Baby Shower! Save a Bundle When Expecting a Bundle. Your little bundle of joy is on the way, and there’s so much to do to prepare for the blessed event. You’ve got to spread the word, transition into a mommy-to-be wardrobe, prepare the nursery, and celebrate with family and friends. To keep you from becoming overwhelmed, both physically and financially, here are some ideas for enjoying this special time without breaking the bank whether you’re a single parent or raising your child with a partner.
Getting the Word Out
To let loved ones know about your impending delivery, you don’t have to spend much in this digital age. For family and close friends, a phone call or direct text will do the trick. For all others that you want to share the news with, a post on social media or group text should suffice. You could also wait to announce your impending delivery when sending invites to your baby shower if you’ll have one.
Dressing the Baby Bump
If you’re a self-proclaimed fashionista, there’s no reason why you can’t continue to be one during your pregnancy. Today’s maternity fashions are so much more stylish than they were years ago. In attire from stores like ASOS and Macy’s, you’ll look great from week one to week 40. Skinny mommy jeans, leggings, shorts, and maxi dresses can be had at a reasonable price. You can save money on these purchases by checking for deals online. For example, if you shop at Macy’s, you can often find Macy’s coupons and cashback offers that help you keep more money in your bank account.
Showering the Mommy-to-Be
Here’s an area where you shouldn’t have to spend much at all because showers are traditionally hosted by someone other than yourself. You may want to add your personal touch to the festivities through décor or special favors for your guests, but you needn’t go overboard. If you’ll be hosting the shower yourself, a simple menu and moderate décor will keep the event budget under control. You may also want to pare the guest list down to those most important to you.
Gender Reveal
Gender reveals are becoming increasingly popular and some couples will “pull out all the stops” when sharing the gender of their babies. Elaborate parties complete with exquisite décor, sumptuous buffets, and entertainment are the ideal methods of announcement for a growing number of couples. We all love a grand party, but we’re in budget mode here, so let’s discuss some cost-conscious ways to let loved ones know if you’re “seeing pink” or “feeling blue.”
If you’ll be having a baby shower, incorporate the gender reveal into the event. The room is already decorated, the food is already laid out, and the important people in your life are already there, so it’s as good a time as any. You won’t have to spend any more unless you want to add drama with something like color-appropriate confetti poppers for guests to shower you with.
If you’re not having a baby shower or don’t want to incorporate the gender reveal into the shower, there are numerous low-cost ways to announce the baby’s gender. Social media is your friend so make use of it by putting cute teaser posts on Facebook. Make it even more fun by giving subtle clues for loved ones to guess the gender. Posting a photo of yourself wearing a T-shirt that reveals the baby’s gender is another inexpensive way to go.
Preparing the Nursery
If you’re thinking about not having a baby shower, you may want to reconsider. In addition to providing a cost-effective opportunity to reveal the baby’s gender, the shower can serve the purpose of helping to outfit the nursery. Guests can bestow gifts of furniture, clothing, décor, and other essentials you’ll need for baby’s arrival. If a friend or family member volunteers to host the shower — all you have to do is show up with nothing but your beautiful glow.
While you’re prepping the nursery, it’s a good idea to pick out items for your hospital bag. This should include everything from comfortable postpartum panties to a nursing and sleeping bra. Of course, joggers and a comfortable pair of socks are also excellent choices.
Decked out in your stylish mommy-to-be attire, you can enjoy the festivities knowing that the money you’re saving can be used to start a college fund for your little one.
