How to throw a virtual baby shower in times of COVID-19

The coronavirus may have rained on everyone’s parade these past few months as we spend time social distancing. With the UAE and the CDC in the US being firm that no gatherings of 10 or more is advisable during these times, especially where pregnant women are concerned, it is the perfect excuse to take the fun virtual and let the games begin. Here’s a nifty guide to hosting a virtual shower safely for the baby mama and all her family and friends.

Planning the big day: If you want to keep things a surprise for the mum-to-be, then simply rope in the partner and pick a suitable day and time when the virtual festivities can commence. If you want to make it fun, pick a Friday afternoon brunch slot and have everyone dressed up for the occasion as well.

Set-up a virtual baby registry: Have the parents-to-be set up their baby registry to make it easier for friends and families to pick out the right gifts for the occasion. Sites such as Mumzworld and JustKidding Gift Registry allows mums-to-be to select bespoke items for their bundle of joy. Alternatively, if there is no time for a registry, then gift cards are also a good option. Sites such as Yougotagift.com are associated with many retail shops and malls in the UAE.

Send out the virtual invites: Pick a ‘venue’ – be it Zoom, Google Hangouts or something else – and jot down the details in a personalised online invite that can be sent to all the friends and family. Websites such as Evite and Paperless Post have loads of invite options to pick from. Don’t forget to add the date, time and the link to the gift registry in the invite to make it easy for guests to pick up gifts for the baby.

Consider a theme: With the baby shower taking place virtually, a theme is a nice way to tie things together with a large pink (or blue) bow. Most of us have become complacent working from home in our pajamas. This would be a good occasion to finally dress up. Themes can be simple: a pink or blue dress code, wearing a creative baby bib, or simply trying to create a baby bonnet for your head. Ideas are aplenty to go wild with.

Plan the party games: Even if the baby shower is a 40-minute virtual round with friends and family, there needs to be some fun and games to liven things up a tad.

Guess the rhyme: The host can play the first few chords of popular nursery rhymes or baby-themed songs and have others guess the tune. Try to shake things up a bit beyond ‘Twinkle Twinkle’.

Price it up: Pick some popular baby items and have people in the group attempt to guess the right pricing. The one who comes closest wins. And the winnings, you ask? These can be IOUs for a home-cooked meal or a virtual winner crown.

Guess that baby: Before the call commences, have the host collect baby pictures of everyone participating. The host can then show these on the group and everyone can guess who they are. You can even do the same with celebrities as babies.

Open the presents: Just because you aren’t there to moon over the cute baby gifts that doesn’t mean you can’t be part of the experience. Have the gifts sent ahead of time and the mum-to-be can open them and enjoy the smaller pleasures with all of you.

Create some memories: Have someone record the virtual session to make memories, or better yet, have everyone write up messages for the bundle of joy that can be printed and presented to the mother. She can read some of the messages out on the chat and share the experience with everyone. It’s the little gestures that matter.