Mention “baby showers” to someone and they’ll most likely associate it with cutesy pink or blue balloons, baby-themed party food, silly (and usually embarrassing) games, and a bunch of giggly women sitting around the expectant mum, oohing and aahing over her baby bump.
If that is not your idea of a good time, yet you still would like to do something special before the little one arrives, here are some alternative ideas we’ve put together for those looking for non-conventional baby showers!
1) Bun In The Oven High-Tea
Gather your close girl friends and head on over for an exquisite high-tea where you can tuck in to delectable finger food and tasty pastries.
Have a pleasant afternoon tea experience without worrying about any messy party after-math to clean up, and enjoy the delicious sweet and savoury delights such as cupcakes, scones with clotted cream, tarts, macarons, finger sandwiches, pies and more.
There are many places to go in Singapore which offer high-tea that caters to different tastes and dietary needs, as well as a good range to suit all budgets.
Some are even child-friendly, in case any of your mummy friends want their little ones to tag along too!
We recommend: The Marmalade Pantry ($19++), Pollen ($38++) Anti:dote ($45++), Flutes ($50)
2) Art Jamming Session
Looking for a more creative way to spend time with your gal pals as you anticipate your delivery day?
Check out the various art jamming studios in Singapore that will not only provide you with the space to let your artistic talents shine, but they’ll also throw in all the art materials you need, and some even come with complimentary drinks!
Your friends can create artwork that will be hung up in your baby’s nursery, or you can all work together to collaborate on individual pieces that can be placed together to become one big painting — just like a jigsaw puzzle that’s hand-painted with love.
We recommend: Artify Studio (pay what you want!), Arteastiq (with one free drink), Cups N Canvas (food also available), Museo (with complimentary beverage)
3) Mamas Movie Marathon
Once your bub arrives, you probably won’t have much time (or energy) to watch your favourite TV show or movie in the cinema, so take this opportunity to have a movie date with your buddies.
But since this is a special occasion, it calls for a more fancy outing where you can enjoy VIP privileges!
WE Cinema offers the First Class Experience which includes ultra-comfy designer seats, blanket-cushions for snuggling, a private lift so you can arrive in style, and even a personal butler at the touch of a button.
Want even more royal treatment? They can also arrange for flowers, cake, limousine transportation, a tantalising 3-course menu and more!
For more information: WE Cinemas – First Class Experience
4) Private Spa Party (aka Sparty®)
Whether you are in charge of planning this non-traditional baby shower for the mum-to-be, or you are the pregnant mama who is wondering what to do with your female friends, we’re sure that everyone would appreciate a day of pampering at the spa.
Book a private spa party where you can pick and choose which treatments you want, ranging from facials, foot or full body massages, foot scrubs, manicures and more.
Lush Spa even offers 11 different Spartys® which come in fun packages that include spa treats as well as scrumptious light bites and drinks for the ultimate pampering experience.
We recommend: ESPA Sentosa ($150++ each), Lush Spa (from $150+ onwards) Estheva Spa (min. $250), Aleyda Mobile Spa (min. $500)
5) Mother Hen’s Night Out
You probably had a Hens Night, aka a Bachelorette Party, before your wedding day, so now that you’re waiting for your delivery day, you can celebrate it by having a Mother Hen’s Night!
Even though this fun night out will be sans alcoholic beverages, pulling a Coyote Ugly on the bar counters, or grinding on the dance floor, it doesn’t mean that fun has to be completely removed from the equation.
Keep it classy by going out with your gal pals to sip fun mocktails at the trendiest chill-out spots in Singapore, away from the blasting music and massive drunken crowds.
You can still get all dolled up as you hit the town with your friends for this final drinking session before your little chick arrives.
We recommend: Supertree By Indochine, Bar Canary at Grand Park Orchard, Loof
6) Pregnancy Photoshoot
Even if you’ve already had a maternity shoot with your partner, it’ll be fun to book another one with your sister, mother and best friend to remember this beautiful time in your life.
Be as creative as you want and think of the special outfits you all can wear — either matching colours, themed, or get customised shirts printed!
Find a package that includes a makeover for everyone, or hire a makeup artist to help make everyone extra pretty for this special photo shoot.
If you don’t want to have one at the studio, you can also hire a photographer to go to any location of your choice.
We recommend: Ensof Photography, White Room Studio, Sage Clover Photography
7) Blessingway Ceremony
You might not have heard of a blessingway before as it is an old tradition celebrated by Native-Americans, but the more westernised version is called a “Mother Blessing”.
Forget corny decor, themed food, tacky games and mountains of presents for the baby — this pre-birth celebration focuses solely on the mother-to-be and is all about motherhood.
Usually only the expectant mum’s closest female friends and family will be invited to attend this blessed event to help her prepare for this new chapter in her life by offering their words of wisdom, showing her love, saying a prayer or even reading heartfelt poetry.
A beautiful crown of flowers should also be made for the pregnant mum to wear and feel extra special, and henna or body art is recommended (particularly on her belly) to celebrate her baby bump.
Other activities: Foot soak, massage, bead ceremony, circle time, birth flags, stone painting, music and dancing
8) Jack & Jill Baby Shower
Traditionally, men are not allowed at baby showers as it’s always been a women-only affair — but in recent years there have been more co-ed celebrations, also known as Jack & Jill Baby Showers.
This may be the choice for you if you prefer your significant other (and all the other important menfolk in your life) to be present for this special occasion too.
It’s also a great way for parenting advice to be given to both mum and dad to be, as they’ll probably appreciate all the tips they can get before the stork drops off their bundle of joy!
Helpful tips: Let the dad have a say in planning the event too; Make sure there are more savoury treats for the men; Fill the goody-bags with stuff that the guys will also like; Keep the event chill and casual.
What do you think of these alternative baby shower ideas? Have you tried any of them before? Would you consider something from this list for your pregnant friend or even yourself? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!