Baby showers – Gifts

Expectant mums are having baby showers to help them prepare and stock
up before the birth, according to a survey.

Traditionally perceived to be an American phenomenon, more and more
British mums are having parties to allow friends to shower their unborn
child with gifts. A new study shows two thirds of pregnant women have
plans for a baby shower before the nine months is up. And four in 10 of
these admitted one of the reasons they are inviting friends round to celebrate
is to encourage them to bring round gifts for the baby.

Excited ladies are hoping their friends and family will treat them to
presents worth £150 or more.

Toys, teddies, nursery equipment and clothing are just some of the things
new mums hope to receive at their baby showers. Forty four per cent of
mums-to-be are also looking forward to sharing lots of cake with friends,
while 52 per cent want to get tips from friends who already have children.

Just
under half of women will also use their baby shower to share “about to
give birth” stories. The stats emerged in a study by Me to You to celebrate
the launch of their new character Tiny Tatty Teddy. A spokeswoman for
Me to You’s Tiny Tatty Teddy, which conducted the poll of 3,000 women,
said: “Often mums-to-be feel guilty throwing parties where friends
and family are expected to turn up with armfuls of presents.”

“But the simple fact is that everyone loves buying for babies,
and the gifts don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. And despite baby showers
having a reputation for being a bit cheesy, most friends and family members
will be happy to share the good news and talk about the life changing
experience of having a baby.”

“People go a bit mad while buying presents for a new baby, but few
gifts that mums receive have real longevity and that have the potential
for the child to form a really close bond.

“Soft toys like Tiny Tatty Teddy which can be given to babies from
birth can provide friends for life and something they can grow close to
and keep forever.”

The study shows 87 per cent of British mums who have HAD a baby shower
think they are a brilliant idea. Nine out of 10 mums who have enjoyed
the benefits of a baby shower say they were completely overwhelmed at
their friends’ generosity. And despite having the celebration party, 71
per cent of mums were lucky enough to receive a second round of presents
after the birth.

Unsurprisingly, 54 per cent reckon they didn’t have to buy a single thing
for the first few months of their baby’s life. The best presents received
by new mums include clothes (31 per cent), soft cuddly toys (24 per cent)
and nursery accessories (22 per cent).

The average mum said only two of her guests turned up without any presents
at all. The Tiny Tatty Teddy spokeswoman continues: “It would seem that
the majority of mums love the idea of baby showers, as well as finding
them emotionally rewarding, they also benefit from all the gifts. “Raising
children is a costly adventure, so having a little kick-start for the
first few months can really help.”

Me
to You Baby Shower Gifts

Me to You is pleased to announce the birth of their newest character,
Tiny Tatty Teddy. This loveable little grey bear with a blue nose and
a warm heart is guaranteed babysafe and will become a friend for life
for any new baby.

This new range of teddies, comforters, keepsake books and photo albums
will appeal to new parents, friends and relatives looking for a special
gift to celebrate the birth of a new baby and to become part of little
ones lives as they grow up.

New babies deserve a special toy to comfort them through the years and
this gorgeous little character has been designed with this in mind. Tiny
Tatty Teddy can be bought sitting and cuddling a blanket, lying down or
wearing a cute little baby grow and are available from 6 to 8″ in size
(priced depending on height).

For
parents wanting to add those loving finishing touches to their baby’s
bedroom there are a range of items including a clock, Photo frame, musical
pull toy and china trinket boxes.

You can also kit out your baby’s nursery with Tiny Tatty Teddy furniture
and accessories available at Next.

Relatives wanting to buy a special gift from the range will be able to
provide a solution to meal times with cutlery, melamine sets and bibs
all featuring this loveable little bear.

Tiny Tatty Teddy may be small but he has arrived in style and is making
a big impact not only with his own range of products but he has teamed
up with Simple for their baby care range and will be a prominent character
on their baby wipes, moisturising bath, shampoo, all in one wash & pure
talc.

Visit www.metoyou.co.uk
for more information.

Where to next?

• To shower or not to shower – what will you do? Discuss
  your opinions on our forum!
• Find out more ways to have
  ‘me’ time before baby comes!
• Shower her with gifts – consider
  a babyworld shop gift voucher.