New life is a gift and one worth celebrating! Over the years, you may have noticed that these new-baby celebrations have taken on different names: baby showers, baby sprinkles, and sip-and-see. What’s the difference? What do you need to know as a potential host, honoree, and guest?
We’ve got you covered. Read on for everything you need to know before you host or attend a baby shower, sprinkle, or sip and see!
Baby Showers: The Classic Celebrations
The Purpose of a Baby Shower:
Baby showers are intended to “shower” first-time parents with love and gifts they’ll need in their new journey as parents. Traditionally, baby showers honor moms-to-be, but co-ed baby showers are increasingly popular.
Who Hosts a Baby Shower?
Anyone can host a baby shower except the parents themselves. Why? Because showers are gift-giving events, hosting your own comes across as a “grab” for gifts.
Who Gets Invited to a Baby Shower?
While the total number of guests is up to the host, most new parents end up inviting around 20 or 30 of their closest friends and family members to the baby shower. Stick to local family and close friends who will support you throughout your parenthood journey.
What do Guests Do at a Baby Shower?
Baby showers are usually centered around a meal (brunch, lunch, or dinner). Looking for menu ideas? We love the idea of using the time of year as your starting point. Check out this post for fall baby showers and this one for spring baby showers.
Baby showers have become synonymous with games, ranging from silly to sweet. Browse our favorite baby shower game ideas in this post!
The main event at any baby shower is usually the opening of gifts. The honoree opens each gift one by one and thanks the giver.
What Kinds of Gifts are Given at a Baby Shower?
New parents are starting from scratch and will need everything from car seats and strollers to pacifiers and pajamas. New parents: Do your research and register for a variety of gifts at every price point, from small items to splurges. Guests: Check the baby registry and find an item that suits your budget. Guests typically spend anywhere from $25-$250 on a baby shower gift for first-time parents.
Sprinkles: For the Second-Timers
The Purpose of a Sprinkle:
For years, the baby shower was considered a one-time deal for first-time parents. But since we believe every baby is worth celebrating, and even seasoned parents need love and support, the “sprinkle” was born. While a shower brings to mind a large celebration with an outpouring of gifts, the sprinkle is a more intimate, casual gathering where guests typically bring smaller gifts (more on that later).
Who Hosts a Sprinkle?
As with a baby shower, anyone can host a sprinkle except the parents-to-be.
Who Gets Invited to a Sprinkle?
Sprinkles are often more intimate than a baby shower. Hosts can stick to a smaller, more close-knit group for the sprinkle.
What do Guests Do at a Sprinkle?
While sprinkles can definitely encompass a meal, hosts may choose to serve lighter offerings, like appetizers or desserts. Looking for inspiration? Check out this post on creating a food bar perfect for a sprinkle held at any time of day.
Games and gift-opening are always optional, but especially so at a sprinkle. Because sprinkles are intimate gatherings, guests may enjoy simply conversing and catching up!
What Kinds of Gifts are Given at a Sprinkle?
Even though seasoned parents are already equipped with the essentials, we still recommend they create a registry for their second and third babies that helps loved ones select a gift they’ll use and enjoy. Think about what items could use updating (a second seat for the stroller, a new camera for the monitor system, etc.) and consumable items you’ll need like diapers and wipes. Sprinkle guests: find the registry and choose an item that suits your budget. It’s ok to spend less on a sprinkle gift than you would on a shower gift. Group gifts are also a great option for sprinkles!
Sip and Sees: Introducing the New Arrival!
The Purpose of a Sip and See:
While showers and sprinkles occur before the baby arrives, the sip-and-see happens once the baby is born: he or she is the star of the show! Guests come to “sip” coffee, tea, and (possibly) champagne and “see” the baby.
Many new parents prefer to set up this designated time for friends and family to visit rather than having people “drop by” sporadically throughout the first few weeks. Sip-and-sees can also be the perfect celebration for adoptive parents.
Who Hosts a Sip and See?
Anyone can host a sip-and-see, including the new parents or grandparents. If you’re considering hosting one, hop over to this post for more details!
Who Gets Invited to a Sip and See?
Hosts may choose to invite just close family members and friends, or include more casual acquaintances like neighbors and coworkers.
What do Guests Do at a Sip and See?
Usually, sip-and-sees are set up as an “open house”— hosts set up a time frame of 2 or 3 hours, and guests pop in within that time frame. With guests coming and going, there’s no need for games. Set up some drinks and small bites, and let everyone “ooh and aah” over the baby!
What Kinds of Gifts are Given at a Sip and See?
No gifts are required at a sip-and-see, especially if guests have already given a gift at a shower or sprinkle. If a guest would like to arrive with something in hand, fresh flowers (in a vase with water), a candle, or any other hostess-type gifts are always appreciated; guests can also check the registry and bring a small item.
Need some more party planning and event hosting ideas?
Look no further than the GiveIt Blog. Shopping for a gift for a new mom in your life? You can easily find her registry at RegistryFinder.com.
