One of life's happiest occasions is a baby shower, a gathering of friends and family to bestow blankets, booties, toys, and tiny sweaters on an expectant mother so she'll be prepared when her little one arrives. But what if she doesn't live nearby? You can still celebrate by instilling the spirit of a shower into a thoughtful care package -- a shower in a box.

The idea is even more delightful when there's a theme. Below you'll find three clever ones, plus suggestions for gifts and packaging. If you like, invite other would-be shower guests to participate. With all the supplies on hand -- colorful tissue paper, gift tags, and so on -- have a wrapping party. Pack everything in a sturdy cardboard carton (we used a 14-by-14-by-4 1/2-inch box for all three), and include a note telling her it's the next best think to being there. Then ship it with lots of love. When the box arrives (it's best if it's a surprise), the mom-to-be can open each present and savor the affection with which the collection was assembled.

Baby Essentials Box
Cheerful Colorful Box
Hometown Box

More Box Themes
-Baby's First Bath: hooded towels, washcloths, baby soap, lotion, rubber duck.
-Decorate the Nursery: artwork in frames, a crib mobile, and pretty quilt for hanging.
-Pampering Mom: a robe, bubble bath, facial mask, body lotion, loofah, and a nursing shirt.
-Baby Keepsakes: a scrapbook, disposable camera, picture frames, a blank journal, and a handprint kit.
-Baby's First Outing: canvas tote bag, baby sweater or jacket, blanket, changing pad, diapers, travel-size baby wipes, and other supplies.