Who Can Use This Theme
When a baby is born, so too are a set of grandparents. Fortunately, friends and coworkers can step in to bring them up to speed on bringing up a 21st-century grandbaby. Whether this is a first grandchild, the seventh, or seventeenth, it’s a perfect time to celebrate.
The idea behind this shower is simple — celebrate the impending birth (or rebirth) of the grandparents. The guest list can include women and men. The mommy- or daddy-to-be will be invited, of course, but if time or distance keeps them away, baby will still benefit from the shower of good wishes and gifts, albeit at Grandma’s house.
It will work at any time of year, can be held indoors or outdoors, and, since it is for the grandparents, it does not need to be in geographic proximity to the grandbaby.
Anyone can throw a grandparents shower. With Grandma out in the workforce, her coworkers may want to help her celebrate her new impending status change, but they don’t know her daughter or daughter-in-law. This is the perfect opportunity to honor her and have some fun.
What better way for adult children to say thank you to their parents than by gathering together and “showering” Mom and Dad with a party. Friends can shower friends — especially if you have been through the various life stages together, from newlyweds to new parents, from preschool to graduate school, and from birthday parties to weddings. Now, your circle of friends shares the experience of watching your children become parents — a party opportunity no one would want to miss.
Fact
Did you know that the average age of first-time grandparents is 48? About one-third of American adults are grandparents. Most people will be grandparents for over 40 years! These grandparents are also big consumers, spending over $30 million on their grandchildren each year.
Sharing good news and sage advice with old friends is a formula that never gets old. What sets this shower apart from the others is that it’s not about providing for baby’s immediate needs. If Grandpa loves books, ask guests to start a “Lifetime of Reading” library. If Grandma is a fashionista, create a “dress-up” trunk.
To create this event, you simply need to gather friends, family, or coworkers and have them bring equal parts of common sense, babysitting tips, and creativity.
