Baby Shower In A Box

Flag

Two of my children live far away from Colorado where I live. My daughter Patricia lives in California and my son Rex lives in Oklahoma. Major family events like births, which are so unpredictable, are hard for any family to attend. My daughter moved to California 3 years ago and is finding it hard to make friends and is missing her friends back home. My son Rex is in the military, as is his wife, but he still has good friends who live here. When I announced that both Patricia (Trish) and Rex's wife Joanne were expecting, three weeks apart no less, everyone wanted their addresses so they could send gifts. It got me to thinking, "How could I send them gifts but also a little bit of home while I was at it?" I decided on a baby shower in a box.

I asked everyone who wanted to send gifts to bring them to my house. I asked that they wrap there presents. Then I took a picture of them holding their gifts. I had these printed and put into a photo album. I have heard of video bridal showers so I decided this would be a great thing to do for Trish but with a twist. Since all of her friends worked and it would be hard for all of us to get together at the same time, I videoed all of her friends wishing her congratulations and telling her what this meant to them. Some reminisced about Trish's childhood and playing dolls and other's said how Trish swore she was never going to have kids.

Now Joanne grew up in Nebraska and I did not know her childhood friends but she married into a large family and has four sister-in-laws plus my assorted Aunts and Uncles. So I video taped them and my son's friends when they brought their presents by.

Well, having that done, I wondered what else besides all of the gifts I could add. My first idea was to put some helium balloons in the box that would float up when opened but I was told by my son, who works on the AWAC planes in the Air Force, that the balloons would just deflate because of the pressure and temperatures in the cargo hold. Bummer! But then I remember the left over poppers that I had at my New Year's Eve Party and how you pulled a string and confetti popped out. So I got my husband to rig some to the box so they would shoot up confetti when the box was opened.

I included a box of cookies and a centerpiece (diaper cake) so it would feel like a party. I made a banner that said "This is your party and you can cry if you want to!" I put all of this in on top with a letter that explained that although we could not be there we wanted to share in her joy and that she was to set out the cookies and put up the banner and turn on the TV and VCR so that she would be all ready.

The letter then told her to watch the video as she opened her gifts. I prearranged with them that they would not open the box until we were on the phone with them. Both Joanne and Trish opened there presents with us on the phone. With the family gathered around, we got to hear their oohs and ahhs as they opened all of their gifts.

Now, I will admit it was sad not to be there but the joy that it gave my two girls was well worth the effort. They now have memories of their friends and family at a baby shower even if we are many miles apart and Colorado was made closer by my gift. I am sure there are some things that I could have added but I think this was a great way to share a great event. Hope you enjoy your "Baby Shower in a Box" as much as we did.

About The Author: Debra Frick is a mother of 5 and a grandmother to 7 grandsons. She is a published author and poetress. Born in California, she now lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and many pets. Her hobbies include crocheting, reading, arts and crafts and bargain hunting.

Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!