If the pandemic has given us anything, it is the ability to hold almost any social event online! With platforms such as Zoom and Teams making it possible to connect large groups of people together from anywhere in the world, lockdown has seen a whole host of virtual events from birthday parties to hen dos. Even though lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease here in the UK, it seems that the meeting of large groups of people will remain virtual for the foreseeable. For many expecting parents, this means that hopes of hosting a summer garden baby shower may have to be put on hold.
Looking for a baby shower gift? Check out our baby shower hampers
Luckily, it is still possible to have the baby shower of your dreams through a virtual video chat platform. Just like birthday parties and hen dos, baby showers can be just as fun when done online! If you are currently planning for a virtual baby shower, here is our must-have list of everything you need to host the perfect event.
Virtual baby shower must-haves
Every good celebration needs some colourful decoration, entertainment, delicious food and gifts! Just because your baby shower has moved online, doesn't mean that you should miss out on all of these festivities. Here is our list of must-haves for your virtual baby shower.
1. Digital invitations
Just like any other celebration, your guests need to know when your virtual baby shower will be taking place. Of course, you could write a simple email or send a text but, where's the fun in that? Instead, delve into your creative side and send out some decorative, digital invitations.
You could send the invitations out through email, post them onto your social media or deliver them straight from the innovation service. Receiving an invitation is sure to brighten up your loved ones days and will make your baby shower feel more special.
2. Yummy treats
Most baby showers will have buffets of delicious food on offer for guests to tuck into and this doesn't have to be any different when you take your baby shower online! A good idea is to order a selection of themed sweet treats or chocolate treats and send them out to everyone involved so that you can all tuck into the same foods on the big day. If you know the gender of your baby, you could opt for traditional blue or pink treats or you could personalise them with baby themed pictures. Tucking into the same foods is a great way to bring each guest together and make it feel as though you're all in the same room!
See our unique selection of new mum gifts and treats!
3. Virtual games
To make your virtual baby shower fun, you will need to have a selection of games to hand. Quizzes, bingo and charades are all fabulous options that can easily be played over Zoom. You could perhaps theme each game so that they link with the baby shower, which will enhance the experience even more.
It can sometimes be difficult to maintain good conversation online, especially if your internet signal keeps buffering! Games are always a good way to keep everyone entertained and talking so that there are no awkward silences.
4. Gifts
Every mum-to-be has to admit that gifts are the best part of any baby shower! To make your virtual shower just as special as it would have been face-to-face, you could ask all of your guests to send their gifts in advance so that you can open them on camera during the event. You could specify a time during the shower to sit down together and open all of the gifts whilst enjoying your treats and maybe even a glass of (non-alcoholic) bubbly!
If you are planning a shower for a mum-to-be and are stuck for gift ideas, baby hampers are always a great way to go! This way, you can give your expecting loved one a selection of cute gifts that will certainly put a smile on their face!
5. Colour scheme decorations
To make the baby shower look picture-perfect, you will need to invest in some baby shower themed decorations. Even virtual baby showers will present selfie opportunities at some point during the occasion! You could ask everyone who attends the event to put up coloured balloons or bunting in the background of their video calls to imitate being in the same, decorated room. You can also never go wrong with flowers. Perhaps order large bunches of flowers for the new mummy to have on display whilst the baby shower takes place.
Just because it's online, doesn't mean that your baby shower has to be any less perfect than it would have been face-to-face. Virtual showers can still be just as fun as long as you get the right supplies and plan everything in advance!
Keep up to date with all the news, advice and new products at The Baby Hamper by signing up to our newsletter below!