Post # 1

Member
463 posts
Helper bee
Hi Bee’s,
I’m planning my SIL’s shower and am totally lost on a theme. She’s opted not to register, so i’m hoping having a theme would help people if they needed gift ideas.
I’ve heard of a lingerie party (which she’s not into), stock the bar or bottle party for wine, but thats about it.
any bee’s have any suggestions??
Post # 3

Member
6394 posts
Bee Keeper
I’m doing a travel theme for my friend because she’s backpacking through Europe and she’ll need some supplies. She didn’t want any home goods, either, so it was the best we could think of. She said her family generally doesn’t give gifts at showers, though, so I guess it’s kind of a moot point?
Post # 4

Member
16 posts
Newbee
My friends are throwing me a honeymoon shower – ie, things to take on a honeymoon, or money to put towards one 🙂
Post # 5

Member
108 posts
Blushing bee
What about an around the clock shower? Basically, the idea is to assign each guest to represent a certain time of day. The guest then purchases a gift for that time frame. And yes, you can do all 24 hours of the day! As the bride opens her gifts, have the guests tell her what her assigned time was and why she chose that gift.
For example, early AM gifts could include bed sheets, blankets, alarm clock, etc.
Mid-morning – breakfast cookbooks, toaster, bath towels, etc.
Late morning – laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, lunch plates, etc.
Early evening – cocktail stuff (perfect for whoever gets 5 o’clock), dinnerware, etc.
Late night – lingerie, wine glasses, etc.
Post # 6

Member
602 posts
Busy bee
Why does there have to be a theme? Isn’t bridal shower enough?
Post # 7

Member
10568 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
A recipe shower could be useful for all the odd kitchen gadgets that she might not have. Everyone brings a recipe with something needed to make it. If she has all the kitchen stuff she needs, then do an ingredient (non-perishable) instead.
Another option is to do a date-night theme. Gifts could include wine & glasses, a picnic basket, movies, gift certificates to restaurants or all kinds of things.
I like the idea of the around the clock showers, but don’t like when it’s pre-assigned. It would work if you had a facebook type group or something where people could pick from what’s still available. If you’re assigned a certain time you don’t always have too much choice for the gift. I have the same issues with the around the house showers (where someone is assigned a room).
Post # 8

Member
4336 posts
Honey bee
It would be helpful to be able to give guests *some* sort of direction for the kinds of gifts she might need… (eg, don’t have a “kitchen” theme if she already has a stocked kitchen, but do have on if she doesn’t…)
so, what sorts of items does she need? alcohol-related would be fun if she already has a lot of stuff. If she doesn’t have a lot of stuff, then I don’t think you even need a theme, cuz then she is more likely to get stuff that is useful if people know they can buy *anything* to help her stock a house.
Post # 9

Member
5761 posts
Bee Keeper
The ‘Around the Clock’ shower theme we did was really the best one I’ve ever been to or seen, and the guests loved it. We didn’t limit it to times of day, tho, as we thought it was too restrictive. Instead we did things like:
Barbecue Time, Yardwork Time, Deck the Halls Time, Breakfast in Bed Time, Beach Time….
We had great fun with how creative everyone was, and the gifts were wonderful!
I also don’t think you really need a ‘theme’ but can do a shower based on the wedding colors that will be used. Are they doing any home projects? Why isn’t she registering?
Post # 10

Member
3314 posts
Sugar bee
Does she cook or bake? How about having people bring their fav recipies?
Post # 11

Member
4887 posts
Honey bee
No theme. If your friend’s not registering it’s probably because she prefers cash but it’s not at all expected or required – so let people bring that if they’d like. Or you could throw her a Toronto (or wherever she lives) themed party, and she’d receive gift cards and/or items that have to do with Toronto.
Post # 12

Member
1684 posts
Bumble bee
if she likes to read, why not a book shower?
Post # 13

Member
463 posts
Helper bee
Wow, thanks for all the ideas ladies! i thought my post had died out 🙁
As for your questions, i found having a theme helped guests with gift ideas. otherwise i get alot of calls asking what she would like. Also, she is stocked for house items since she’s owned a home for a few years now, which is why there’s no registry.
I love all the out of the box ideas! I”ll definitely throw around your suggestions.
thanks again!
Post # 14

Member
5891 posts
Bee Keeper
we have a honeymoon registry, so there’s not really anything to “open” for a shower. My Maid/Matron of Honor came up with the great idea of having a pampering theme for the shower- massage certificates, manicure and pedicure stuff, facial stuff, etc.