Baby’s First Party

It’s the first party thrown for a child and it happens before they’re even born.

When planning a baby shower there are many ways to entertain your guests- baby bingo, baby scratch-offs, and some more elaborate options.

"You put a baby in the ice cube tray, then you put ice water in the ice cube tray, and then you freeze it of course, and everybody gets a little ice cube with a baby in their hands, and when the ice melts around the baby the people say ‘my water broke’," says Dixie Duemmel, manager Der Ver Ber.

You can choose from hundreds of shower game ideas on the Internet. You’ll also need to pick a theme to tie together your invitations, napkins, plates and decorations. Traditionally people go with pink or blue, and at Der Ver Ber one set stands above the rest.

"They like some some of the patterns with little feet on it," says Duemmel.

More and more people are moving away from traditional baby shower themes and getting a little more creative.

"Some people they don’t want to go with the regular baby shower plates and napkins and stuff. They like to go with a theme, like we have had a couple Ohio State themes, we’ve had a couple luau," she says.

Also popular in our area is a camouflage theme or themes related to the time of the year.

Last weekend my mother hosted a holiday-themed baby shower for me, since my son is due around Christmas. She had Christmas tree invitations and center pieces. The favors were Winter Wonderland scented candles. There were Santa baby cupcakes. And all the prizes were Christmas related.

The "C" turn at my husband J.K.’s work Owens Illinois also threw him a surprise shower. They had an Ohio State themed cake, since it’s his favorite team.

If you’re having trouble thinking of ideas it’s best to get on the internet or swing by your local party shop.

If you’re registering for gifts prior to your baby shower, Babies R Us has some tips to keep in mind when making your registry.

They recommend to start your registry early, and use a checklist to keep yourself organized. Choose items of varying prices, expensive items like strollers and cheaper items like bibs.

Put everything you want on your registry, because even if you don’t get all the items as gifts some stores offer discounts off remaining items.

Remember your baby won’t be little forever, so add items that will be useful when they are a toddler.

And of course go back check the status of your registry, and add or update items as needed.