Another high-tech option is setting up a live video feed on a computer. If you have a computer and a web camera, and there is one available in out of town location, it would be fun if out of town friends and family could gather together while local shower is being held. They could either hold a simultaneous shower (similar to videotape shower) or send their gifts to local shower and be "present" for opening. If games are going to be played, any handouts should be sent to out of town guests, so that they can "participate", as well. Perhaps they could even serve same food.

Friends and family are so important in life of a woman expecting a baby. Providing an opportunity for them to be present in some way for her shower is probably best gift that you could give her. If at all possible, find a way to involve those who can't be physically present.

Believe it or not, even if you don't consider yourself a baker, there are several alternatives to expensive bakery cakes. Cupcakes are very easy, and sugar or plastic decorations in baby themes are fairly easy to find. You can also use frosting to "glue" small plastic baby decorations to tops of Little Debbie snack cakes. These are precious, and they look like you spent a lot of time. Another option is to skip traditional decorated cake, altogether, and go for individual cheesecakes (easy to make in muffin tins) or a delicious chocolate cake (make sure that mom-to-be isn't avoiding chocolate first). Cookies can make a great sweet treat also, and there are some really cute cookie cutters readily available. Finally, if you think you can make and frost a rectangular cake but are concerned about trying to do fancy decorations, you can find edible cake art images online. These are easy to apply to top of cake, and they are same images used by bakeries.

Many of games and activities for a baby shower are free. There are printouts available online if you want to play games like bingo. While party favors are a nice touch for a shower, they certainly are not necessary. A personal thank you, in person or written, is all that is necessary to thank guests for attending.

Throwing a baby shower is a wonderfully generous thing to do. It does not, however, have to break bank. Remember, most important thing when hosting a shower is to create wonderful memories for your friend. Years from now she will remember laughter and thoughtfulness of her friends more than she will remember fancy favors or expensive cakes.