https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:25:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-baby-showers#post-2927963 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:23:06 +0000 Lilfarmer 2927963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is my third baby, but my older LOs will be 7 and 10 when baby arrives, so my MIL and SIL really want to throw a shower. I’m not big on showers (didn’t have a bridal shower, didn’t do showers with the first two, etc.), but I know it comes from a place of love.</p> <p>Have you attended any alternative baby showers (sip n see? something else?) that you really liked? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gender-reveal-ideas#post-2925340 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 20:49:07 +0000 Clementine12 2925340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I will be planning a gender reveal for my future niece/nephew! Just in front of family, wanting to not make a mess (no confetti or balloons released to the environment) and not put pressure on the couple (so no hitting a ball, etc).</p> <p>What would you do? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/virtual-baby-shower-2#post-2920577 Fri, 06 Nov 2020 17:40:53 +0000 Bmaja 2920577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So in this time of Covid... my SIL didn’t want an in person baby shower or a zoom meet up... so my other SIL created a FB page. It has been pretty inactive so far... but the idea was good... wish her well, daily even. I tried posting today to make “bets” on the delivery date, length, weight. And ask everyone for their “wishes” for baby or parents.</p> <p> Does anyone have other suggestions on what to ask? Not everyone in the group is a mother... and I hate to overwhelm her with advice... thanks for any ideas!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/throwing-a-virtual-baby-shower#post-2912793 Tue, 24 Mar 2020 23:10:11 +0000 crazydoglady 2912793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm supposed to be throwing a baby sprinkle in 3 weeks, and it's pretty clear that's not going to happen. The mom-to-be said she would rather have a virtual shower vs a postponed one. Any suggestions of what to do? I still want it to be special. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cake-at-a-brunch-baby-shower#post-2908605 Sat, 18 Jan 2020 19:52:45 +0000 crazydoglady 2908605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you went to a brunch (10am-12pm)baby shower, would you expect to have cake? I'm just not sure. We are going to have fancy donuts among other things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-choose-a-gift#post-2895796 Thu, 29 Aug 2019 15:33:09 +0000 Clementine12 2895796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I want to send a gift to a woman I know due with her first (twins) in December. It's a very loose connection and her registry is full of cutesy baby things, but I want to send a gift just for mama, for recovery or otherwise. Probably looking to spend $30 or less.</p> <p>Any ideas? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/3rd-baby-sprinkleshower#post-2886106 Thu, 30 May 2019 16:46:49 +0000 MenagerieMama 2886106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>tl;dr: etiquette for 3rd baby shower/sprinkle? (and how to best convey to host)</p> <p>Background: I'm pregnant with my third, a boy, after 2 girls. My first 2 were born out of state, across the country from family and friends (we moved 3 mo before the first was born!). </p> <p>My mom is very excited that she gets to be present for this third baby pregnancy/delivery and wants to throw us a shower. I feel like it will be lovely to celebrate this baby, and finally get to have a "real" baby shower with my family, but I feel like it's a little tacky to have a baby shower by #3. I've already tried to gently introduce the idea that this should be small (a "sprinkle") and more celebration focused. But my mom is really into doing the full, get presents, invite everyone in the universe shebang (luckily I don't know that many people, but she even had old high school friends on her suggested guest list :shocked: ). Like I don't want to invite my mom friends from nearby because it will be in my hometown and I don't want to ask them to drive 1.5 hrs when they have little kids like me! My mom is also easily offended so I'm trying to scale/refocus her energy without ruffling her feathers, which is not easy...she drives me crazy at baseline and we don't communicate well. But I can tell this is important to her. </p> <p>Any advice? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/registry-for-baby-2#post-2882477 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:26:45 +0000 cake2017 2882477@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi! I was told by my sister that since DH and I are having a girl they want to throw us a small baby shower again. We had one for our son who will be 24 months. They want to do this and we appreciate it but it’s not necessary. However, they are doing it anyway. It will be family and my close friends(5) people. Should we do a small registry or is that tacky? I don’t know what’s helpful or appropriate for the family and close friends. Thanks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/virtual-baby-shower-1#post-2876557 Thu, 14 Mar 2019 14:09:54 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2876557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Okay, so this is a stretch, but my brother's girlfriend is pregnant and expecting a baby in August. He is in Colorado (I am in North Carolina), and our family is scattered all over the country. His gf does not have a lot of family/friend support and doesn't work, and he is a manager at Dominoes, so a traditional baby shower is basically not going to happen. I was thinking of hosting some kind of virtual baby shower where I could have them create an online registry and then I would share it with our family and family friends so that they dont have to ask. Financially it would really help them to get some support. </p> <p>Is this a weird thing to do? Tacky? I dont want to insult anyone, but I believe every baby should be celebrated and am trying to find a solution. Me going to Colorado twice isn't an option (I am already planning to go after the baby is born) and even if I did, the people who would go are all scattered anyway and would not travel that far. </p> <p>Anybody have thoughts or other ideas? Is there a platform for this kind of thing already?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/summer-themed-shower-gift#post-2874804 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 09:02:30 +0000 JennyPenny 2874804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My friend is having her 2nd this June and is having a surprise sprinkle in a few weeks. Since it's a surprise, she doesn't have a registry or anything. She's having a 2nd girl too and doesn't need a lot of clothes. She'll be on maternity leave through the end of Sep and is planning on spending an entire month at the beach with her mom and her newborn. I was thinking a summer-themed gift would be appropriate since her first was born in November and didn't spend early days out in the sun. I also remember my 2nd was out a lot more than my first because we were taking him along everywhere LO1 went. </p> <p>So far my two ideas are a UV shade that you can put anywhere, or a UV shade for an infant carrier. I can't decide which one is more practical. The first seems great for the beach, but the latter seems better for park trips. I'm also open to other suggestions. What's good gear for a summer baby?</p> <p>Some links to show what I'm talking about:<br /> UV tent - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Schylling-Play-Shade-Ultra-portable/dp/B0014I4TYA" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Schylling-Play-Shade-Ultra-portable/dp/B0014I4TYA</a><br /> UV carrier shade - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SnoozeShade-Universal-Canopy-360-degree-protection/dp/B00XME179O?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/SnoozeShade-Universal-Canopy-360-degree-protection/dp/B00XME179O?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-baby-gifts#post-2873876 Tue, 26 Feb 2019 09:11:45 +0000 Mamaof2 2873876@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DH's cousin is having their first baby - should I just send a gift card or buy off registry?</p> <p>Any preference to new mamas? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-shower-activity#post-2866753 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 15:51:40 +0000 annem1990 2866753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m hosting a shower for a friend in a couple of weeks. She’s having a girl. I’m stumped on ideas for little activities to have. I know the Mama-to-be is not a fan of games or any attention on her really. Opening gifts will be more than enough eyes on her. </p> <p>I do want something for people to do while they mingle. It’ll only be 10-12 women and I’m a little worried about entertaining everyone for a few hours. I also don’t want it to be cheesy or put people on the spot (like “write something funny on a diaper) type activities. I know I’m being high maintenance :silly: Anyone seen anything cute?!?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cute-baby-shower-ideas#post-2865586 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 14:02:25 +0000 annem1990 2865586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am planning a Baby Shower for a friend next month. I have no clue where to start. It will be 10-12 women (in 20s and 30s). I love menu planning/cooking so I think food should be easy. I'd love some ideas for decorations, games or activities. Anyone have cute ideas? She is having a girl. Since it's a winter party I will probably do green/white/pops of pink colors. I'd love some ideas! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/long-distance-shower-any-advice#post-2864869 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 09:35:41 +0000 shabang 2864869@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does anyone have any experience doing a long-distance or virtual shower?</p> <p>The situation: my sister is in Colorado, due in June with her first baby, and unable to travel before that because of medical reasons. Family is all over the US.</p> <p>I'm brainstorming a virtual shower - send out an "invitation" with a date/time to go on FB live (I think everyone is on FB or at least has a kid who is), registry info, and a request to ship gifts there by that date, then my sister/BIL will open all the gifts on camera with ppl commenting as they go. I would also send a favor/treat package to each "attendee" in the mail. </p> <p>I'm not worried about this seeming gift-grabby because it would just be family and close friends who would be sending them gifts anyway. But, I have so many questions. For groups of people that are relatively close, should we host viewing parties, or would that be sad to have mini-showers without the guests of honor attending? What would you put in the package to each attendee (I'm going a little nuts looking at all the ideas here: <a href="https://www.beau-coup.com/baby_shower_favors.htm)" rel="nofollow">https://www.beau-coup.com/baby_shower_favors.htm)</a>, and what's the most economical way for me to ship all this? Any advice or potential issues - without someone there to parse through all the boxes and gifts ahead of time, will it just be awkward to open them all live? Should my sister pre-open? Has anyone successfully done anything similar? I'm all ears. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-time-for-baby-shower#post-2861453 Tue, 11 Dec 2018 08:04:35 +0000 annem1990 2861453@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm planning a shower for my friend in January. Trying to figure out timing. I'm thinking 2 hours? She has yet to send me a list so I have no idea how many people, but I would guess 25? It's not going to be a sit-down meal. Probably more heavy appetizers and desserts. Considering it's a Saturday, I feel like I shouldn't go into the evening hours in case people have plans. Thoughts?</p> <p>What time frame? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-bring-to-a-no-gift-sprinkle#post-2856660 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 14:26:51 +0000 hitchhiker 2856660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am going to to a sprinkle for a friend this weekend. The invite says she requested no gifts, but we should feel free to bring something to make her and the new baby feel special. </p> <p>I am terrible at these things. What would you bring? My only idea is a coffee gift card, because I loved going for coffee while I was on mat leave. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-a-baby-shower-into-another-event#post-2853020 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 13:38:12 +0000 Corduroy 2853020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My college friends (like 25 of us grownups) have an annual Friendsgiving coming up. One of my friends also expressed desire to have a baby shower for #2 around that time. Most of us aren’t local and can’t travel twice so I suggested doing it at Friendsgiving. Now I can’t figure out how to do it. The party will be casual with lots of kids, traditional thanksgiving food, and beer. No set start or end time. </p> <p>The expecting friend has been having an anxious and uncomfortable pregnancy and I think she sees this as a way to lift her spirits rather than a gift grab. </p> <p>How do I pitch it to my friends? Is it weird to send invites to an event they’re already attending? Especially one that changes the focus of the party? Just send an email saying we’ll celebrate the mom to be while we’re all together?</p> <p>Any ideas of food or activities that would blend between baby shower and Friendsgiving? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-shower-gift-etiquette-help#post-2843121 Sun, 02 Sep 2018 18:03:09 +0000 PurplePumps 2843121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What is the etiquette for gifts being sent directly to my house from Amazon? I'm not sure who's sending them, or if they are coming.... am I supposed to save them to open at my shower (this coming Saturday) or can I open them now and get rid of all the big brown amazon boxes? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-prizes-at-a-baby-shower#post-2807512 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 20:31:56 +0000 meadow 2807512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm helping with the "games" portion of a baby shower. There will be a favor for everyone attending. But I was trying to think about how many prizes there should be for the games. We are playing two games (one being bingo) that should have prizes. About 40 people invited to the shower - I am thinking 5 prizes per game. Someone IRL is telling me I should plan one prize per guest.</p> <p>Where does the HB community fall on this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cheap-food-ideas-for-a-baby-shower-at-a-park#post-2801675 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 15:29:50 +0000 oldschooolmama 2801675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My friend is going to host a baby shower for my husband and I are a local park with our local family/ friends. My husband and I offered to buy the food but we're on a pretty tight budget. Originally we wanted to do burgers and dogs but I think that might be too pricy + I don't want anyone stuck manning the grill. What do you think? It will be in the spring and hopefully won't be too hot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-sprinkle#post-2796559 Fri, 12 Jan 2018 10:52:12 +0000 JLC53 2796559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is kind of a two part question...</p> <p>I am attending my first baby sprinkle this weekend for a friend, fellow daycare mom that is new to the area, therefore doesn't have any friends close by. Second baby of a different gender then her first. </p> <p>I have to be completely honest. I have no idea what to expect. The parents are not registered anywhere. The invitation says a diaper raffle. Do I just bring a case of diapers? Or do I bring a small gift along with a case of diapers?? I was thinking a pack of wipes and an outfit?? Would that be acceptable?</p> <p>My verdict is out on a sprinkles. I like that the second baby is celebrated. But I also feel it is a party to get gifts. Is this going to be similar to a baby shower? Cheese games, etc...? </p> <p>What do you all think of baby sprinkles </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/venues-for-baby-shower-in-brooklyn#post-2787461 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 14:26:01 +0000 MrsBucky 2787461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm looking to cohost a baby shower in February for a very close friend who lives in Brooklyn. We moved out of NYC a year ago, and I am totally at a loss for potential venues that won't end up costing $1000. Guest list is still TBD but I'm guessing 15-30 people total. I know the bees will have some brilliant suggestions for places to consider. She's in Park Slope, FWIW but I'd be open to other areas for a good deal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-sprinkle-for-a-second-baby#post-2781191 Sat, 21 Oct 2017 19:43:08 +0000 Bernieboo 2781191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you had a sprinkle for a second (or third or fourth...) baby, when did you have it? With my first, my baby shower was at about 34/35 weeks and then I had her at 37 weeks. I would have loved a bit more time in between to get stuff washed and shop for what we still needed. When did you have your sprinkle? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-does-a-sip-and-see-work#post-2777519 Wed, 04 Oct 2017 11:27:56 +0000 Meowkers 2777519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm expecting my second daughter and my mom keeps bringing up wanting to host a shower or sprinkle. I really don't want one but she's insisting that the baby needs to be celebrated. My weekends are swamped as it is so having to find a weekend for this sprinkle just stresses me out. Plus I really don't like showers. I was going to suggest that we wait until the baby is born and do a sip and see type of party. However, I've never been to one and have no idea what they entail or how they work. Looking for your experiences about these types of parties. Thanks!</p> <p>Edit: what about germs? How do I not freak out about all those people (and their germs) being around a new baby?! :shocked: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-i-bring-a-baby-to-a-baby-shower#post-2774947 Fri, 22 Sep 2017 15:00:29 +0000 babypugs 2774947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to a friend's sprinkle this weekend. My LO doesn't take a bottle well from dad and I'm afraid things will go badly if I leave both kids with him. I feel like I've heard that bringing a baby to a baby shower is rude and I definitely don't want to possibly draw attention away from the mom, but I'm not really sure what the standard is here. Is it considered bad etiquite to bring a baby to a baby shower? FWIW, the mom is super chill. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-shower-gift-for-third-baby#post-2731705 Wed, 03 May 2017 09:52:59 +0000 ottilie 2731705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to a baby shower this weekend for a friend of mine. It's her third baby, so I'm not entirely sure what to get her. She obviously has most baby things she needs. She has a boy and a girl already, and this time is leaving the gender a surprise. I was thinking of just some diapers since you can always use plenty of those, but it's a little boring. Any other suggestions for something fun but also useful and gender neutral? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hosting-a-very-small-baby-shower-2nd-baby#post-2774007 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 19:58:44 +0000 pastemoo 2774007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are your recommendations for a very small (like 5 women) baby shower/sprinkle?</p> <p>I was thinking tea party--do we go out somewhere, or invite everyone over?</p> <p>Or have everyone over, then go to a salon for a pedicure?</p> <p>What kind of mama-centric baby showers have you been to and what do you recommend?</p> <p>PS I'm hosting, and I only know the mama, the others are her friends that I don't know yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-shower-host-gifts-1#post-2764531 Wed, 02 Aug 2017 15:06:42 +0000 annem1990 2764531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What have people done for the hosts of their baby showers? My friend and sister are hosting ours this weekend. I'll of course write a nice note, but thought I should bring something too.<br /> Flowers? Pedicure certificate?<br /> I procrastinated so it's probably too late to get something personalized :bummed:<br /> What did you get your hosts? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/opening-gifts-at-baby-shower#post-2751115 Thu, 22 Jun 2017 22:50:55 +0000 JennyJenny 2751115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi moms/moms-to-bee!!<br /> I hate baby showers. I think they are boring. I hate the games. I hate the cheesy-ness of it and I hate watching people open their gifts (ooooh awwwww). I may sound like a grinch but it's just not my thing. My husband and friend insisted we have one, so I am game, but it's going to be very low key. My friend is getting a taco guy. It's co-ed/family oriented. More of a get - together than a shower. Do you think it's offensive to not open gifts at the shower? Have any of you done that? I would love to hear about your shower. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-far-along-are-you-when-you-had-your-shower#post-2751117 Thu, 22 Jun 2017 22:52:50 +0000 JennyJenny 2751117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi moms/moms-to-bee!!<br /> I'm having my baby shower at 34 weeks pregnant. The whole month of July (weekends did not work out). So we are doing it August 6th (Due September 15). Now I'm a little worried that I'm doing it late in the game. When did you have your shower and how did that work out for you? </p>