It happens every summer, at least it seems more often that it occurs in the summer.
I can’t say I’m fond of baby showers. I was more of a tomboy growing up, so the girly girl stuff often doesn’t appeal to me. You play a bunch of silly games for hours and wonder if you care if you see the girl open the present and/or if she’ll be offended if you leave early (same goes for bridal showers generally).
Of course, those who love baby showers may love this entry for ideas. And don’t get me wrong (especially if those for whom I attended are reading) it’s not that I don’t want to congratulate them and celebrate with them, it’s those games…..
AWFUL GAME #1 Scoop up the cotton blindfolded into a bucket while being timed and if you get the most you get a prize!!! Yeah, I’m still not sure how it’s related to babies… One of those moments where you watch the second hand on the clock and swear it’s moving backward. Hiro Nakamura where are you?
AWFUL GAME #2 Examine poop in a diaper. I’m serious, well, except that the poop is melted choco candy bars. The idea is you melt 10 candy bars into diapers so they look like poop and then let everyone examine the poop choco to see if they can figure out which bar it is. If it sounds fun, wait until you are looking at a mess in a diaper or better still if someone sticks their nose in and smells….
AWFUL GAME #3 This was a new one for me. Guess the baby food in the jar by tasting it…with everyone else as you pass it around. Swine Flu epidemic anyone? I used my nose on this one, and I’ll give you an easy win. If it’s green and it smells absolutely putrid, it’s peas.
AWFUL GAME #4 Hand-made baby crossword. All of the games are timed, except often with these they’ve made them themselves and usually there’s some kind of inside family joke so you’re thinking “I don’t know what Cousin Tom thought would be funny to name the baby and why do I have to answer this anyways.”
Also, anyone know why the treat of choice seems to be salted nuts and mints? Usually in some kind of baby something?
And speaking of which, the baby shower party supply industry must be making bank, especially in Utah. I never knew there could be so many useless things produced that people could buy in my life. (Well, ok, I did happen by the scrapbooking section of a store once. I guess I can just think of 100 things I’d rather spend my money on that that).
But, I did have a lot of fun with one particular activity, which I thought was pretty unique. Recently my good friend had a baby shower, poopy choco diaper game and all, but she also had a contest running. She gave everyone white onesies (the shirt suit that buttons underneath the bum, for those who are baby-language impaired) and told them to decorate them and the best would get prizes.
I took this to heart, and fortunately placed in the top 3 finalists (like 3 1st place prizes). I got a picnic bowl set, which I do have use for, so all and all a good day.
I used Crayola Fabric markers, which the craft store helped me find after describing for a few minutes what I wanted to do.
They both learned Spanish, so I included some.
But I solemnly swear that if I have anything to say about it, and should I happen to have a baby shower someday in the future, I’m doing a BBQ get together. Maybe some volleyball and karaoke, etc., no poopy choco diapers, I promise.
Tags: baby shower games, baby showers, onesie
