Baby Shower Etiquette?

Question

I am going to be throwing my sister-in-laws baby shower and I've found a really cute idea online. The thing is, I don't know how to say it on the invite while still being proper.

The idea: "Time of Day" Each guest will be assigned a 'time of day" on their invitiation, for instance "meal time", "bath time", "play time", "nap time". The guests gift for the baby shower would correspond to the time of day they received.

The problem: How do I properly say this on an invitation, because you can't assume/expect that someone will even bring a get.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

It is assumed that the guests will bring a gift to the baby shower....the guests are SHOWERING the new baby with gifts. THAT is the origin of the name.

It's a great idea...the time of day shower.

Wording on the invite could be:

Baby's day can be quite long
Feeding, changing and lullabye songs
Naptime, bath time and time for some kisses
Come to the party and bring your good wishes!!!

(Off the top of my head....you can probably do better)

Times of Day:
Naptime
Feeding Time
Changing Time
Play Time
Sleepy Time
Bath Time
Story Time
Massage Time
Out in the World Time
Visiting Time
Picture Time

(Some idea)

Hope that, somehow, helped!! Good luck and have fun!!

Answer 2

I think most people invited to a baby shower would come bringing a gift, thats what showers are for...if there is some type of theme like yours is then it makes it easier for them to find something. You just note on the invitation that the theme is Time of Day, and what time theirs is. Most people would understand what that means, or they will ask their friends at work what it means and get ideas for their time, or they will call you if they don't know what it means.

Answer 3

Super cute idea... I'll keep that in mind :)

A shower implies "showering" with gifts... so I don't think it's unusual to expect a gift. This theme idea really leaves it up to them on how much to spend, so that's awesome.

If you're designing your own invitations across the top say:

You are invited to
A "Time of Day" Baby Shower
for ________

Inside:
To make sure baby is taken care of all day long,
help us shower (mom's name) with gifts they'll need from dusk til dawn!

Please bring a gift for baby to use at BATH TIME!

Then all the good details - the where, when and RSVP

Answer 4

Maybe you could print the game out and put it in each invitation so that people understand it is a game. Then either on each sheet of paper put the person's time of day or write it on the invitation. Most people will be bringing a gift anyway, and that will help them decide what to get.

Answer 5

Cute idea, but impractical. Some of us make gifts for every baby. I make afghans or quilts, while others make sweaters. Others only buy toys or little outfits, because that is where their comfort level is for gifting. This idea, while well intentioned, is like micromanaging a registry gift list. It also discourages folks from putting their money together to get a more expensive gift.

Sorry, but have to shoot your idea in the foot.

Answer 6

Just include what time is assigned to that guest. If they ask, then tell them. :) And make sure it's clear that it isn't required, only recommended. These days, most people aren't going to be sticklers. It's pretty well accepted that showers are for gifts.

Answer 7

Put as this: "This is a theme shower for the theme being Time of Day, and we would like you to have ------time. Please call the hostess if you need guidance or ideas."