I am throwing my own baby shower...advice?

Just wanted to get everyone’s opinions and experiences. I’m doing my baby shower all by myself… my spouse is clearly helping and paying for everything… but my first child’s baby shower was done for me by family… i have been stressed about it for months with all the planning, decorations ideas, and expenses but i didnt think too much about it until now that its coming up and 4 ppl have asked me who is giving me the shower… and i say myself…

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You can call it a meet and greet or Sip and See
So it’s less of a shower where gifts are expected and more of a celebration and to meet the baby after they are born?

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You do whatever you want!!! Enjoy

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I never had a baby shower or any sort of shower. I felt weird expecting people to get me stuff…& that’s my personal opinion on the point of a baby shower. Too overwhelming for me lol

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I think it’s a great idea !

Love the idea of diaper raffle!

You got this girl! Get yourself some drinks and a cake if you want. Do what you want and chill the baby shower is for you and your child. Ask a friend or family member to help you or take over for you.

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I coordinated everything; date, decor, games etc then my Mom hosted and cooked. Ultimately she ran everything the day of. I’m just too particular of a party person. So it worked for me. However if people are offering to help and they are reliable let them! Being pregnant and still having other responsibilities beyond the shower can be overwhelming.

Good for you for throwing your own baby shower I know a lot of people get upset because friends and family don’t throw one for their second or third baby but I think every baby should be celebrated and they should go there to be with you and spend the day with you it’s exciting so I’m glad you took the initiative and it’s something that you want to do :heart: I know I would throw my own if nobody had offered because at the end of the day I want to celebrate the new blessing :person_shrugging:

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I did everything for my baby shower I planned it did invitations decorations food my mom just paid for it he was my first n only

Good idea you have control and can let people know what you need I agree

I would have a baby celebration. Keep it simple.

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I always threw the baby showers & everything myself.

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I’m throwing my own with the help of a friend. I personally just wanna celebrate my second baby as much as my first. I’m not listening to nay sayers and personally don’t care if anyone really brings gifts

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With my second baby I threw myself a Halloween party, told everyone to bring a pack of diapers and dress up. It was fun for everyone, I got lots of diapers and a few gifts. And a few family members helped with food, I don’t thinks there are any rules? Do whatever you want that’s doable and in your budget! Congratulations

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I done my last baby shower myself, it’s ok to do it that way so you don’t have to depend on anyone else

Just call it a baby party

I guess if you have issues with your family, and his. I can see that you might throw yourself a shower especially you don’t have any baby stuff. I say if you can take the insults go for it. Theirs just people that never want to see anyone else do good but themselves.

Honestly I’d never do it, but I’m not a big party person! But if someone did, there’s nothing wrong with that…after all, its a new baby, a new life! and babies always need stuff…nothing wrong with getting more gifts if you need things! Its a happy time! Enjoy! I wouldn’t listen to those who have negative thoughts about it…just enjoy and be happy! I mean…its alot of work to plan for you!

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I love my parties I used to throw myself a birthday party every year they turned out great I hope you get lots of great gifts for your child

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I threw my own! I had his family’s help but we hosted ourselves. I’m not having one for my 2nd because of how stressed I was the first go round. I swelled for 3 days afterwards, was super worried about everyone else, and didn’t even give myself time to get ready before hand I was so consumed with making sure everyone else had a good time (no makeup, hair in a pony tail) My peace, this pregnancy, is wayyyy more important :joy: but you do you and it doesn’t really matter about what anyone else thinks :yellow_heart: your baby, your pregnancy. Period.

Only supposed to be one baby shower!

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It’s a celebration party for the baby! Not everyone has friends or family that they can depend on to organize such a gathering. Treat it as the kids FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY!!! The child is being BORN. Be creative, people can bring something to eat: a bring your own type party. Ask for diapers of all sizes and baby wipes. You will go through wipes like crazy and it’s always good to have a size up for diapers cause you NEVER know when you need to change sizes. Gift cards to Walmart and Target they both sell really good baby supplies and clothes. You don’t have to open the presents during the party, open them after the party. There’s a bunch of “things I wish I knew as a first time mom” videos and info online. Don’t worry about throwing yourself a baby shower, if you need stuff for the baby then do it!!! :rofl: Congrats and good luck!

I did my own showers twice. Family members names were on the invites as hosts but I did all the work anyways. I don’t see anything wrong with it. Our kids were far apart so we didn’t have baby stuff anymore. I think every baby should be celebrated. You do you. If people don’t want to come or give a gift then they won’t. :woman_shrugging:

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My sister had her 2nd baby on March 1. Friends and family threw her a baby sprinkle

I am helping my mother in law throw me a diaper party. It’s my fifth kid but it’s been 14 years so still having a party. Just going to barbeque and celebrate. If people choose to bring presents that’s up to them but I’m asking for diapers lol

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You don’t give yourself any kind of shower. In my day you got a shower for the first baby or first marriage. It was given by friends!

I personally wouldn’t have my own. All the money you are spending on it you could buy the baby stuff you need!

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My first was a girl, then almost 13yrs later I was having a boy, my family threw me a shower, my work and husband’s work threw a shower. Today what was the norm back then isn’t the norm today.

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I would spend the money I would spend on a shower on items for the baby. Traditionally you just get a baby shower thrown for your first child. Personally I find it cheesy to throw yourself a shower. If nobody offered to throw me one, I wouldn’t have one. I also probably wouldn’t attend one that someone threw for themselves. If I wanted to give a gift for the baby, I don’t need to attend a shower to do it.

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I called my 2nd a Sprinkle with emphasis on diapers and wipes because yes, we had all the other stuff. Oh and anything fun that they wanted to get her like clothes and toys but not required and those that entered the diaper raffle got a huge prize for the help. We threw it ourselves in our home as well with a nacho bar. 100% worth it and so fun. Small but fun. The guests loved the diaper raffle prize so we got the help where we needed. We only did a Sprinkle because it was the same gender. I think if we were having a boy it would have been a bigger deal because we don’t have boy stuff at all.

I’m throwing my own. :woman_shrugging:t2:
Who cares, it’s about celebrating the baby.

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Oh girl I just did this lol I caved and had my mom help me with food and my partners mom help with decorations because I got so overwhelmed we bought everything they just helped pick the stuff out and made sure it got to the place on time.

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My daughters in law family were against a 2nd babys shower. Well! I shopped and loved picking out a little of everything. Then wrapped each separately. Then decorated in a big box and mailed it off. With a first grandbaby gift too!

Nothing wrong with throwing your own baby shower , every baby is unique and deserves to be celebrate

After every child I was positive I was never having kids again… :joy: so every time I got rid of everything (given to local families in need). So i ended up having a baby shower for every kid… but my kids are also close to 8 years apart. It was like completely starting over every time

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I believe every baby should be celebrated, not just the first one. There were 13 years between my first and last baby…one was a boy and one was a girl…so of course I had a shower for my last as well. A friend threw the party, but nonetheless, I had one for each pregnancy. Maybe if they are same genders and close in age, have a baby “sprinkle” where you specify what is needed, like pampers?

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I had 4. Kids 2 baby showers that’s only when I decided to stop having girls and have a boy because all the baby stuff I had was for girls never thrown for myself family always threw it I didn’t know about my sons shower but knew about my first daughters shower because she was born 3 days before it so she was there for it😂

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I believe everyone should have a big shower for their first baby. After that its a sprinkle which is very low keyed where people come with smaller presents welcoming the new baby.

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I thought someone else was supposed to throw us bridal/baby shower, housewarming/birthday parties. I personally don’t understand why someone would throw their own shower/party for themselves. I guess I’m old school. :person_shrugging:

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I never heard of a baby shower with second child

You said your husband is paying so I think he is giving you the shower.
Which I think is so sweet of him to want you to have a special day.
It would be nice for you to tell everyone he is giving it to you.

Have a couples shower. Don’t play those stupid games. Just have a nice meal and party. Just have a fun time with friends.

Personally I’d just do a gender reveal or nothing unless a significant time between kiddos. Same amount on the shower could go to necessities for babies

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I feel like I am confused. What’s the question. Should she throw her own shower? Cause it seems she is already throwing it. We are going to say don’t do it and she is going to waste away the months she said she spent planning it?? I don’t believe in baby showers… I didn’t have one for my first and my sister in law planned one for my second then got mad I didn’t invite anyone. I am just not a party person though… No Birthday parties, engagement parties, baby showers etc.

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Tell them “we as a family are throwing it” simple, truthful and shuts them up

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I threw my own shower and a sprinkle too for 2 of my kids. It’s not a big deal.

My mom did my first child’s baby shower, I did my second one, and my third and fourth it was like meh. People just brought gifts or what not.

For my daughter I was 19, in a new state, boyfriends family only. Some of them tried so hard to help but others refused to come. None of my family or friends.

For my son I was in a different country and the family did nothing. I didn’t even have anything until I was 7 months pregnant. It was a disaster. Again none of my family or friends.

Girl… throw yourself the baby shower and I hope you have a wonderful time.

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Honestly I understand you want to have a celebration and all that but I would just take the money you’d spend on everything for the shower and get everything for your baby.

Buy a bunch of onesies in different sizes & fabric markers. You will be happily surprised at the creativity of the guests.

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with your second child if someone wants to give you a gift they will. You do not need to have a baby shower.

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just say we are… we could mean your family & friends & not so much you & your hubs

The money u spend on that could be spent on the baby…

I was told that baby showers were only meant for the first baby to prepare you for the babes. I feel every baby should be celebrated but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s why people are questioning you !

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I was raised to think that to throw your own shower was not in good taste & that showers are only for first babies. It would be the same as calling friends & asking for gifts. I think a meet & greet luncheon after the baby is born would be ok. If people want to bring a gift, fine, if not, fine also.

Punch, Mini croissants chicken salad from GFS of veggie tray & dip and paper cups and plates make it easier on yourself.

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I was always told that it’s rude to throw your own shower but I don’t think it’s really seen that way anymore.

Times have certainly changed. Not too long ago showers were given only by friends. It was considered tacky if family gave the shower. Like begging for gifts. Then family started giving the shower about 10-20 years ago and it seems to be accepted somewhat today. But I have never known of anyone given themselves a shower. I can honestly see a couple having a baby celebration party the first time around. But not asking for gifts or specifying items they want or need. Your friends and family would bring a gift if they wanted to. If they are family or close friends they probably have a good idea what is needed. I just can’t see asking for gifts but that is just me. No disrespect intended, just an opinion.

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Save the shower money and just spend it on the baby. If people decide to get you anything then fine. I didn’t have a shower with either kid. And either bought or was gifted everything I needed. I was buying diapers and wipes the moment I found out I was pregnant. Hitting yard sales. Honestly there is so much that isnt worth buying new anyway.

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Times have changed. And you realize your friends are not really your friends. And your friends might not be financially able to throw your baby shower. So if you are financially able to throw your own baby shower, then I say go for it! Who gives a crap how they did it in the 1800s. People come together to celebrate life. Your second baby is just as important as the first baby and it needs to be treated as such. I threw a baby shower for my third child and if they wanted to come, by all means come one. And if not then I was not missing them… you do you! All babies deserve to be celebrated.

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I dont think you should give yourself a baby shower. Somebody else should volunteer

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It would have been bad manners back in the day !!

4 kids. No baby shower. Put the $ towards clothes, nappies, stuff for the baby

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WTF is a baby shower?
Is it like an adult shower only smaller?

Instead of wasting all that money on a babyshower, why not buy everything you need for your baby🩷 congratulations :tada:

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I didn’t know you could give your own baby shower. It’s like asking for money.

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I was taught it’s in poor taste to throw one’s own party. And the mother (future grandparents) shouldn’t either.

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Just say your spouse is to them nosey invites.

One shower for first wedding and first baby…

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You should be able to throw a party to celebrate the baby…everyone has their own traditions and rules such as the catholics has a baby shower for the first child only and the Chinese has a baby shower or party for every child they have…

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Heard the second is called Sprinkles supposed to be shorter & smaller.

Call it a “sprinkle”. Don’t expect presents but people will bring them anyway. Or tell people to bring diapers of any size instead of presents. Wait for people to ask if you have a registry, then tell them if you do. Throwing your own baby shower is still seen as tacky, so bill it as a celebration instead.

Why does it have to be so complicated? Why are you stressing yourself out? Don’t bother with decorations, or maybe just get some pink & blue balloons, some pink & blue tissue paper for tables or pink and blue crepe paper to drape around—all available at party or dollar stores. Get plain pink and/or blue paper plates, cups & napkins. Box of white or clear utensils. For drinks do a gingerale punch, have sodas & water in tubs on ice (pink/blue plastic ones or metal tubs are fine) wine & beer if you want. Or do lemonade & iced tea instead.

Forget complicated food, etc. People come to see each other and have a good time. No one remembers the rest. Punch, water, cupcakes, some other snacks like a fruit, veggie and cheese platters from the grocery store, plus chips. Or get those giant sandwiches from Subway or a sandwich plate from a grocery store. Heck, get the cupcakes or cake from the grocery store too if you don’t want to make them/it.

Look up some baby shower games (5 is about right) online and play a few. Have pencils & paper to write the answers, or print out some word scramble sheets.

Get some containers at the dollar store/5 Below (glasses, spice jars, little clear boxes for example) and fill them with pink & blue candy (may have to order from Hershey’s or Oriental Trading Company). Ribbon/bows optional. These are your party favors. Nobody needs any more stuff.

Get 5 cheap prizes at a variety store, drugstore or thrift store for whoever wins the games. Ideas: a set of 2-4 wine glasses, a nice container dish or vase (thrift these) a succulent or other little plant, a pair of earrings, necklace or bracelet (my CVS has pretty ones for not much, or hit the thrift store) a bottle of wine or sparkling cider; sunglasses, & sunblock or a sun visor; or a knit hat & mittens or scarf if it’ll be winter, hair accessories, nail polishes, nice hand/body lotion, bath or shower bombs and a scrubbie, fragranced body spray, a fragranced candle. Put in gift bags with tissue paper and you’re done.

If your guests don’t all know each other, look up some easy icebreakers online to get them meeting each other at the beginning.

Or just have punch & cookies and talk to each other. Maybe Cornhole for the introverts.

State hours, like 2-4 pm and keep it short so you don’t tire yourself out.

BTW, Congratulations!

Other cheap food ideas if you want a meal:
A spaghetti bar with Alfredo & Marinara sauces & olive oil, meatballs and Parmesan cheese, plus salad or zucchini (slice lengthwise, brush with olive oil & sprinkle with Italian seasoning—or pour Italian salad dressing over them, bake @ 350 or broil 5 minutes until soft, then cut each in half vertically.

Baked potato bar with (for example-choose what you want): sour cream, chives from the spice section, shredded or grated cheese(s) or queso sauce, salsa, sliced olives, canned chili or Manwich/Sloppy Joe filling, bacon bits, broccoli, butter or spread

Or frozen Stouffer’s lasagna & salad.

Mac n cheese &/or sliced ham & bagged salad, peas or green beans.

Melon or other fruit slices if you’re feeling ambitious, or a bowl of mandarin oranges.

Pick 1-3 or none for appetizers if you want to have any at all: tortilla chips and salsa, chips & dips, Chex mix, olives, peanuts, baby carrots and hummus, cut celery & ranch dressing, pepperoni & crackers if it’s in the budget. Popcorn is OK & cheap but can be messy. Maybe have little bags or containers and a scoop if you serve it.

Nobody needs more than cake or cupcakes for dessert.

I have always heard that it’s friends who throw showers. Otherwise you’re asking for gifts. My first baby was very celebrated. I had friends who threw us a really big party. Two years later sister arrived. It was the same gender in the same season so she had no shower. We didn’t need anything. She got gifts when people came to meet her. She had lots of hand me downs.

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I was taught that baby showers were given by friends, and only for the first baby. After that, it is assumed that you have baby things, which rarely get worn out. People that want to give you a gift, will, without a shower. The others will probably thing that you are asking for presents. My opinion.

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I did my own baby showers (except my 1st), you can definitely do it cheaply and make it fun. Use marketplace on Facebook to save money, add fun easy cheap games, diy your things. DM me and I can send you photos of what I did for an idea, quick easy affordable and looked really cool :crazy_face:

:rofl::joy: i don’t socialize well, so are you throwing yourself a party for other people to buy you stuff?