A baby shower is the only party where it’s socially acceptable to gift someone an alarming number of diapers.
This beloved tradition, celebrating expectant parents with gifts, unsolicited advice, and an excessive amount of pastel-colored décor, has a rich history that stretches back centuries. While modern baby showers involve themed decorations and games that may or may not induce mild embarrassment, their origins are much deeper (and, thankfully, involve fewer baby food taste tests).
Ancient Traditions
Celebrating pregnancy and new life is nothing new—our ancestors were on it long before Etsy and registry lists existed.
In ancient Egypt and Greece, childbirth was considered a major event, often tied to religious and cultural customs. Instead of playing “Guess the Baby Food,” expectant mothers participated in sacred rituals for blessings and guidance.
Meanwhile, the Romans—never ones to pass up a social gathering—gifted symbolic items to the mother post-birth, bestowing good fortune for both baby and parents.
The Middle Ages and Renaissance
Who could forget the Middle Ages, a time when pregnancy was about as publicized as a top-secret royal scandal.
Due to high infant mortality rates, there were no grand celebrations before birth. But by the Renaissance, when things started getting a little fancier, new mothers were honored with post-birth gatherings featuring gifts of silver spoons, handcrafted linens, and lots of questionable parenting advice from relatives.
The Victorian Era
Fast forward to the 19th century, when baby celebrations became more refined, because, of course, the Victorians made everything a little more proper.
Instead of raucous parties, expectant mothers were treated to genteel tea parties where they were showered with small gifts and an abundance of opinions on motherhood.
The term “baby shower” hadn’t been coined yet, but the tradition of presenting new parents with gifts in the name of good parenting was well on its way.
The 20th Century Boom
The modern baby shower as we know it took off in the post-World War II baby boom.
With a surplus of babies on the way and a growing consumer culture, friends and family members organized showers replete with games, gift-giving, and socializing—essentially a party where the mom-to-be sits in a chair and awkwardly opens presents while everyone watches.
Baby registries became a thing so that no one received twelve baby blankets and zero bottles.
Baby Showers Today
Today’s baby showers come in all shapes and sizes, much like the guests’ opinions on proper parenting.
From gender reveals to co-ed celebrations, virtual showers, and even “sip and see” parties after the baby arrives, the options are endless. Despite the evolution of traditions, the heart of the baby shower remains the same: celebrating the joy of new life and supporting soon-to-be parents as they brace for sleep deprivation and an existence suddenly ruled by an eight-pound dictator.
So whether you’re attending a classic baby shower or a modern twist on the tradition, just remember: bring a useful gift, avoid asking overly personal questions, and under no circumstances should you ever suggest that a baby name is “interesting.”
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Of course, we wouldn’t write a blog post about baby showers without recommending the best baby shower gift ever. Our Baby’s Layette is built in an adorable wooden crate and cooing with baby essentials like My First Teddy Bear, Two receiving blankets, Two burp cloths, Two bibs
Two pairs of socks, and a Hooded towel. The enhanced version also includes a second hooded towel, Two board books, Crinkle cloth, and a Onesie.
It’s your time to shine as the talk of the baby shower town.
About BasketWorks
BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!
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