It definitely is a challenging time for many, especially for those entering the life transition of parenthood. In normal circumstances, pregnant people are showered with well wishes, love, gifts and games to celebrate becoming parents. Right now because of the global concerns of the coronavirus, it is recommended by health authorities to practice social distancing. That means no in-person gatherings. That aside, it doesn’t mean that you can’t throw a memorable virtual baby shower to make parents-to-be feel loved and celebrated!
Step 1: Choose Your Location
Virtual chats are definitely a thing of the present, and many people are already familiar with facetiming to stay connected. Use the platform that you are already comfortable with, and practice with a friend to make sure it is easy for you both to use. Below are our favourites:
Step 2: Send the Invites
Keep the tradition alive with sending out invites through the mail, as Canada Post continues to operate as an essential service. You can order invitations online, or make them yourself with free cloud based software like:
Switch it up and keep the virtual theme going with online invitations. Make sure with whatever you choose to include all the necessary details like the URL link to join the party, date, time, gift registry number, and special instructions. Here are some of our favourites:
Step 3: Shower with Gifts
It has never been easier for online ordering and shipping of everything you possibly could need in terms of baby products. With a click of the button, expecting parents can create their online registry, that as a host, all you need to do is copy their registry link into your invitation. Easy Peasy!
Your guests can add special instructions like adding gift wrapping or a custom message. Plus online registries have the option to ship directly to the parents-to-be. There is absolutely no worries about breaking social distancing in terms of this style of gift giving.
Consider what the expecting parents really need during the pandemic. An expert guide through all of the unknowns. Doulas continue to support families with virtual prenatal classes right in the comfort of their home, virtual doula services and postpartum care. See our doula registry for ideas or contact a team member for more information.
Games! There is no limit here to have fun with the traditional milestone games on an online platform. The host, aka that’s YOU, can prepare some of the below and share your screen with all the guests to play. Here are some ideas!
Guess the Celebrity
Pick 5 of the expecting parent’s favourite celebrities, and find photos of those celebrities as babies or children. See who of your guests can guess the most correctly!
Guess the Baby
Have each of your guests send in a photo of themselves as a baby through email before the shower. Print them off on a poster board or upload to your computer and share your screen. See who can make the most correct matches!
Baby Charades
You can include an individual charade right in the invitation for each of your guests. Suggestions could include; burping the baby, changing a diaper, umbilical cord, sleep like a baby. When it comes to playing the game, have each guest act out their phrase and see who gets the most laughs!
The Price is Right
Line up around 5 baby items, and see who can guess the correct price. Items can include a box of diapers, baby shampoo, diaper cream, etc. and all items can then be delivered at the doorstep of the expecting parents after the shower.
Baby Jeopardy
Create a board and cover each answer with post it notes. Or you can create a powerpoint presentation and share your screen. Some of the headings can include: Nursery Rhymes, Baby Items, Baby Babble, Animal Babies, Disney Movies and so much more.
Step 5: Get Creative!
It’s all in the feeling where memories are made, and the idea is to make the expecting parent feel special. Consider a theme where all your guests can prepare with the items they have at home. Here are some examples:
- Pink vs. Blue: If the parents-to-be are waiting to find out the sex, or doing a gender reveal shower, all the guests can dress up as either team boy or girl. Lots of blue & pink over the top outfits will definitely get everyone excited!
- Tea Party: Have everyone dress in their best high tea outfits. Make your own fascinator, bring out the china, and everyone can nibble on their own version of petit fours!
Regardless of what you decide to do, we can guarantee that it will be a touching sentiment. Connection is incredibly important during the pandemic. When all of this has passed, you can arrange a sip-and-see to get together in person when it is safe to do so. Let us know what additions you can think of in the comments below!
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