Having a baby shower is a dream of every mom-to-be. I know because I was an expecting mom 3 times.

However, before you jump into having one, it's important you understand a few things that you must do before a baby shower.

Planning is a Must

Planning a baby shower can quickly become overwhelming. If this is your first pregnancy, the more guests the new baby will attract. Not only do you have to deal with planning the menu, but you have to go out and buy enough food to accommodate the guests and then cook it as well.

This is one of the reasons I highly suggest getting help from a professional personal shopper and event planner. A professional can lift the burden of searching for baby items and menu preparation from mom-to-be, family and guests.

Choose a Venue

One option in venue choice is the expecting mom and dad's favorite restaurant or hangout. Another favorite of mine is local baby shops and boutiques. Often times, these places are glad to host their customers' baby shower. They get free advertising and another happy shopper at the same time.

If all else fells, make it simpler by having the baby shower at a friend's or family member's home.

Decide on Your Theme

Choosing a theme is not groundbreaking or new. You can get inspiration for your baby shower theme from many things. There's the normal pink for a girl and blue if the baby is a boy. You can also choose plaids and other patterns in pale or pastel colors. Browsing through children and home decorating magazines is a great way to come up with ideas. Don't forget character themes. There are so many to consider-Disney characters, animals, and toys.

Register for Gifts

I wrote about baby's first gifts in last year's holiday gift guide. Have a lot of keepsakes on your list of baby shower gifts because babies grow so fast and their features change with each day.

Register at The Gourmet Gift Boutique for baby gift baskets. This is your chance to have more than one item bought per person. You get several items for the new baby all bundled up in a keepsake container. And the best part about it is the container can be for you or the baby.

So if you are a mom-to-be and thinking about a baby shower, hopefully this has helped you out. Keep in mind that this is not a full list- just the basics of the must do's before that special day.

Tags: baby basket baby gift baskets baby shower new baby gifts

Labels: baby basket, baby gift baskets, baby shower, new baby gifts

                     

Sending a gift basket is the most preferred method of gift-giving. When done correctly, gift baskets are a welcome acknowledgement for any person, for any occasion, at any time.

Remember these 5 tips when sending your next gift:

1. Have at least two numbers for the recipient of the gift basket. This can do a variety of things. Directions and information given by the sender can be confirmed and pre-delivery arrangements can be made.

2. Opt for sending your gift basket to the recipients' home instead of hospitals and hotels. Sometimes patients in hospitals have been discharged and hotel guests have checked out prior to the gift arriving.

3. Avoid sending a bath and pamper gift basket to co-workers, colleagues, and bosses. These gifts can send the wrong message and can be considered inappropriate in the work place.

4. Consider sending corporate gift baskets during the off season. To stand out, send your gift either before or after the holiday rush.

5. Unless you know a person has dietary restrictions, avoid health related gift baskets.

Because making a great impression is the only option, people just like you, have used our gift basket expert advice for their gift-giving needs.

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Labels: advice, gift basket

                     

If you think Valentine's Day is just for lovers, then you had better think again.

These days Valentine's gifts are exchanged by everyone- from family and friends to colleagues and clients.

Make a great impression with one of these Valentine's Day gifts:

Game Time
Playing a good game is great for enhancing an existing relationship. For your enjoyment, choose from card or board games that focus on humor, romance, intellect, sex or eroticism. What a fun way to share an evening, while learning more about the other person.

Gourmet Treats
For all of you who have been thinking of someone in a nice way, this is your chance to bring your thought to reality with a gift of gourmet treats. Instead of showing affection, show your appreciation with a gift of Chocolate English Toffee, White Chocolate, Chocolate Mint or White Chocolate Raspberry Drizzle Popcorn.

Movies in a Basket
Dinner and movies anyone? Put a twist on Valentine's Day this year. Surprise a client with dinner and movies in a basket. This basket can be filled with the best gourmet foods and a couple of foreign and new release movies.

Man's Best Friend
Maybe you know someone who loves animals or who owns a pet. Send a pet theme gift basket with special goodies just for man's best friend.

If you want to learn more about gift baskets for corporate or individual gifts, our gift basket experts are available to give you gift-giving advice.

Tags: Valentine's Day holiday advice

Labels: advice, holiday, Valentine's Day