Three Themes for a "Baby Shower in a Box"
Photo: Aaron Dyer
Even if you can't make it to a friend or family member’s baby shower, you can still celebrate the joyous event. Enter the themed "shower in a box" -- a gift idea devised by Martha Stewart Living crafts editor Jodi Levine for parents-to-be who live far away. Mail a carton loaded with toys, nursery decor, keepsakes, funky baby staples, cute party things, and thoughtful treats for the mom. Top it all off with a bright helium-filled Mylar balloon to float up and out of the box -- like magic -- when she opens the package.
Mylar Balloon, 18", in Teal, $5, Balloon Saloon
"Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle, $9; "I Want My Hat Back," by Jon Klassen, $16; "Creature ABC," by Andrew Zuckerman, $20; "Little Owl Lost," by Chris Haughton, $15; "I Am a Bunny," by Ole Risom and Richard Scarry, $10; Barnes & Noble
After Jodi's brother and pregnant sister-in-law relocated to San Francisco, she gathered New York City–oriented gifts from their friends and family to send to the expectant couple. She topped off the collection with some black-and white cookies, an NYC classic and a family favorite, before sending it west. "They were so happy and touched with the hometown gifts," she says. Swap in presents from your home city or region.
City in a Bag Decoration (ages 3 and up), $14, Muji
"I Lego N.Y.," by Christoph Niemann, $15; "Up and Down New York," by Tony Sarg, $20; "ABC NYC: A Book About Seeing New York," by Joanne Dugan, $17; "This Is New York," by Miroslav Sasek, $18; Barnes & Noble
The graphic punch of an alphabet-related shower has universal appeal. Guests can eat their words with letter lollipop party favors. "You could display the poster above the dessert table or scatter the felt letters around a table and then use them later in the baby’s room," Jodi says.
Stuffed Felt Alphabet Letter Set, in Uppercase, $40, MiChiMa
(for the cake garland), by Martha Stewart Crafts, $33, EKSuccess Brands
"Dr. Seuss’s ABC," by Dr. Seuss, $9; "Harold’s ABC," by Crockett Johnson, $7; "P Is for Peanut: A Photographic A-B-C," by Lisa Gelber and Jody Roberts, $10; "Bruno Munari’s ABC," by Bruno Munari, $20; Barnes & Noble
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Sounds cute, but are you really allowed to mail an inflated Mylar balloon?
What a great idea, the helium balloon to float out is a nice touch.
Thanks,
Angela