With the outbreak of COVID-19, people are using their imaginations to continue to acknowledge the special moments in their lives.
One of the most important celebrations is being pregnant – and with most of us now oberving self-isolation, we’ve put together a guide to how you can hold an online baby shower.
The bonus of an online baby shower is that people will be able to log in from all around the world. They can still participate in games and watch the presents being opened and celebrate with the expectant mum to be, but do it virtually. Here’s what you’ll need.
Watch: Mamamia’s Claire Murphy breaks down your most asked questions about COVID-19. Post continues below.
Set the time and date by e-invites
Just like any normal baby shower, it’s best to schedule a date and time that will suit as many people as possible. A great e-invite solution is Paperless Post.
Pick a virtual venue
No need to book a baby shower venue – you have everything you need at your fingertips. There’s a large selection of virtual venues to choose from including Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts and Facebook.
Choose the one you are most comfortable using as you may have to train a few people on the ins and outs of the chosen software. The best thing about a virtual venue is that clean-up is minimal.
Care package
If possible, plan well in advance and send the guests a care package with everything they’ll need for the online baby shower. This can include the materials they will need to play the games, basic decorations or a cute ‘thank you for coming’ gift. If you are running short on time you may need to compile a list and email through with the e-invite.
Gift registry and shopping ideas
One of the best things about celebrating a baby shower is buying a gift for the mum to be.
A virtual baby shower doesn’t have to be any different and with a variety of online baby shops throughout Australia, there’s definitely something for everyone. You may want to purchase a baby gift card or set up a gift registry. When it comes to online shopping your choices are endless.
Decorations
If you do decide to send a care package to your guests, you may want to include some decorations. The big advantage about having the baby shower online is that you don’t have to decorate an entire room, just the area directly in front of the camera. Order some pastel balloons online and you’re halfway there.
Games
A baby shower isn’t a baby shower without the games. Here are some classic ones you can play virtually:
Guess the lollies in the jar – Always a crowd-pleaser, the lollies in a jar is a great icebreaker and easy to do. At the end of the party announce who was closest and post the prize to the winner.
Don’t say “Baby” – This is self-explanatory although easier to do with a room full of people. The first person to notice the word “baby” spoken will get a point. The guest with the most points will be crowned the winner and get a gift on the way. Normally this is done with safety pins but it can easily be adapted to an online environment.
Quizzes – If it’s your shower, get your guests to test their knowledge about you, your partner and your pregnancy. If you’re struggling for ideas Pinterest is a great place for inspiration.
Baby songs – Who can name the most songs with “baby” in the title? Think Baby by Justin Bieber (there are literally thousands.)
Words of wisdom from Mums – For all the mums on the call, why not tap into their expertise and experience? Have all the mums give their top three pieces of advice on being a parent, then everyone votes on the best idea with the winner receiving a prize in the mail.
Love letters – My personal favourite, have all the guests write a small note to you and have them post it. Anything from giving advice, to good wishes for you or to your new baby. These make a beautiful keepsake.
Opening of presents
When it comes to opening presents, this will be the choice of the recipient. They may want to open them by themselves without the online audience or choose to open while everyone is tuning into the shower.
But with everyone in self-isoaltion, the virtual guests may really enjoy the company of others and love the idea of seeing what other people have gifted.
Finally, enjoy yourself. It’s a unique time and by celebrating online, you’ll be able to look back on it as many times as you like. Just hit record!
This post originally appeared on the My Little Love Heart blog and has been republished with full permission.
Luisa is the owner, designer and maker of the My Little Love Heart range of baby products. You can follow them on Instagram here.
Feature Image: Getty.
Top Comments
Sorry, but this looks like a strategy to get all the presents and attention without any reciprocal enjoyment for the guests. Many of us endure the silly baby shower games out of respect for the expectant mum - it's not something we'd ordinarily enjoy doing. The upside of baby showers is that there's usually nice food and drink to welcome guests. These "virtual parties" mean there's now no hospitality extended to the guests, but still a full expectation that they send presents and join in on all the other stuff.