Baby Shower Trends

Many baby shower themes hinge on the gender of the infant on the way. But instead of opting for a conventional theme, why not use a classic board game (enjoyed by young boys and girls alike) as inspiration for the gathering? A Candy Land motif is fun and whimsical, whether the mom-to-be is preparing for a son or a daughter.

Turn different areas of the room into the magical locations found on the board game, such as the peppermint stick forest and the gumdrop mountains. In addition to providing dishes of the appropriate candy, come up with an activity for each station, such as guessing the date of the baby's birth.

Ask guests to write messages to the expectant mother on pieces of construction paper that mimic the colorful blocks on the board game's track. At the end of the shower, collect the sheets and bind them together in a book to present to the mom when the child is born.

Select baby shower favors that fit with the theme as well, such as personalized lollipops, jelly beans and chocolate bars. Guests won't soon forget your charming and adorable Candy Land-themed gathering.

Baby showers are a sweet and fun way to prepare expectant parents for motherhood. However, it can be difficult to dream up new activities to keep the gathering from feeling like every other shower guests have intended.

However, there is one game you can play that doesn't break away too far from classic shower traditions but will still make the party feel fresh – baby shower bingo!

Draw bingo cards that feature shower gifts from the registry in each box instead of numbers. As the mom-to-be opens each present, X-out the corresponding space on the card. As soon as a gal has crossed out five in a row, prompt her to yell "Bingo!" and present her with a baby shower favor.

But remember – there can only be so many bingo winners. You don't want any guests to leave empty-handed so stock up on enough baby shower favors for each attendee.

Personalized candy bars with a message printed on the wrappers make excellent treats to send your guests home with, and you can also opt for smaller items like stickers or magnets.