jungle Cakes and others (depending on whether a boy or a girl is expected) can be bought off the shelves in most areas.Baby Showers with a Theme
Themed showers are also popular. Winnie the Pooh, Dr. Seuss, Disney and other staples of childhood are the wellsprings of ready-made theme party materials that may someday make the baby jealous when he or she looks at the photo albums and realizes what he or she missed. "Green" shower packages are also available, with responsible, eco-friendly materials like invitations, napkins, paper plates and decorations.Oh, and don't forget the centerpiece, which is the crown jewel of the baby shower. Centerpieces can be made of anything from giant wooden letters to edible (and healthy) fruit bouquets, or anything else up to and including good old fashioned flowers. If it doesn't get eaten, the centerpiece is certain to end up among a mother's collection of personal treasures.
If you are having trouble deciding on a gift, try looking into items, such as a playgro velour cot blanket.