Plan to play games in the middle of the shower.
Baby shower games have gotten a bad reputation over the years. Some games are cheesy; others, like the one in which guests must identify various chocolate bars smashed up inside diapers, are downright gross. Games can still be a part of a fun and memorable shower, as long as you plan them with the mom-to-be and guests in mind. Plan a mix of personalized and active games, and don't go overboard: two or three games is all you'll need. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Write a note at the bottom of each baby shower invitation, or send a mass e-mail to all the guests, asking that each person bring a baby picture of herself. Assure guests that their photos won't be damaged and will be returned at the end of the party.
2. Buy 10 baby bottles and three or four tennis balls. Set the bottles up like bowling pins in a quiet corner of your party space. Make a sign that tells guests they have three chances to knock down all 10 bottles. Wash the bottles and give them to the mom-to-be at the end of the shower.
3. Line all the baby photos up on a table or prop them up on on easels. Number the photos by placing paper numbers under each one. Set out paper and pens and have the guests guess who each baby is.
4. Set up some guessing games. Fill a jar with diaper pins or hard candy and ask guests to guess how many of each object is inside. Display some close-up photos of baby objects and ask guests to identify them, or ask each guest to write down the date and time she expects the mom-to-be to go into labor, and what the baby's weight will be.
5. Collect prizes for the winners of guessing games. Decorate square cookies to look like children's blocks and place several in a bag, or buy gift certificates for manicures at local salons.
Tags: each baby, guessing games, guests guess