COUPLES BABY SHOWER IDEAS

More families of the mom-to-be are including dads-to-be in the baby shower party invited list. And why not?

With frequently two bread winners in the family, dads are becoming more and more involved with child rearing, so why shouldn't the guys be able to celebrate before the big arrival?

Here are some ideas for a fun couples "co-ed" baby shower. Invite close friends, grandparents and those special people in the mom’s and dad's life. This shower will be comfortable and easy to set up.

DECOR AND TAKE HOME GIFTS:

To get the men involved, be sure to avoid anything TOO pink or frilly. A teddy bear theme is a great decorating idea which you can carry over from the decorations and the centerpiece to the gifts you can hand out at party's end.

Take small stuffed teddy bears and attach with ribbons to small clay flowerpots. Set up as if the teddy bear is holding the pot on its lap. Put a pretty little plant it each, one per couple and single guest. Then for the mother to be, give her the exact same gift with a big teddy holding the clay flowerpot (tie it to the bear with a ribbon).

To save money on centerpieces, put your take home gifts on the tables, and the larger bear for the “mom to be” on the food table as a centerpiece! Then at the end of the party have the guests and mom-to-be take home their appropriate gifts.

FOOD:

Who doesn't like barbecue? Have a good old fashion barbecue party and grill out your favorite food -- burgers, hot dogs, chicken and ribs -- and even have the guests bring their favorite side dish or dessert. Most guys are happy to haul out the grill even during the colder months, so a barbecue will probably work for a co-ed baby shower at any time of year.

Supply one per person of the dinner and dessert plates, with 4 to 6 extra in case you have surprise guests. Buy extra cups and napkins by about a half, in case a guest would happen to throw away their napkin or cup and then need new. Also remember to supply enough napkins for the dinner and dessert.

GAMES & ACTIVITIES:

"WHO'S THAT BABY?" Have all the guests bring baby pictures ahead of time. Have them posted on a board with numbers. Give each person a piece of paper and let him or her guess who each baby is. You can choose to give a gift to the winner, or not. Either way, this game is a great ice breaker and conversation starter!

"BABY BINGO" Make up blank bingo cards and have guests fill them in with baby items. Have precut pieces of paper with baby items on them and start pulling them as you would for bingo. Give the guests a colored marker to check off their called items.

"BABY NEEDS MEMORY GAME" Place a bunch of baby items on a tray (small items) and have them covered. When the game begins, each person will have 10 seconds to look at it before you cover it back up. After everyone has had a turn - hand them a piece of paper and pencil and give them 5 minutes to write down as many things as they can remember. The one with the most wins, and the expectant parents will receive all of the baby items on the tray. They will be thrilled!

This is an easy shower to put together. Your friends and family will have a wonderful day of friendship and memories and it is a great way to share your love with the happy parents-to-be.