Diaper Cakes By Eliza

Most first baby showers are kept secret from the mom-to-be, because it sure adds that element of excitement to both her and her guests.

I remember I was given a surprise baby shower myself about 2 months before my due date, and I really had no idea because we thought we were attending my husband's aunt's birthday. So, we came with a present for her and all, and as we entered her house, I was surprised to find out that the party was actually for me! And at that time, with the emotional rollercoaster that I was going through being pregnant and all, it felt like such a treat that not only was there a party for me, but realizing that the people involved in organizing my shower were planning and coordinating the whole time without me even knowing it just made the shower even more special.

I've hosted surprise baby showers too, and being on the other side, there's also that joy and fulfillment that you feel when you see the surprise on the face of the mom-to-be when she enters the room and finds out that she's about to have a baby shower! The thought of finding out about something unexpected can really make the day of someone who's expecting! So, mum's the word!

Balloon centerpieces are a great way to create a festive mood at your baby shower or welcome baby party, but balloon weights can cost $1.49 or more per piece depending on the style you want, and you would think, what would you do with those balloon weights after the event anyway? I have a simple, inexpensive and practical solution -- make your own!

What you will need are:
(1) a roll of printed cello wrap,
(2) blue or pink tissue wrap,
(3) curling ribbon,
(4) fold top sandwich bags,
(5) uncooked rice.

First, put some uncooked rice in your fold top sandwich bag so that the weight is enough to hold down a balloon. Twist-tie your sandwich bag. Then, cut about 15"x15" squares out of your tissue wrap and do the same with your printed cello wrap. Lay out 1 square tissue wrap on your table and then put the rice-filled sandwich bag in the middle of your square and lift the 4 corners of your tissue to wrap it. Then put your tissue-wrapped bag in the middle of 1 square printed cello and do the final wrap with curling ribbons. Repeat the same instruction if you need to make more balloon weights.

You can use this balloon weight idea for any party, and the best part is you have better use for your balloon weight after the party -- you can cook the rice!

The most fun part of a baby shower is game time! Well... maybe opening the presents is the most fun for some, but I think playing the games is, because it involves every one in the party and it's that time when the room is filled with lots of laughs and creative, funny answers!

So, are you ready to play??? Here are some of my favorite baby shower games:

1. Who can get the most pins? Fill a bowl with uncooked rice and safety pins. Then set a timer, and one by one, blindfold each guest and have them dig for safety pins from the rice bowl. Take note of the number of pins each guest was able to get, and whoever has the highest number wins.

2. Baby scrambler. Similar to the regular word scrambler, but use words related to baby, pregnancy, childbirth, etc. Usually in a couple's shower, women dominate this game. Ya think?

3. How big is Mommy's tummy? Using a roll of ribbon or yarn, pass it around and have each guest cut it to the length they guess would fit around the mom-to-be's tummy. The one with the closest fit wins.

4. Guess how much the baby bottle can hold? Fill a baby bottle with M&Ms. Then pass it around and have each guest guess how many M&Ms you were able to fit in it. The one with the closest guess wins.

5. Baby Pictionary. This is a fun game if you have a couple's baby shower. It's like the regular Pictionary game, but use words related to baby, pregnancy, childbirth, etc. You can have women versus men, or you can do it by couple if you have a small group.

6. Who can name the most baby items? Give each guest a piece of paper, then set the timer and have them write as many baby items as they can.

These type of games truly bring so much fun to baby showers, and in fact, your guests will most probably remember your shower for the games they enjoyed playing! So... are you game?

Is it your first time going to a baby shower? You may be thinking... what would be the best gifts to give a mom-to-be?

Hmm, let's see... Let me do a countdown of my Top 10 Items going back when I was a new mom, particularly during the first 6 months after my baby was born:

10. Wipes warmer (makes baby tushies look forward to diaper changes!)

9. Electric breast pump (perfect during in-between breastfeedings!)

8. Diaper bag (the roomier the better!)

7. Baby view mirror (lets parents check on their newborn while driving!)

6. Infant bath tub (preferably the 2-stage type that can also be used for toddlers!)

5. Baby monitor (so comforting to have!)

4. Infant health & grooming set (especially comb, nail clippers, emery board, nasal aspirator & digital thermometer!)

3. Receiving blankets, burp cloths and bibs (one can never have enough of these!)

2. Stroller-car seat combo (for easy travel ~ especially for frequent doctor visits!)

1. Diapers (Lots and Lots... and Lots!)

So there you go! During the first few months after the baby's born, new parents can get overwhelmed, so I hope that my Top 10 List will give you some options of what to shop for for that special mom-to-be in your life!

A friend or a family member is having a baby, and it's almost time to throw her a baby shower, but you're on a tight budget. Don't worry! There are so many ways to still have a fun-filled baby shower without breaking the bank.

1. Invitations: Go paperless! Use online invites to spread the word about the shower. Not only this saves time and stamps, you're also saving the planet!

2. Food: Do a potluck. Have everyone bring in their favorite dish or dessert. Hey, this could even open up conversations about a new recipe!

3. Cake: Bake it yourself, or if you're not into baking, ask a friend or relative to bake it for you. There are a lot of great shower cake ideas on the Internet, and you can easily get decorative stuff from a local party store.

4. Games: Once again, the Internet is a great source for baby shower games, just do your research, and most of the materials are items you can find around the house, which means no need to spend. Now, about the prizes for the games, you can find some cool gift items from a dollar store.

5. Decorations: You can make your own banner by using a printer, and hanging crepe paper streamers decoratively across the room will set the festive mood. As a centerpiece, a diaper cake is always a hit! Not only is it a lovely sight on the table, the mom-to-be can actually make use of it when the baby comes.

In the end, it's always about making the mom-to-be feel very special and having fun!