How to Plan a Co-ed or Couples Baby Shower
Guys at a Baby Shower? Of Course!
When a baby is expected, it’s natural to want to shower the expectant mother with baby gifts and good wishes. But what about dad? Often, the husband gets left out of the festivities as the baby shower is a women-only event. Why not throw a co-ed baby shower? That way, everyone gets to share in the good time.
Planning & Theme Tips
You don’t have to go expensive just because you’re having a co-ed shower. You can still have a cute baby shower theme like duckies if it’s a boy or dolls if it’s a girl. Remember, it’s still an adorable little baby. Just add in a few touches that will make the men feel comfortable. One cute way to do this is to incorporate sports into the theme. Putting mini footballs or soccer balls on the table as part of the centerpiece or having them adorn cookies or the cake in sugar form are also great ideas.
Make the organized parts of the shower loosely planned and optional. If the men don’t want to come in for an hour and a half of gift opening, plan another activity such as playing Wii in the other room or just chatting over cigars on the porch. The less you have strictly planned, the more it will feel like a party and less like a mandatory event. You’ll be remembered for your gracious hostess qualities and everyone will talk about how much fun it was.
Couples Shower Invitations
There are some ways you can incorporate the men into what is usually a female-only event. One way is to make sure that couples are invited and that there is approximately the same number of male and female guests in attendance. That way the men won’t feel awkward and outnumbered. If the guest list is more balanced, your party will be more of a success.
Send out invitations that clearly state that the men are invited. It could be taken for granted that it’s women only and some people won’t read any subtle fine print. Say it boldly and proudly. An invitation that reads, “Let’s Shower Jen and Arthur with Baby Blessings! Join us for a co-ed shower at….”
Food
Make sure the menu reflects the men’s preferences as well as the women’s. While the girls might enjoy getting together for tea and cucumber sandwiches, the men might prefer grilled steaks and beer. You can still have a non-alcoholic co-ed shower. Just incorporate coffee, sodas, and other beverages that the men might choose. Instead of dainty salads, you might offer appetizers like pigs in a blanket, clams on the half shell or sushi.
Games
Make sure you consider that not all men are going to be interested in the usual baby shower games. Make the games optional. Or include the men specifically in searching for answers to questions or pair them up with a lady at the shower to play a guessing game. Your prizes should be appropriate for either sex.
Bath bubbles are not the right prize for the men. How about gourmet cookies or candies, gourmet sodas or beers, beef jerky from a specialty store or gift certificates to places like Netflix or Brookstone? You could also make T-shirts with iron-on transfers that you print from your computer with funny ‘dad’ sayings. Use your creativity and your best judgment based on your crowd’s personalities.
Check out the following YouTube videos for some funny ideas.....
Shower Game & Centerpiece Resources
- Baby Shower Diaper Cakes - The Ultimate Gift and Centerpiece
Looking for a unique centerpiece for a baby shower that you are hosting? Baby diaper cakes do double duty as an impressive centerpiece and as a practical gift that Mom and baby will love! - Unforgettable Baby Shower Game Ideas
Games are a great way to break the ice and to ensure each guest feels included during the party!As I await the arrival of my new niece or nephew, I've been thinking about what baby games to plan for the shower. Below are a few of my favorites. - Cheap Games for a Baby Shower
If you are planning a baby shower, you know you need food, decorations, as well as games and prizes. Hosting a baby shower can be very expensive if you shop at your local gift shop. However, you can create a unique baby shower that everyone will love
Questions & Answers
Been to a Co-Ed Shower? Share Your Thoughts & Ideas Here!
A co-ed baby shower would be so much fun! My husband would never, ever, ever attend with me - but it's fun to pretend ;)
I wish we would have had a co-ed shower when we were expecting, it would have been funny to watch the guys drink beer from a baby bottle! Fun tips, thanks!
Based on the videos, I guess the coed showers can be a hit. Looked like everyone was having a lot of fun.
These game ideas are so cute! I love the whole concept, I wish I knew men that would be up for coming! Great hub!
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