Celebrating Mom, Baby & Literacy!
Posted by Heidi Parker in November 10th 2009
This past weekend was such a fun one for me…I had the pleasure of experiencing my first baby shower as an expectant mom. Of course I have hosted countless baby showers myself, but it is all so different when the spotlight is on me and the little bundle of joy in my belly.
Several girlfriends that I grew up with along with their moms hosted a wonderful brunch on Saturday morning, and not only did I get some amazing gifts for Itsy Bitsy Parker, but I was able to see and visit friends and family that I hadn’t seen in quite a while. Isn’t it amazing how these milestones in our lives bring people together…I absolutely love it!
I have to say that my favorite part about the shower was the “baby’s library” theme. Along with the invitation, came an insert that read:
“Help us start Itsy Bitsy Parker’s baby library by bringing a book instead of a card signed with love.”
I absolutely love this idea and all of the wonderful books I received because of it. Even the tables were decorated with some great classics that also served as conversation pieces, like Amelia Bedelia—I loved those books growing up.
I think it is especially a great idea for those of us that don’t already know the baby’s gender. This way, gift-givers get to give a personalized gift that is absolutely gender-neutral and is also a learning tool for baby, not just a cute outfit for him or her to wear. I truly look forward to reading everyone’s signed notes to IBP each time we read the book, that way they get to learn about all of the special people in our lives.
So, keep this great idea in mind next time you are hosting a baby shower, or just trying to decide on a great gift for a kid’s birthday—reading is good for both parent and baby!!!
Loading ...
This is the one reason why I wish my showers hadn’t been a surprise- I really, really wanted a book themed shower myself. I LOVE this idea. And I agree- books are better than cute outfits which only last a couple months- books last for years and having a love for books lasts a lifetime.
Oh and Amelia Bedelia was a favorite of mine too- I actually dressed up like her in 5th grade when we had to dress as our favorite character! I just bought my daughter her first!
Lindsay, you are so right, these books will provide years of entertainment for all of us! Oh, I would love to see a pic of your Amelia Bedelia get-up….too cute! I hope B enjoys them as much as we did!!
I love the book idea!!! I will pass this idea onto anyone I know going or hosting a baby shower!!! AWESOME!
I hinted to (well almost flat out told) my girlfriend planning my shower that I wanted a library theme. It was great! I have so many books with special notes in them that I loved bringing them to our new home in GA. Big bonus is that Baby was surrounded by books and reading from the very start and loves them as much as I do. Yay for Itsy Bitsy Parker! RIF – Reading Is Fundmental ya know!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea! My 2 1/2 year old loves books so much, she sleeps with about 5 of them in her bed every night and they are the first thing she reaches for in the morning… and when friends or family ask what to get her as gifts, I always say more books!
Heidi,
I love your idea of using a library theme. Offering books as a baby gift is a great way to start a library for the baby. I especially like the fact you can use this theme for gender neutral baby showers.
I am always looking for clever baby shower themes and yours is a neat idea.
Thanks for your blog post.
Heidi!!
Glad to hear that your baby shower was a success! I love the book theme and for someone that doesn’t have a baby yet, I loved it that for years to come, that child and mother will have a reminder of the loved ones in their lives that gave them that book to read! Hope all is well!