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Throwing a Baby Shower In Style
So you're the friend, sister, in-law or parent of a mother-to-be. It's time to think about throwing a baby shower. This is a simple and touching way to express your love for a future mom and help her family with all the basic needs associated with a new baby.

How far out? Generally you'll want to do the baby shower during the mom's second trimester, starting about 14 weeks (3 1/2 months) into the pregnancy. At that point, the danger of any early pregnancy issues has subsided, mom is past the morning sickness and has more energy and can move around well. Waiting to do an event until late in the pregnancy makes it physically demanding on the mother.

What kind of shower to throw? Themed showers are in, and there are dozens of ways you can make the baby shower a special occasion. Here are just a few suggestins:

New! Spa Baby Shower. The very latest style in baby showers is for the ladies to hit the spa for a day of pampering and friendships. Instead of opening gifts in a living room or rented space, the shower takes place at the spa, where the mom to be is treated to massage, facials, manicures and other amenities. The great thing about a spa shower is that all the guests enjoy the treatments.

New! Scrapbook Shower. Give gifts for scrapbooking and making personal memories of the pregnancy and birth. Scrapbooking supplies are especially useful for the future mom during her last weeks before the birth when she is homebound a bit more.

Diaper Shower. Nothing helps a future mom out more than a good supply of diapers. Decorate with a diaper cake and in addition to boxes of Pampers don't forget to include other supplies like diaper disposal bags, baby powder, wipes, portable diaper changing pads and the always-essential diaper shoulder bag.

Adoption Shower. Not to be left out, an adoptive mom can also enjoy a baby shower. Sometimes depending on the circumstances of the adoption, these showers may be held much closer to the arrival of the baby. For international adoptions, choose a theme based on the origin country of the baby--Europe, Asia, Africa or Latin America, for instance. Another great adoption shower theme is the home--

Characters Shower. Favorite children's characters are always a hit for a baby shower. From Winnie the Pooh to Sesame Street, Dr. Suess or Veggie Tales, adults and kids alike will love the smiling faces of furry stuffed animals, great books and DVDs of beloved characters and other baby essentials stamped with a favorite friendly face. Other beloved baby animals make great showers as well--like ducks, frogs, puppies or kittens.

Holiday Shower. If the baby is due near Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or another holiday, consider a theme that results in baby items for the holiday.

Noah's Ark or Bible Theme. For Christian families a simple Bible story theme like Noah's Ark, creation (Genesis) or children of the Bible is a great way to bring faith to the center of the baby shower experience. A great tip for decorating this style of shower is that you'll not find many items at a baby or party store--hit the local Christian bookstore instead.