As implied by my last blog I am now throwing another baby shower for my girlfriend who is expecting in the Spring.   I have sent out some invites and of course I am now being bombarded with calls about what kind of gifts to get her.

As the host or hostess of a baby shower, expect to be plagued by a million questions concerning what to get the expectant mother.

For this reason it is recommended that you set up a gift registry with a local toy, hardware, furniture and/or clothing store. Gift registries can also be set up on some sites on the Internet.

Usually, the expectant mother will directly tell you directly what kind of gifts she we would like or what items she needs to complete her nursery. If the mother is the shy type, you can probably pry a lot of information out of her mother, husband or sisters as to her needs and tastes.

Some people are allergic to things like chocolate and peanuts or react to certain fragrances and perfumes so be sure to ask your expectant mother about that before you start advising others what to buy her.

            Gifts fall into five basic categories:

•           Gifts that pamper mom such as candy and spa products

•           Clothing and products for the care of the baby (such as diapers and soothers)

•           Toys

•           Keepsakes such as picture frames, photo albums and key chain rings

•           Food and alcohol such as bottle of champagne for the happy parents to share after the birth of the baby or a frozen casserole that they can keep in the freezer to enjoy on a busy day

Sometimes the mother-to-be is strapped for cash, in which case you can set up a donation station at the event.

            The following are several fun ways to set up a donation station:

•           A Money Tree – this is a branch or small coniferous tree that is set up near the doorway. As guests leave or come in, they are encouraged to attach paper money to the tree with clothespins.

•           Money Clothesline – a clothesline is strung up in the living room and guests are encouraged to attach paper money so that it dangles like laundry.

•           Diaper pail – the pail is clearly labelled as Mommy Fund and guests are encouraged to step on the pedal and drop money in the bucket.

•           Diaper- the money is collected from guests by an appointed friend and gathered into a diaper, pinned and presented to the mother

•           Money Daisy- Cut a circle of cardboard (with a picture of the mother in the center if you like) and decorate the fringes with dollar bills. Encourage others to make the daisy “bloom”

More discreet methods of collecting money for the expectant mother include:

•           Buying a teddy bear or other stuffed toy that zips up and asking people to stuff it with paper bills

•           Doing the same with a beautiful cushion and calling it the “financial cushion”

•           Collecting the money in an envelope and tucking it under her pillow or in her purse for her to discover later

Of course you can also open a bank account in the mother’s name and then handing her the account book at the end of the party.  Nothing says 'I care for you' like cash!