A few months ago (okay, more than a few, but I’m REALLY late to posting), I had the privilege to host a baby shower for one of my college friend’s Misti and her soon to be baby boy (although, he’s four months old now). My co-host and I agreed we didn’t want it to scream “boy,” but be more gender neutral themed with some pops of blue, etc. thrown into the mix. We came up with story book baby shower ideas; because what new mom and baby to be doesn’t love a great story?
Luckily, we have A LOT of story books in our house thanks to Penelope. So she was kind enough to let us borrow them for decor. It also saved money since we were using what we already had! I actually made the book wreath, cake topper, fireplace banners and diaper cake accessories myself. It was easy enough. I just took an old book, stapled them into little books (or bigger ones depending on need). Then I printed famous children’s books out and glued them to the front. A cake topper on etsy of the sort was going for around $20. But I easily made mine for dollars (the cost of some ink and a $1 book to destroy at Half Priced Books in the clearance section).
For the food, we stuck to a pretty generic, but delicious menu of catered sandwiches, veggies, fruit, chips and a cheese and meat plate (our mom-to-be’s favorite). We also had a “mom”-osa bar with different types of juices, champagne and fruit in addition to serving water, sparkling water (for mom-to-be mixed with juice) and white wine. This also allows individuals to just have plain juice if they should choose.
Here are a few other small story book baby shower ideas that made the day special:
Story Book Baby Shower Ideas
–Hot off the Press: Make a bib or onesie for baby Dorsey: I always like to have an activity set up for people that isn’t a game. The other hostess had done something similar at a shower. So we thought it would be super cute. We created an iron station complete with bibs, onesies and permanent markers for people to decorate with.
–Jar of wishes: Using little advice cards, we asked people to write advice or sweet wishes for the family-to-be. The other hostess found this at a little shop she frequents. But you can find similar options linked below in sources.
–Books in Lieu of a Card: Instead of a card to accompany gifts, we asked people to bring Baby a book signed by the “gifter.” My friends did this at my shower and I love reading the notes to Penelope during bedtime.
–Diaper Cake: We provided a diaper cake decorated with small paper books (made by my friend Alyssa) that acted as decor. Once the shower was over, the cake went home with mom-to-be. I remember disassembling my diaper cake and feeling so sad, they are so cute!
–Games: We played the ribbon game to guess the size of mom’s belly and bingo. We wanted to keep it super simple, but “Guess that Story Book” could be such a cute option for this theme.
–Floral: Always. Because if you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you know I love flowers and the ambiance they create.
–Signs: I always love a sign that can provide instructions without you having to point people in the direction. Especially for activities like mentioned above. My talented friend Sarah at Swoon Paper Co. lettered all of these for me. She’s much too talented.
–Book Worm Cookies: These adorable little guys acted as the favor for guests. Plus, they played up the theme of books. And, since you can never have enough desserts, we also served cake and Rice Krispie treats mixed with blue and green.
Further sources below:
Cake (I made myself)
Flowers from Trader Joes (arranged by myself)
Iron on Patches / Bibs / Onesies
Assorted Books (P’s room, but all found here)
Signs (Swoon Paper Co. on Etsy)
Diaper Cake Books / Cake Topper / Fireplace Banners / Book Wreath (made by myself, but you can find similars here)
“Book Worm Cookies” made locally here in Columbus by Batter and Bowl, Sarah Yates
Overall, I feel like story book baby shower ideas came together; forming something super cute and that myself and my other hostess were proud of. I also think mom-to-be loved it and she was most definitely showered with love for herself and baby Sampson.
Have you hosted baby shower recently? What theme did you do? Share in a comment below!
And now, some coffee so I can edit old photos and finally get around to posting them. UGH!
This shower is so cute! All the details are perfect!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com